Grant Oliphant: Reconnecting with Why Our Work Matters

Grant Oliphant is the CEO of the Prebys Foundation and a longtime leader in philanthropy and social impact. With decades of experience guiding foundations through moments of transformation, he has a deep understanding of how philanthropy can respond to crises, support nonprofit resilience, and advocate for the society we aspire to reach. 

This Episode: 

Nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges—from shifting political landscapes and funding cuts to increasing demands for services. With federal cuts threatening essential programs, nonprofit leaders are grappling with how to sustain their missions while navigating an evolving philanthropic landscape. 

In this candid conversation, Grant Oliphant flips the script and takes the guest seat, offering his insights on the role of philanthropy, nonprofits, and each of us as individuals in this moment. He shares how the Prebys Foundation is standing with San Diego’s nonprofit sector, the moral and practical dilemmas organizations face, and why belonging remains at the heart of Prebys' mission. 

Grant and Crystal also unpack the larger cultural shifts at play, from the erosion of trust in institutions to the censorship of language that directly impacts the people nonprofits serve. As they discuss what’s at stake, they also offer hope—reminding listeners that the nonprofit sector remains one of the most trusted forces for good, and that resilience is built through community and shared purpose. 

Key Moments: 

• [2:50] How national shifts are affecting nonprofit leaders' mental well-being 
• [9:00] Why Prebys Foundation stands by diversity, equity, and inclusion—without the jargon 
• [16:32] The unique role nonprofits play in shaping America’s social fabric 
• [29:16] How Prebys is responding to federal budget cuts and nonprofit concerns 
• [39:07] The fine line nonprofit leaders must walk between survival and advocacy 
• [55:40] Grant’s advice for nonprofit leaders feeling overwhelmed in this moment 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  

• Federal Impacts on Nonprofits: San Diego County Survey of Nonprofit Results - Research from the Nonprofit Institute on the state of nonprofits in San Diego 
• Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context – Report from the Center for Effective Philanthropy with results from across the U.S. 
• Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America – A historical perspective on civil society’s role in the U.S. 

 

4 Steps You Can Take:

1. Support Your Local Nonprofits – Donate, volunteer, or advocate for the organizations making a difference in your community. 
2. Stay Engaged – Call your representatives, speak up for nonprofit funding, and resist the erasure of critical social issues. 
3. Build Community – Connect with peers, partners, and allies across sectors to share strategies, strengthen relationships, and support collective impact. 
4. Reconnect with Your ‘Why’ – In challenging times, remembering your purpose can fuel your resilience. 

Credits: 

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation 

Hosted by Grant Oliphant 

Co-Hosted by Crystal Page 

Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield 

Engineered by Adam Greenfield 

Production Coordination by Tess Karesky 

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina 

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own M