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”