At Madhive, our mission has always been deeply intertwined with the communities we serve. Beyond our role in digital advertising, we recognize that local impact and corporate responsibility are vital to fostering real, meaningful change.
It's in this spirit that we proudly support RIVER FUND New York, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering people to move beyond the lines of poverty.
RIVER FUND was founded by Swami Durga Das, a man whose life was irrevocably shaped by the AIDS epidemic. Witnessing firsthand the devastation and isolation within his community, Swami turned his grief into action by offering comfort, support, and humanity to individuals in their final days of life in hospice.
Seeing parallels between the isolation that's caused by illness and hunger, Swami shifted the charity's focus to fighting poverty. His vision was to help people rise above their circumstances and realize their potential.
This vision resonated strongly with Spencer Potts, Madhive's CEO, who has been a committed board member of RIVER FUND for 14 years. The values of the organization — supporting human dignity and providing tangible help — aligned perfectly with Madhive's commitment to local communities.
Today, our collaboration with RIVER FUND exemplifies how businesses and nonprofits can come together to create a lasting impact, reinforcing the idea that when communities thrive, everyone benefits.
With RIVER FUND's 2024 gala around the corner, we sat down with Spencer to learn more about this fantastic charity fostering stronger, more resilient communities.
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Madhive: You've supported RIVER FUND for over a decade now, which is incredible! What about the organization inspired this passion and commitment?
Spencer Potts: In 2010, I had just turned 40 and was recovering from a decade long battle with Lymes Disease. It was a pivotal time in my life, and as I healed I felt an overwhelming need to give back. I wanted to contribute to something local and tangible — something that would make a palpable difference in people’s lives.
A friend, and our Chairman, Micheal Tiedemann, introduced me to RIVER FUND, a small, volunteer-run charity in New York. At its helm was Swami Durga Das, a man who had witnessed immense loss and had made it his life's work to address poverty at its root. He had seen hunger as a frontline battle, the first barrier people faced in their journey toward a better life. The work of RIVER FUND — ensuring that families had food and access to critical resources — felt like a direct, powerful way to make an impact.
What struck me most was how this organization, at its core, wasn't just about charity — it was about community. As Swami often said, "We're a community making sure the primal needs of New Yorkers are met." That's why I've stayed involved all these years. It's personal. One in every seven children in New York is in a shelter, and we're doing everything we can to make sure no one falls through the cracks.
And you've been the Capital Chair on the board ever since?
Yes. I knew from the start that I wanted to make a significant impact on the organization. Mike and I began by raising modest amounts of money, and as our careers grew, so did our capacity to give.
We continue to focus on creating that same flywheel with younger volunteers and professionals as we scale for the benefit of all.
What's truly inspiring is the support we've received from major institutions like Robin Hood Foundation and Bloomberg. Robin Hood, in particular, has been phenomenal, offering financial backing based on the measurable outcomes we achieve. It's not just about giving — it's about creating real, tangible change.
What other needs does the charity support for people?
In addition to the food pantry, RIVER FUND operates a benefits center in Queens where volunteers sit down with individuals and families, helping them navigate government services like food stamps and other state programs. Queens has one of the largest immigrant populations in the country, and we serve all, without asking for documentation or status. We're here for everyone, no questions asked.
Our recent focus has been on cradle-to-college initiatives for children, aiming to break the cycle of poverty before it can take hold of the next generation. The upcoming RIVER FUND gala will continue to help raise funds to expand this initiative, creating scholarships that cover not just tuition but those often-overlooked ancillary costs that can derail a student's future.
How did Madhive's connection to RIVER FUND evolve?
Madhive's connection to RIVER FUND has grown organically over the years. While my personal involvement has spanned more than a decade, it was only in the last few years when I started to operate Madhive that I was able to bring them into the fold.
Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt it was more important than ever to engage with our local community in a meaningful way. RIVER FUND is right here in New York, so it was easier for Madhive employees to volunteer and witness firsthand the impact we're making. There's something transformative about sitting across from someone and knowing you're having a direct impact. It goes beyond corporate social responsibility — it becomes personal.
One word you've used a lot is "impact." What does that mean for you personally?
For me, impact is about seeing real, measurable change. When I first got involved, RIVER FUND's budget was modest. Now, we're operating a significantly larger frontline business serving over 20,000 families.
It's not just about the numbers though — it's about stories. We're helping people send their kids to college. We're feeding families who otherwise wouldn't know where their next meal is coming from. These aren't abstract ideas; they're real people, real lives.
Our slogan at RIVER FUND is, "We take poverty personally." That's what drives me, both in my work at Madhive and in my support of RIVER FUND. It's about ensuring that we remain connected to our neighbors, to our community.
Poverty in New York City can feel like an invisible force, but organizations like RIVER FUND make it visible, and more importantly, offer solutions.
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To learn more about RIVER FUND of New York and how you can get involved, click here.
