Welcome to the latest edition of At the Forefront: Fintech Conversations!
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In this episode, Forefront Head of Content Sam Belden sits down with Andrew Kaufman, Founder and CEO of Time to Give Network, to explore how his not-for-profit platform is reshaping professional access by connecting financial services leaders and innovators in ways that generate real social good.
The idea behind Time to Give Network is simple but powerful: enable professionals to donate directly to a charity of someone’s choice in exchange for their time and expertise. Andrew explains that the concept was inspired by Warren Buffett’s decade-long charity lunch auctions, which raised more than $50 million for Glide in San Francisco. But instead of a once-a-year event, Time to Give makes that exchange scalable, giving anyone the ability to turn a meeting into a charitable act.
Drawing on nearly 30 years in sales, trading and fintech, Andrew describes how his own career challenges helped shape the idea. After decades of navigating the traditional business development process, he saw an opportunity to create a model that built instant rapport and mutual value. “If you open a meeting by saying, ‘I’ve made a donation to your charity of choice,’ you start with a completely different energy,” he says. “It shows intent, seriousness and respect for the other person’s time.”
Andrew walks through how the model works in practice. “TimeGivers” – executives and subject matter experts – join the platform for free, set their availability, choose a preferred charity and determine a donation amount. “TimeBidders” – typically service providers or professionals seeking advice or access – browse those listings, explain their interest and if both parties agree, complete the donation directly to the selected charity. Once confirmed, they connect for the meeting – whether in person or online.
The results have been significant. Since launch, the network has facilitated hundreds of introductions and raised funds for dozens of causes, from Alzheimer’s and cancer research to mental health organizations.. Andrew notes that beyond its charitable impact, the platform has proven to be a surprisingly effective business tool: firms are using it to secure conference meetings, attract speakers, promote content and build new relationships rooted in purpose. “Every time,” he says, “everyone wins. The giver raises money, the bidder gets a real connection, and the charity benefits.”
Sam and Andrew also discuss lessons learned along the way. Introducing a completely new model wasn’t easy, Andrew admits – it took time to explain the value and build trust. But momentum has accelerated, with more than 300 executives now participating and new creative use cases emerging, from event sponsorships to conference outreach. “We even had a firm make a donation to a speaker’s charity just to secure a lunch meeting at an event,” he notes. “It’s opened doors in ways that feel authentic and positive.”
Looking ahead, Time to Give is preparing for a major expansion into the U.S., where Andrew expects the concept to rapidly expand.” He believes the model’s combination of philanthropy and ROI-oriented access aligns perfectly with the American business mindset , and sees potential for growth well beyond financial services. “It works anywhere people value expertise,” he says. “From Swiss pharma to Saudi energy – even Taylor Swift, if we can get her on the platform someday.”
Learn more about Time to Give Network by visiting their website.
For more conversations with fintech and capital markets leaders, explore the At the Forefront podcast archive or on our YouTube channel.
See below for a breakdown of what was discussed. Happy listening!
Timestamps:
1:14 – The origins of Time to Give Network
7:45 – How the “time for charity” model works
11:52 – Real-world use cases
19:05 – What lies ahead: Time to Give’s greater strategic goals