In this episode of Impact Audio, Melanie LeGrande, managing director at Panorama Strategy, talks through how she responded to that reality. When she didn’t get the budget she needed for an employee giving program, she pivoted to a new strategy. She covers how to:• Create a micro version of your ideal program• Define success for your social impact programs• Craft a clear story that resonates with your audience

This episode of Impact Audio features John Brothers, president of the T. Rowe Price Foundation, breaking down how nonprofit boards have gotten the notorious reputation of the place where strategy and creativity go to die. He covers:• Why nonprofits shouldn’t strive to run like businesses• The effects of professionalization in philanthropy• Advice for current and future board members

This episode of impact Audio features Chris Battles, impact engineer & CSR software architect at Elwern Associates, as he shares insights from his two and half decades developing and implementing technology for CSR programs.He covers:• Three things successful CSR programs all have in common• The key to engaging employees in today’s distributed landscape • How AI and technology unlock deeper employee engagement

We both got a peek at the future of CSR and the trends shaping conversations around topics like DEI, employee volunteering, and AI. In our conversation, we touch on:• The increasing politicization of DEI and CSR programs• Areas where ideas like trust-based philanthropy are making progress• Ways AI both did and didn’t fit in the conversation

Last month, I attended the NASCIO 2024 Midyear conference and I learned a lot about what state CIOs are prioritizing this year (hint: there were a lot of AI conversations).In this quick dispatch episode, I reflect on my experience with my colleague Stacey Sveum.We cover: • What it was like “speed dating” state CIOs• How state CIOs are thinking about simplifying their programs• Why government organizations seem to be at the forefront of the AI conversation

In today’s Impact Audio episode, Jean Westrick, executive director of the Technology Association of Grantmakers, digs into how grantmakers can stay mission focused in this new era of tech. She covers:• How to balance digital transformation with other big challenges• Where AI fits into efforts to make grantmaking more inclusive• How some grantmakers are already using AI

This episode is the second in a series of episodes featuring Closegap and Morgan Stanley, where we explore the relationship between grantor and grantee as they work together to address a chronically underfunded cause. Last episode we focused on Closegap and this episode is my full conversation with Joan Steinberg.We’ll cover:• Why Morgan Stanley focuses on children’s mental health• The mechanics of how they set up their Innovation Awards • Why mental health is such an underfunded issue

Rachel Miller, founder of Closegap, and Joan Steinberg, CEO of Morgan Stanley, discuss Closegap's innovative technology for children's mental health. They cover the motivation behind the innovation, the application process, and the long-term impact of Morgan Stanley's funding.

Sam Caplan reflects on his biggest insights from PEAK2024. Listen to get up-to-speed on everything you might’ve missed and what you need to know for the coming year.We cover: • The key theme of the conference: operationalizing excellence• The changing role of a grants manager• How data and new technologies are transforming grantmakingFor additional resources, visit our episode notes: https://www.submittable.com/impact-audio/peak2024/

Sam Ellsworth, a colleague of Sam Caplan, shares insights from the Microsoft Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, where AI was a hot topic. They discuss how nonprofit professionals envision AI improving their work and Microsoft's commitment to the sector. The conversation highlights innovative partnerships, changing attitudes toward generative AI, and the potential for nonprofits to enhance efficiency and engagement through AI tools. From practical applications like the Bing chat bot to strategic advice on starting an AI journey, the discussion captures the excitement and possibilities in the nonprofit landscape.