The ENGAGE Podcast

AI adoption in the social impact sector has surged—but results are still uneven. In this episode of ENGAGE, Kate Averett Anderson, Research and Publications Lead at the Blackbaud Institute, breaks down new research on what it actually takes to turn AI experimentation into measurable impact. Drawing on a survey of nearly 1,400 professionals and more than 1,000 donors, she unpacks the growing divide...

In this episode of The ENGAGE Podcast, Christine Newman is joined by David Lapp of Blessings of Hope and Martin O'Neill from Rosterfy to discuss the critical role of volunteers in nonprofit organizations. Discover proven strategies for volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention, and learn how organizations can create a thriving volunteer culture that drives lasting community impact.

Stephanie Walker, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Inclusion at Blackbaud, sits down with Patty McIlreavy, President & CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), for an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of disaster philanthropy, the importance of equitable recovery, and practical steps foundations can take to maximize their impact. Guest Spotlight: Patty McIl...

Sally Ehrenfried is joined by three South Carolina foundation leaders—Susan DeVenny, Arras Foundation, Katy Smith, Greater Good Greenville, and Molly Talbot-Metz, Mary Black Foundation—to reflect on their experience at Foundations on the Hill and share practical, nonpartisan ways philanthropy leaders can build relationships with policymakers to strengthen their communities.

As the year draws to a close, nonprofits and organizations everywhere are putting the finishing touches on their fundraising strategies. Amy Vavra and Jessica Thrift share practical advice, proven tactics, and fresh ideas to help you maximize your impact in these final weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

GivingTuesday isn’t just a giving day—it’s a catalyst to transform your individual giving year-round. Are you making the most of it? Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday, and Carrie Cobb, Chief Data and AI Officer of Blackbaud, discuss the collaborative, special report from the Blackbaud Institute and GivingTuesday. They dive deep into new data and strategies, like: 💡 How Gen Z...

In this podcast, Carrie Cobb, chief data and AI officer at Blackbaud and one of DataIQ’s 100 Most Influential People in Data, sits down fora powerful conversation on the foundational principles of responsible AI. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in the daily operations of social impact organizations, Carrie shares how fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness must guide every step of...

National Doctors' Day is observed on March 30th to honor physicians for their dedication and contributions to society and their community. This date can be a great opportunity to fundraise for your healthcare organization by sharing your successes and challenges with donors. Join Tracey Bozzelli, managing director for the healthcare vertical in customer success at Blackbaud, and Paul St. Onge...

Andrew Troup, Director of Giving & Engagement at Blackbaud, speaks with Brandolon Barnett, Head of Innovation & Philanthropy at Giving Compass, about the merging of artificial intelligence (AI) and social impact. What are the opportunities for AI and what are the potential pitfalls? Topics covered in this episode: • The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence • Experimenting with user t...

PEAK Grantmaking President and CEO Satonya Fair is back on the Blackbaud Grantmaking™ Thought Leadership Webinar Series to share how her organization is embracing learning and unlearning. Throughout the conversation, she shares what it means to be an emergent learner and to put down tools that no longer serve you so you can pick up new ways of engaging. She also discusses how learning cannot be an...

Dan Keyworth, vice president of Customer Success Modernization at Blackbaud, sits down with Dan White, principal counsel on Blackbaud’s Privacy Team, to break down the complex but important topic of data privacy for nonprofits. Learn more about the five key principals across global privacy laws that can help you develop an adaptable data privacy program. Topics covered in this episode: • Why do no...

Heather Hiscox is on a mission to change the way we change the world. As an author, speaker, and consultant to nonprofit organizations and foundations, Heather has been on both sides of the grantee experience. Her time managing grant funding to be awarded as well as her experience applying for grant funding gives her a unique perspective on how to optimize value for both the grantmaker and the gra...

They say that the only constant is change, and change is often brought on by crises. In this panel discussion, Blackbaud’s Melissa Furr talks with two veteran grantmaking professionals to discuss how their organizations manage their mission while staying in tune with the needs of their communities. Lisa Tacker from the Two Ten Footwear Foundation and Beth Broomall from the Charles H. Dater Foundat...

When is the last time you took a bird’s eye view of your engagement strategy? From how many solicitations to send a year to maintaining your donor database and keeping your message aligned across teams, engagement can quickly become stale or ineffective without a tested strategy. In today’s episode, Kate Averett Anderson of the Blackbaud Institute sits down with fundraising experts Lawrence Henze...

As women wield greater economic power and harness their influence to lead change, their generosity is rapidly transforming the philanthropic landscape. What is possible when women are active participants in philanthropic work, engaging all the levers available to advance the public good? The Women’s Philanthropy Institute (WPI), part of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at...

How much impact does volunteerism have on our wellbeing?  Hear from  Jude O'Reilley , CEO of VolunteerMatch, as he talks with Blackbaud's social responsiblity manager Melissa Furr about how volunteerism is closely tied to personal health and wellbeing. Jude and Melissa share how you can incorporate volunteering in the workplace and acheive the feeling of being connected to something larg...