Impact Audio

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.

This episode features Beth Kanter, nonprofit trainer, facilitator, and author, on the rise of AI. She’s been training nonprofits on how to adapt to new technology for four decades and she’s learned a lot in that time. In this episode, we cover:• Similarities and differences between AI and previous tech advancements.• How AI could address–or worsen–nonprofit burnout.• One question you should ask yourself to adopt AI responsibly.For additional resources, visit our episode notes: https://www.submittable.com/impact-audio/beth-kanter/

Carolyn Berkowitz, President and CEO of the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, dives into the pressing issues facing CSR professionals today. She highlights the challenges of shrinking budgets while expectations remain high, emphasizing the need for corporate leaders to recognize the true value of social impact work. Berkowitz discusses the importance of aligning CSR with company missions and attracting younger talent. She also addresses the critical need for diversity in CSR roles and the tools necessary to foster meaningful change.

Lever for Change has embraced a challenge model, which allows them to give big dollar prizes to community organizations. In addition to the funding, they’ve created the Bold Solutions Network which provides ongoing support to the winners and finalists from their challenges. Representatives from four different organizations within the Bold Solutions Network join us to share how Lever for Change’s holistic approach has unlocked their most transformational work.This episode covers how to: • Redefine the funder-grantee relationship• Integrate multiple world views• Lift up and co-create with the community• Build programs around systemic changeFor additional resources, visit our episode notes: submittable.com/impact-audio/bold-solutions

The ‘S’ in ESG encompasses everything from DEI initiatives to community investment programs and employee volunteering. For social impact practitioners, the big question is how you measure the impact of this work. Carmen Perez has spent her career helping teams get clarity about the short and long-term outcomes they want to achieve.This episode digs into how to:• Build the right measurement frameworks for your team• Understand the nuances of outputs versus outcomes• Capture the complexities of social impact• Leverage the data you already haveFor additional resources, visit our episode notes: submittable.com/impact-audio/carmen-perez