About Us

Reimagining Philanthropy

 

Many people are passionate about giving back, but feel they lack the resources and wealth to become a true “philanthropist”—philanthropy seeming exclusive and unattainable. Our mission is to make charitable giving more accessible and impactful for businesses of all sizes and donors of all income levels. 

Founded on the idea that everyone deserves an equal opportunity to make a meaningful impact, the Givinga Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity (EIN 47-4172718) and sponsoring organization dedicated to removing the traditional financial barriers to charitable giving. By reimagining Donor Advised Funds and working with technology partner Givinga, Inc. to offer access to charitable giving experiences, the Givinga Foundation gives brands the opportunity to find new and innovative ways to maximize their community’s impact and better support charities. 

We believe that with the right tools and technology, anyone can be a philanthropist.

givinga_dogwalking

Board of Directors

Joe Phoenix

President & Treasurer

With 30 years in the global asset management industry in the US and overseas, Joe recognized that donor advised funds (DAF) were underutilized and could be used to change the way everyone thinks about giving. He spreads the word about philanthropic technology, believing anyone can be a philanthropist, especially when they leverage all available resources.

Joe actively supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and believes homelessness in the US is one of society’s most pressing and solvable issues.

Bill O’Brien

Executive Director

Bill is an accomplished sales executive with extensive experience in high-growth global technology companies, including IBM, AT&T and Lotus Development Corporation. Bill was also a Principal Consultant with Waypoint 356.

Bill is a passionate advocate for several nonprofit organizations within the Boston area, and particularly focused on supporting and enhancing the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Laura Thi Germine, Ph.D.

Board Member

Laura is Director of the Laboratory for Brain and Cognitive Health Technology at McLean Hospital and Harvard Medical School. She is also Founder and President of the Many Brains Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to open science and brain health equity.  Her work is centered on improving the lives of people who suffer from cognitive and mental health challenges.

Laura is also a mentor and advocate for women in science and technology.  She is a proud supporter of organizations that promote women entrepreneurs, especially in South and Southeast Asia.

Scot Billington

Board Member

Scot is a cofounder of Covenant Capital Management, a Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) and has an extensive trading career as a future trader and broker for J. C. Bradford & Co. Scot worked as CFO for Bella Baby Photography, a successful enterprise founded by his wife Kelly Billington.

Scot is an active philanthropist providing seed capital investment and is an active participant in the Social Entrepreneurship program at Miami of Ohio. He also established a scholarship program at St Xavier in Louisville, Ky his alma mater.