I’m passionate about spotlighting trailblazing women reshaping the wellness, beauty, and lifestyle spaces. This edition of our Founder’s Spotlight Series features Dr. Janelle Thompson, a powerhouse in the philanthropic world and board member of The 144k Collective, a bold, for-profit giving collective aiming to donate $250 million annually by 2030.
In this exclusive Q&A, Dr. Thompson shares how her personal journey, professional expertise, and commitment to equity have all fueled her leadership in a movement that’s redefining how we give, who benefits, and what true community empowerment looks like.
From launching micro-giving initiatives with cultural relevance to challenging traditional nonprofit models, The 144k Collective is not just rewriting the rules of philanthropy—it’s rebuilding them with purpose.
Vision and Inception
Q: The 144k Collective launched in 2024 with an ambitious goal to donate $250 million annually. What inspired the creation of this organization, and how did you become involved as a partner and board member?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: The 144K Collective was born out of a shared frustration among entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and creatives who saw how hard it was to fund truly meaningful community work. We realized we needed a new model that didn’t rely solely on traditional donors or the slow grant process. I was invited early on to lend my background in behavioral health and systems change, and the vision immediately resonated with me. As a Black woman, I’m deeply committed to equity and impact. Being part of something that disrupts philanthropy with scale and sustainability felt like a calling.
Innovative Philanthropy Model
Q: The Collective operates on a for-profit model to fund its philanthropic endeavors. Can you explain how this model works and how it differs from traditional nonprofit structures?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: Yes, this is one of the things that sets us apart. Rather than relying on donations, the 144K Collective builds revenue-generating ventures and strategic partnerships. We invest in businesses that align with our mission, and a portion of those profits go directly into our giving fund. This creates a sustainable engine for philanthropy. It’s not about extracting value—it’s about circulating it. Traditional nonprofit models often require ongoing fundraising and can have a limited runway. We want to scale impact with a model that self-replenishes.
Community Engagement Initiatives
Q: One of your early initiatives included a gas giveaway in Texas featuring local artists. How do such community-focused events align with your broader mission of fostering global community resilience and empowerment?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: That gas giveaway was powerful. We partnered with local artists and creatives to turn what could’ve been a simple handout into a full cultural moment. Music, poetry, community leaders—it became a block party of love and mutual aid. We see these initiatives as micro-investments in community trust. They’re not just about relief, they’re about relationship. When you meet people where they are, with joy and dignity, the ripple effect goes far beyond the event itself.
Strategic Collaborations
Q: The Collective extended an invitation to YouTube philanthropist MrBeast for the "144K vs. The Beast" campaign. What is the strategy behind engaging with influencers, and how do these collaborations enhance your mission?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: MrBeast has done a phenomenal job using digital media to drive large-scale giving. We respect that. Our approach is to activate influencers not just for views, but for values. With “144K vs. The Beast,” we challenged him to co-create a giving campaign that blends entertainment with real-world change. We believe influencers are modern-day conveners. When their platforms are used with intention, they can mobilize millions to care—and act.
Measuring Impact
Q: With a goal to double giving by 2030, what metrics or indicators does The 144k Collective use to measure its impact and success?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: We measure both financial output and transformational impact. Financially, we track dollars donated, projects funded, and reach. But equally important are the human stories—lives changed, mental health supported, systems shifted. We also look at local capacity-building: Are we leaving communities stronger than we found them? Data is critical, but we don’t lose sight of the qualitative outcomes. That’s where real change lives.
Future Aspirations
Q: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for The 144k Collective in the next five years, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: We aim to become a global household name in purpose-led capitalism. That means scaling our revenue streams, investing in mission-aligned startups, and building hubs of impact in underserved regions. We’re launching an accelerator for social entrepreneurs and developing tools to democratize philanthropy—like micro-giving tech and decentralized voting on fund allocation. It’s ambitious, but we’re thinking generationally, not just quarterly.
Personal Insights
Q: What personal experiences or philosophies drive your commitment to The 144k Collective's mission, and how do they influence your leadership style?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: I’ve worked in community mental health, juvenile justice reform, and nonprofit leadership for over a decade. What I saw again and again was burnout from underfunding and underappreciation. My leadership style is deeply relational. I believe in radical listening, joy as strategy, and Black women at the center of design. The Collective is a container where I get to bring all that in—and still dream bigger.
Challenges and Lessons Learned
Q: What challenges has The 144k Collective faced since its inception, and what lessons have you learned that could benefit others in the philanthropic sector?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: One of the biggest challenges was credibility. When you say “for-profit philanthropy,” people raise eyebrows. We had to spend time educating people and building trust. Another challenge is moving at the speed of culture without burning out. Our lesson? Protect the vision by protecting the visionary. That means wellness, transparency, and shared leadership. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Engaging the Next Generation
Q: How does The 144k Collective plan to engage younger generations in its mission, and why is this demographic important to your long-term goals?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: Gen Z and Millennials are the most purpose-driven generations yet. They want transparency, impact, and involvement. We’re building digital tools and campaigns that speak their language—visual storytelling, interactive giving, gamification of good. We also have a Youth Impact Fellowship in development to train the next wave of changemakers. This generation isn’t waiting to be invited—they’re building the future now.
Call to Action
Q: For individuals and organizations interested in supporting or partnering with The 144k Collective, what steps should they take to get involved?
Dr. Janelle Thompson: Start by visiting our website: 144kcollective.org. Follow us on social media. Share our campaigns. If you’re a founder, funder, or creative with a big idea for impact, pitch us. We’re always looking for bold partners who believe giving should be joyful, radical, and scalable. The movement is growing, and we want everyone to feel like they have a place in it.
Learn More About The 144k Collective
Website: https://144kcollective.org/
YouTube: 144k Collective YouTube Channel
