Business Origin Stories for Entrepreneurs, Coaches, and Leaders
115: Legacy Is a Verb: Rethinking Philanthropy, Wealth, and Giving with Elena Fracchia
May 12, 2026
Amy Schutte
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Most people don’t struggle with the desire to give. They struggle with knowing how.
In this episode, Elena Fracchia shares what she has learned working across nonprofit management, fundraising, and wealth strategy. After seeing both sides of philanthropy, she identified a consistent gap. People are surrounded by financial advice, but no one is helping them connect their values to meaningful impact.
Elena built The Good Philanthropist to fill that gap.
She works with individuals, families, corporations, and nonprofits to clarify what giving should actually look like. Not just from a tax or compliance standpoint, but from a purpose and legacy perspective.
Inside this conversation, she explains why so many people hesitate to give, what’s missing in traditional advisory conversations, and how to approach philanthropy in a way that feels both practical and personal.
Key insights from this episode:
- Why billions of dollars sit unused in donor-advised funds
- The real reason people avoid conversations about giving
- How to identify your personal “lane” of impact
- The difference between program-based giving and trust-based philanthropy
- How businesses can structure giving for both strategic impact and employee engagement
- Why legacy should be treated as an active practice, not a final decision
Elena also reframes a common misconception. Philanthropy is not reserved for the ultra-wealthy. At its core, it simply means love of humanity. That opens the door for anyone to participate, regardless of income level.
For business owners, this conversation adds another layer. Giving is not just generosity. It is part of brand, culture, and long-term positioning. When done well, it strengthens both internal alignment and external impact.
This episode is a practical guide to making generosity intentional instead of reactive.
Connect with Elena:
Instagram:
@amyschutte_
Work with us: www.hudsonandco.co