Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-

0:33 Here we are, back with the last episode of the year!

1:29 Welcome Megan Gude to the table!

6:02 Megan pulls an Affirmation Card, “When I lean on the faith of the universe, peace becomes real” the owls on the card resonated with her

8:49 Maya summarizes that all the cards that were pulled by each person that day leaned towards letting go, finding peace, and that we are all supported

9:03 Maya asks the table to reflect on how they’ve each shown up in an Authentic Way this year

9:32 Liz speaks to the change and loss that she experienced earlier this year. She acknowledged that it’s ok to accept help and to know our limits

12:15 Megan shares that she had to lean into a similar experience to Liz when she fell and broke her ankle this year and lost her mobility for a period of time

13:48 Maya reflects that she showed up authentically by choosing herself in a different way this year

17:51 Courtney shares that she showed up by serving others, but amid putting them before herself

18:32 Courtney drops a gem “We can’t work harder than others when it comes to their life, and although we have the ability to help them, is that what they want for their lives”

19:37 Liz suggests that we all go around and share 1-2 things that we do to take care of ourselves in our routines

23:42 The tables share their favorite memories of 2025, personal or professional

30:54 Maya asks the ladies to share their favorite project that they worked on this year

36:10 Megan reflects on the themes she’s hearing, and shares that she loves working on projects with us because of our tremendous authenticity and culture of leading with joy and connection

38:50 Each person shares the soundtrack song (s) of their year in 2025

Maya- My Life by Big Sean & Long Journey by Rod Wave

Liz- Lemonade by Forest Frank & Ben Rector -Brand New & Magic albums

Megan- What is sounds like by K-Pop Demon Hunters

Courtney- Waterfalls by TLC & Here’s my heart Lord by Casting Crows Live

48:11 Maya closes us out by asking the table to share what they’re most looking forward to in 2026

53:29 Maya thanks the listeners!

Episode Outline

The Give Impact ladies sat down with thought leader James Scruggs, Founder & CEO of Kingdom Development Partners! We discussed the journey of his life and faith that led him to create impact in helping families develop accelerated generational wealth with equity through his new nonprofit Ascension. The table also touched on Neighborhood Stewardship though Mixed Income Development, Social Integration, the ‘Missing Middle’, his unique model and how it ensures that affordability and inclusion persist over time.

Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-

0:31 Welcome Back!

2:25 Intro to James Scruggs

7:24 Maya asks James to share one Authentic thing about himself: “I truly care about people”

8:38 Liz has James reflect and explain what it feels like when he gets a sign or message from God

10:54 James shares one of his favorite quotes with the table “True wealth is created not by chasing money, but by being of service and doing it at scale”

13:10 Maya invites James to share his dream of Ascension, how it came about and what makes his model unique.

· His model helps create economic mobility through homeownership and education

15:32 Liz talks about Diversity of approach on how to address housing challenges and how there’s not a one size fits all

17:21 Liz and James dive into the Ascension model breakdown

15-year deed restriction

· After 5 years the tenant can have access to 33% of their equity

· After 10 years the tenant can have access to 66% of their equity

· After 15 years the tenant can have access to 100% of their equity

o All of this is couped with education on how to leverage and grow equity

o Targeting: 80% AMI “The Missing Middle” target market

o All of the homes, whether attainable or market rate, will have the same high-quality products

22:20 Maya asks James what a thriving mixed income community looks like to him

25:15 Maya challenges Liz and James to respond to what they would say to people who view mixed income communities as gentrification

25:52 Liz drops a gem, “what someone makes doesn’t define who they are”

29:29 The table dives into the design and policy tools that best support social integration across income levels.

33:58 Courtney and Liz dive deeper into what it looks like to support someone through the holistic housing continuum and the reality of what it looks like for people to move on from their current lifestyle

38:49 James drops a gem, “It takes a village. The village is partnerships. Both public & private”

42:47 James explains how someone could support his nonprofit Ascension and the impact they would make for homeowners. They can do so through his Wealth Path Program by providing grants and donations towards his targeted 200-300 homes coming in per year

47:05 Maya asks James how he can ensure that affordability and inclusion persist over time

Episode Outline

The Give Impact ladies sat down with Andy Mermans, President of The Merancas Foundation to talk all things Philanthropy! Philanthropy is a powerful tool for creating positive changes in society, addressing pressing social issues, and empowering communities. The impact of philanthropy can be profound, reaching across so many different sectors. Listen to see how Andy impacts the community through philanthropic capital.

Full Episode Show Notes are Available on our website at https://www.giveimpact.org/podcast-

0:34 Welcome Back!

2:38 Intro to Andy Mermans & the different places he’s lived

4:11 Maya invites Andy to share one authentic thing about himself, he shares that he’s a pragmatic person!

5:12 Liz shares how Give Impact is engaged with the Merancas Foundation as a client

5:44 Maya invites Andy to pull an affirmation card. He shares, “I am willing to see my sameness with others, this opens my awareness to oneness”

8:07 Liz and Andy school Maya on the different forms of Philanthropy

10:01 Andy explains what inspired him to get involved in Philanthropy and how his past and family led him to become the leader of the Foundation

20:48 Maya asks Andy to share what causes are closest to his heart

Personal: Women’s reproductive rights, local museums, schools, public radio

Professional: Affordable Housing, Education, Well-Being (Health, Safety, Food)

24:27 Andy shares how the Foundation chooses which projects and organizations to support

· Confidence in leadership

· The ability to articulate how the initiative will move the needle or be additive to a program that they already support

27:00 Andy talks about the Foundations two-stage process on how to inquire about funding

· Are we a match program -open year-round/ short online process

· Grant requests- Invite only

28:35 Andy shares who the Foundations long standing grantees are! Shout out to:

· Habitat for Humanity

· Roof Above

· Planned Parenthood

33:03 Andy drops a gem, “We take risks, so the community can benefit from those risks”

34:56 Liz asks Andy to share a story or experience that has filled his cup with his impact

38:52 Courtney thanks Andy and shares her experience of how she’s seen the men at Roof Above (fka: Urban Ministries Center) be impacted from his support

40:18 Andy shares about the tagline, “Making a difference one at a time”

42:24 Maya asks Andy what kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind

43:35 Andy expresses gratitude for Give Impact

47:10 Liz asks if there are any listeners who are interested in the land banking concept, to message us at Give Impact to inquire!

50:00 Andy gives advice to emerging philanthropists or people looking to make an impact through their dollars. “Go with your gut, don’t overstudy a problem” “Don’t ask for permission from others, if it’s right for you, it’s right for you”