Beyond The Blog

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, we sit down with Leah McDermott from the Florida Nonprofit Alliance to unpack the power and importance of advocacy for nonprofit organizations. Leah shares real-life examples—including how FNA helped protect Selby Gardens from burdensome property taxes—and offers practical tips for engaging boards, navigating legal boundaries, and building a c...

This podcast episode explores the Nonprofit Internship Program, a collaboration between The Patterson Foundation (TPF) and the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Hosted by TPF Fellow Ericia Henry, the episode features a conversation with Dr. Don Bowman, lead consultant for TPF's Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative, as they discuss the program's purpose, evolution, and impact....

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, we sit down with Karissa Roosa, Director of All Faith’s Food Bank Food and Resource Center in DeSoto and a passionate Public Innovator. From connecting neighbors to essential resources to building collaborative partnerships and community-led solutions, Karissa shares her journey, leadership philosophy, and the heart behind her work. Tune in for an inspiring look...

Learning happens everywhere - inside classrooms and far beyond!  In this episode of Connecting Communities, host Laurie Miller chats with Yu-Ling Cheng, Co-Producer of the national Remake Learning Days festival, and Leah Verier-Dunn, consultant with The Patterson Foundation. They explore the origins of this inspiring movement and the meaningful impact it's making across the Suncoast region. L...

Discover how nonprofit organizations can thrive—not just survive—in the debut episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability podcast. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Corley, initiative lead, to explore the powerful concept of Nonprofit Thrivability—an umbrella of strategic initiatives designed to strengthen organizations through earned income, dynamic fundraising, advocacy, and digital optimizati...

Jake Saur, CPE, RPL, ENP, is the ECC Administrator for Arlington County, VA. Jake has dedicated over two decades to advancing public safety and emergency management, beginning as a Paramedic with the Manatee County Department of Public Safety in 2001. Jake is a nationally recognized leader in the 9-1-1 industry, with a track record of driving workforce development and adopting Next Generation 9-1-...

Tom Kamber is the Founder and Executive Director of Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Senior Planet from AARP . He is a leading expert on aging and technology and is regularly featured in national media. While in Sarasota, FL, for the Suncoast Connect Symposium , Tom sat down for an interview with current TPF Fellow Andrew Spector . Tom and Andrew discuss the origin and early evolutions...

John Ferguson is the Director of Member Programs for Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA), where he develops and directs a comprehensive offering of IPA’s education, networking, and collaboration programming. Before joining IPA, John was a Fellow at The Patterson Foundation, where he contributed to creating and developing several innovative projects, including Digital Access for All (DA4A). While i...

By pursuing shared aspirations, we can strengthen ourselves and our communities. In this Discover DeSoto podcast, Alicia Exantus, Community Engagement Specialist with The Patterson Foundation,  interviews Cheri Coryea, the Initiative Lead for DeSoto County Ahead, to discuss the incredible work being done to strengthen the community. Cheri shares her insights on how collaboration, participation, an...

What if a load of laundry could change a life? In this episode of Connecting Communities, we sit down with Jason Sowell and Kelli Karen Smith to explore how Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry is turning laundromats into spaces of dignity, connection, and care. Timestamps  00:28 - Intro 01:05 - Kelli explains Pop-Up Neighbor Through Laundry to a child. 02:22 - What inspired Jason to start the Laundry...

Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast, brings you insights and inspiration from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and beyond. It explores how communities can come together to support the success of our children and families and empower the parents, caregivers, educators, and organizations who care so deeply about them. Episode 2 explores early childhood brain development an...

In this Beyond The Blog podcast, TPF Fellow Ericia Henr y interviews Sara Leonard about TPF's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising (FDF) initiative. Sara provides an overview of FDF's history, purpose, and primary audience. She also shares insights into what sets this initiative apart from similar programs, offering listeners a unique perspective on its distinctive approach and impact. Key Podcas...

Our nation's national cemeteries are the final resting places for men and women who served our country with unmatched valor. Patriot Plaza, a 2,800-seat ceremonial amphitheater at Sarasota National Cemetery (SNC) in Florida, features commissioned art that honors veterans, inspires patriotism, and embraces freedom.  Beginning in 2022, The Patterson Foundation began creating new opportunities f...

Digital technology affords people an evolving assortment of avenues to connect with one another and the world around us, creating pathways to the resources and relationships we depend on to maintain our well-being and lay the bedrock for a more inclusive society. However, those without access to digital connections or devices fall behind in connecting with vital services and participating in the m...

Connecting Communities , a Beyond The Blog podcast, brings you insights and inspiration from the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading and beyond. It explores how communities can come together to support the success of our children and families—and to empower the parents, caregivers, educators, and organizations who care so deeply about them. Episode 1 features an overview of SCGLR with the Di...

Maritza Coscarelli with The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation joins Kiarra Louis to dive into The Patterson Foundation's DeSoto County Ahead initiative, specifically The Harwood Institute's Catalytic Guide Program in DeSoto County.  The Patterson Foundation (TPF) has worked with The Harwood Institute since 2012. Earlier this year, TPF partnered with The Harwood Institute to bring a...

In this Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, Kiarra Louis dives into the excitement surrounding Exponent Philanthropy’s 2024 Annual Conference and the launch of the Momentum Builder’s Circle. Joining her is Paul D. Daugherty, CEO of Exponent Philanthropy, who shares insights on how lean philanthropy is transforming communities and empowering funders to lead impactful change. In our...

Debra Jacobs, president and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, joins Kiarra Louis to explore the importance of strategic communications at The Foundation, especially in strengthening the efforts of individuals, organizations, and communities.  Key Themes Building Trust and Relationships Simplifying The Message  Asking Who Else Cares? Timestamps   3:15- Using different platforms  3:44 - High tech hig...

In this Beyond The Blog podcast, Kiarra Louis converses with Luke Bencie, Managing Director for Security Management International, LLC. Luke is the keynote speaker for day one of The Patterson Foundation’s Digital Access for All Symposium, Suncoast Connect: Innovating and Thriving in the Digital Age, on Tuesday, October 15. During the podcast, Luke gives insights on the importance of digital acces...

“From Both Sides of the Check” is a podcast mini-series as part of The Patterson Foundation’s Beyond the Blog podcast. In this week’s episode, we interview Jessica Muroff, CEO at United Way Suncoast. Through “From Both Sides of the Check,” we explore what it’s like to work in the philanthropic sector through conversations with people, now working at foundations, who have worked on both the funder...

"From Both Sides of the Check" is a podcast mini-series as part of The Patterson Foundation's Beyond The Blog podcast. In this week's episode, we interview Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation. Through “From Both Sides of the Check,” we explore what it’s like to work in the philanthropic sector through conversations with people now working at foundations...

“From Both Sides of the Check” is a podcast mini-series as part of The Patterson Foundation’s Beyond the Blog podcast. In this week’s episode, we interview Kameron Hodgens, Director of Community Leadership at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. Through “From Both Sides of the Check,” we explore what it’s like to work in the philanthropic sector through conversations with people now working at foundat...

From Both Sides of the Check is a podcast mini-series as part of The Patterson Foundation’s Beyond The Blog podcast. In this week’s episode, we interview Wendy Deming, CEO of the Bishop • Parker Foundation. Through “From Both Sides of the Check,” we explore what it’s like to work in the philanthropic sector through conversations with people now working at foundations who have worked on both the fu...

From Both Sides of the Check is a podcast mini-series as part of The Patterson Foundation’s Beyond The Blog podcast. In this week’s episode, we interview Susie Bowie, President and CEO at the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation. Through “From Both Sides of the Check,” we explore what it’s like to work in the philanthropic sector through conversations with people now working at foundations who ha...

In this Beyond the Blog podcast, Kiarra Louis examines TPF excellence through the lens of event management. In Part II of the Striving for Excellence podcast, Beth Duda, the director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, joins the conversation to discuss the documents TPF uses to embed excellence in event planning, preparation, and execution.     Key Themes Defining event excellence  C...