Community Possibilities
Community Possibilities
Connecting People with Purpose: Meet Rena Olson of Uncommon Philanthropist
What if philanthropy wasn’t about wealth at all, but about love made practical? I sit down with my friend Rena Olsen—storyteller, nonprofit pro, and founder of Uncommon Philanthropist—to explore how ordinary people can spark extraordinary impact through simple, repeatable acts of service and smarter giving. Rena shares her winding path from broadcast journalism to agency work to faith-led nonprofit roles, and how a season serving in a village at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro shifted her vision. The result is a movement built on everyday generosity, where small gifts and shared stories can change a neighborhood.
We dig into the power of giving circles and why pooling modest annual contributions can become a meaningful grant and a tight-knit community. Rena explains how to build a practical generosity plan—deciding what you will give, where you will serve, and who nearby needs steady support.
Rena shares the story behind her book, Maxine’s Joy, a children’s book honoring her mother’s life and raising funds for Alzheimer’s causes. It’s a tender guide for families navigating dementia and a living example of turning grief into service.
Pick up your copy of Maxine's Joy here.
Listen to my conversation with Dr. Sal Alaimo about philanthropy here.
For a limited time only, Powerful Evidence, our course on evaluation for non-evaluators is on sale for $99 through the end of the year! Get it here.
Guest Bio
Rena Olsen is the founder and creator of Uncommon Philanthropist. The UP platform is a culmination of her calling to generate significant funding and awareness for important causes while utilizing her skills as a storyteller, connector, creative, inspirer and nonprofit consultant to get it done.
Rena believes in the transformative power of serving others, which benefits both the giver and receiver of the gift. She also believes that philanthropy, defined as “love of humanity,” is something we are all called to do…to love and serve one another.
Rena challenges us to be informed, encouraged and to engage in charitable works and giving. More nonprofits needed new ways to share their stories and engage with donors and volunteers.
Before UP, Rena spent her professional years working in marketing communications, crafting campaigns, messaging and events for both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
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Connect with Ann: Community Evaluation Solutions
How Ann can help:
· Support the evaluation capacity of your coalition or community-based organization.
· Help you create a strategic plan that doesn’t stress you and your group out, doesn’t take all year to design, and is actionable.
· Engage your group in equitable discussions about difficult conversations.
· Facilitate a workshop to plan for action and get your group moving.
· Create a workshop that energizes and excites your group for action.
· Speak at your conference or event.
Have a question or want to know more? Book a call with Ann .
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Music by Zach Price: Zachpricet@gmail.com