Connected Philanthropy

Federal funding cuts, new executive orders, and other policy shifts impact each of our clients differently. Some funders are making commitments to fill funding gaps or offer grants to assist nonprofits. Others are waiting to learn more about how these changes will affect their grantees. The common theme: when funders respond to a changing environment, they do so quickly. Listen to this Coffee Talk...

In this episode of Connected Philanthropy, we welcome Lynn Margherio, founder and CEO of Cradles to Crayons. Lynn shares her inspiring journey from business consulting to the Clinton White House, and eventually founding a nonprofit that provides essential items to children in need. We dive into topics such as leadership, volunteer engagement, and measuring the impact of nonprofit work. Lynn discus...

Discover how authentic storytelling can build trust, loyalty, and a genuine connection with audiences, forging a path towards meaningful engagement in today's busy world. Johnna Lacey | CEO, J.M. Lacey Communications Johnna is the CEO, head writer and consultant of J.M. Lacey Communications, LLC, which focuses on writing and brand storytelling, training and coaching. J.M. Lacey Communications empo...

In this episode, our speakers discuss how funders can maximize their impact and improve their processes, all from the perspective of grant professionals.  Laura Cochran, GPC | Senior Development Associate, Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP)   Laura is the Grants Manager for the Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) in Indianapolis, Indiana. She has been a...

While AI brings many risks and uncertainties, it also presents opportunities for the philanthropic sector. In this episode, we discuss AI tools, the importance of being open to new technologies, and AI's potential implications on human interactions and responsibilities. Cory Brester  | Director of CRM and Information Systems, Foundant Technologies Cory supports a fast-growing team focused on...

Move from skepticism to success by harnessing the power of A.I. in fundraising. This episode highlights A.I.'s ability to optimize processes, reduce time constraints, and magnify impact, encouraging fundraising professionals to welcome this advancing technology as a crucial ally in their philanthropic pursuits. Maria Newhouse, Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations | Kalamazoo College&nbsp...

Discover the real-world stories and examples that showcase successful collaborations, demonstrating the power of unity in addressing the challenges of our time. Whether you're a funder or a nonprofit organization, this episode offers invaluable insights and inspiration to fuel your own collaborative endeavors. Speakers: Brad Ward , Regional Director, Community Foundations | Foundant Technologies D...

This is part 2 of a panel discussion with several nonprofit professionals answering Q&A questions about ideal relationships with funders. Learn what nonprofits wish funders knew. Stephany Hessler , Grants and Foundations Manager | Save the Bay Nonprofit professional with expertise in: volunteer management; grant research, budgeting and writing (corporate, foundation, and federal); experiential...

Are you looking to improve your grant process, application, and relationship with applicants? Does your organization want to integrate more trust-based practices into your philanthropy and be more transparent? Listen to a panel discussion with several nonprofit professionals and hear them describe ideal connections and relationships with funders. Stephany Hessler , Grants and Foundations Manager |...

Grant professional have grant-related ethics to protect donors, organizations, and themselves—all at the same time. It’s important to adhere to these ethics, which reflect the highest standards in professional behavior. Come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of grant ethics and how to apply them throughout the grant cycle. Topics: Why ethics are important to the grant profession....

Facebook fundraising can be a rewarding way to involve people in positive change. Learn how it can be used for peer-to-peer fundraising, Giving Tuesday campaigns, birthday fundraisers, and more! Sean Kosofsky | Mind the Gap Consulting Sean helps nonprofit leaders develop the mindset, tool set, and skill set to increase funding and impact. he is a strategic advisor offering coaching, consulting, an...

Hear community foundations discuss which systems and processes they are using to create space for the essential, impactful work supporting they do. Topics: fund minimums how to deal with inactive fundholders grant catalog feature tribute donors individual giving is trending down in the us engaging young people how to balance learning and daily work Links: Upcoming Coffee Talks: foundant.com/events...

Hear new granting strategies, and hear from other GLM/SLM users on some of the processes and tactics they are using to get maximum value out of their Foundant solutions. Links: Compass: Connect with other members of the philanthropic community at Community.foundant.com Social: Follow Foundant Technologies on Facebook , Linkedin , Twitter , and Instagram Website: Foundant.com

Join us as we explore the world of affinity programs and how this innovative approach can facilitate stronger connections with donors and save nonprofits time. Jenni Craig, President Jenni is a skilled fundraiser with 16 years of experience in higher education. Throughout her career, she has successfully raised millions for institutions through strategic, affinity-based programs that focus on dono...

What is technology planning and why is it important? Learn why this is one of the most neglected aspects of operating a nonprofit and how to avoid common pitfalls. Karen Graham |  Karen Graham Consulting Karen is a speaker, trainer, writer, and consultant with expertise in technology leadership and innovation, nonprofit software, and digital strategy. Her consulting work includes strategic te...

Thanks to many studies and research, we have much more information about giving trends, donor behaviors, and motivations that can inform how we best engage with our donors. This episode dispels common fundraising myths around recent trends in fundraising, donor motivations, ways donors give, and changing donor demographics. Barbara O'Reilly , Founder and Principal |  Windmill Hill Consulting...

Change is the only constant in life. How do you decide which change to embrace and which to dismiss as a fad? Which changes—whether systems or processes—will create space for the essential, impactful work supporting your mission? Tune in to this episode to learn how to identify, prioritize, and embrace it. Brad Ward , Regional Director, Community Foundations | Foundant Technologies Brad joined the...

Marie Palacios , Lead Consultant | Funding for Good Marie is an expert facilitator, certified by The Institute of Cultural Affairs in the USA, in evidence-based facilitation practices known as the ToP Method. She combines proven facilitation methods and her passion for community to facilitate dynamic and productive meetings. Marie enjoys facilitating community organizing, advocacy, consensus build...

Building grantor/grantee trust is a process that goes far beyond writing a check. It takes intention and thoughtful connection. A panel of private funders share stories about unique ways they are bringing community members into the grantmaking process and building better relationships with their nonprofit partners. From community involvement to focus groups to centering racial equity in their gran...

Learn from your peers how they have created communication practices across departments and job types at their organizations. This webinar was originally recorded on 5/11/2023 and was moderated by Alyse Braaten In this coffee talk, we hear grantmakers, scholarship providers, and community foundations share challenges they've faced with internal communication and strategies they use to overcome them...

Calculating and communicating the return on investment for a large software purchase is no easy task. This episode explores some useful marketing and selling strategies that can be applied to internal purchasing decisions. Lori Finch, Director for Nonprofit Sales and Sales Enablement | Foundant Technologies Lori is a dynamic and creative executive, strategist, and builder with an entrepreneurial s...

Hear expert insights from Foundant's copywriter on how to craft compelling copy. In this episode we cover the importance of considering your audience, writing for different mediums, where to find inspiration, adding personality when you are writing for an organization, and the power of stepping away. Katie Sproles, Marketing Copywriter | Foundant Technologies Throughout her 30-year career in marke...

In this episode, we dive into the numbers and data behind grants, uncovering some interesting philanthropic trends. Holly Rustick , CEO & Bestselling Author | Grant Writing & Funding Holly has been writing grants for 15+ years, immersing herself in the grant world and securing millions of dollars for nonprofits around the world! Holly is also an Amazon bestselling author, podcast host of G...

Learn how an abundance mindset can help reduce burnout, underinvestment, and high turnover within your nonprofit organization. Brittny Wilson and Nia Wassink | The Nonprofit Reframe Between them, Brittny and Nia have over 30 years of working in nonprofits. They’ve worked on the program side, the business side, fundraising, and even sat on Boards of Directors. Their vast experience, primarily with...

Whether you work with a nonprofit organization, community foundation, grantmaker, or scholarship provider, the key to maximizing your impact is the same: building meaningful relationships through successful communications.   Learn tangible tips and resources to help you better serve your mission by communicating in ways that are good for yourself, your team, your organization, and the wo...