In this episode of the Future of Smart podcast, host Ulcca Joshi Hansen speaks with Christina Engel and Tiffany Johnson of Magic Cabinet, a philanthropic organization that seeks to shift power dynamics in philanthropy by championing community-driven grantmaking.

Engel and Johnson explain how Magic Cabinet centers community voice, builds trust, and creates the conditions for nonprofits to define success for themselves. They share stories of the relationships they foster and the lessons they've learned over five years of this community-driven approach.

Looking ahead, they envision Magic Cabinet modeling more equitable practices and advocating for systemic change in philanthropy, with the goal of decentralizing power and shifting decision-making authority to communities. The episode explores how funders might adopt more holistic, indigenous values and grantmaking strategies.

If you are new to this podcast, we suggest listening to episodes 2-4 to build a foundation for the concepts and principles we'll keep returning to on the Future of Smart.

E.2 - From Brain Bound to Our Extended Minds

E.3 - A Return Journey to Wisdom

E.4 - Using Science to Imagine a New Purpose and Design for Education with Dr. Pamela Cantor