The Social Impact Solutions Podcast

After a brief summer solstice break, The Social Impact Solutions Podcast is coming back with a conversation every nonprofit leader needs to hear. In this episode, Co-Founders John Mark and Lauren Vanderpool discuss why impact measurement matters so much for nonprofits, how to bridge the impact gap with funders, and the strategies that help you communicate your results more effectively so you can r...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-Founders John Mark and Lauren Vanderpool reveal why impact measurement and communication are the secret weapons for scaling your social change efforts. Real data and proven strategies show how clarity on who your ideal funders are can unlock exponential growth. This episode is perfect for nonprofit leaders who want to move beyond just “doi...

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Lauren Vanderpool and Sonja Schappert-Howden dive deep into the art of measuring impact in relationship-driven nonprofit work. Discover how theories of change can be adapted to capture the nuanced, transformative power of relational and faith-based approaches. This episode uncovers practical strategies to overcome the challenges of evaluating...

Tune into the Social Impact Solutions podcast's "Meet the Team" series to meet Shanila Parveen, a Social Impact Strategist. Explore Shanila's inspiring journey in the social impact sector, her transformative work in Pakistan's remote communities, and her expertise in impact measurement and program evaluation. You'll discover valuable insights and practical strategies for nonprofit success from the...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, John Osterberg, co-CEO of Jitasa sits down with Co-Founder Dr. Lauren Vanderpool to share how aligning financial hygiene with impact measurement can transform nonprofit sustainability and effectiveness. Nonprofits will walk away with practical steps to enhance transparency and trust, break down silos between finance and programs, and improve...

In this episode of The Social Impact Solutions, co-founders John Mark Vanderpool and Lauren Vanderpool delve into the top myths surrounding the measurement of social impact in nonprofits. They emphasize that impact is not only measurable but also crucial for successful fundraising and does not require perfect systems. The episode shares valuable insights on how organizations can begin their journe...

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-founder Dr. Lauren Vanderpool sits down with Dr. Andrea Lowe to explore how nonprofits can effectively turn strategic plans into actionable results. Dr. Lowe, a seasoned public health expert, shares her insights on why many organizations struggle to implement their strategies and offers practical solutions to overcome these challenges. Dis...

This episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast features an insightful conversation between Co-Founder Lauren Vanderpool and Matt Bowe from Fundraise Up. Together, they delve into the Pulse of the Donor Report, offering a nuanced look at donor behavior and digital giving trends. Nonprofit leaders and fundraising enthusiasts will find valuable perspectives on how to navigate the evolving landsc...

In this inaugural episode of our "Meet the Team" series on The Social Impact Solutions Podcast, I sit down with Dr. DeOnna Clark, an invaluable member of our team and a seasoned occupational therapist with over a decade of experience. We explore her journey from clinical practice to earning a doctorate in public health, highlighting her passion for bridging individual healthcare with community wel...

Dive into this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, where Co-Founders John Mark and Lauren Vanderpool unravel the transformative power of impact reports for nonprofits in 2026. Discover how these reports are not just about numbers, but about narrating the compelling story of your organization's mission and achievements. Learn how to leverage impact reports as strategic tools to boost fu...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, John Mark and Lauren Vanderpool discuss the critical role of strategic planning, and how impact measurement is key in this process. They highlight the common gaps in strategic plans regarding impact and emphasize the need for nonprofits to measure and communicate their impact effectively. The discussion covers the importance of aligning progr...

In this episode of The Social Impact Solutions Podcast, I sit down with Sheri Chaney Jones to delve into the critical role of impact measurement in nonprofit organizations. We explore how effective measurement not only helps nonprofits articulate their value to funders but also drives real change in their communities. Sheri shares insights on the recent challenges faced by nonprofits, especially i...

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-Founders Lauren Vanderpool and John Mark Vanderpool come together on a special end of year bonus episode to share hard-won insights and practical strategies nonprofit leaders can put to use right away. Drawing from years of experience working alongside nonprofit organizations, they break down how to effectively engage new donors, focus on...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-Founder Lauren Vanderpool speaks with Lauren Tudor, Founder and CEO of Architect Philanthropic Collective, about rethinking traditional approaches to fundraising and philanthropy. Their conversation explores the shift from donor-centric to community-centric models and why centering community values is essential for building sustainable, re...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, we explore the transformative work of Long Way Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building sustainable infrastructure in Guatemala's Western Highlands, one of the main methods for success being upcycling. In this episode, you will - Discover how Matt Paneitz and his team use innovative methods, like constructing homes and schools fro...

In this episode of The Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-founders Lauren Vanderpool and John Mark Vanderpool unpack the year-end fundraising strategies every mission-driven leader needs to maximize impact when it matters most. As giving season approaches, the pressure to raise critical dollars intensifies, but so does the opportunity. Lauren and John Mark break down how to leverage storytelling,...

Summary In this conversation, John Mark Vanderpool and Julie Davitz discuss the importance of impact marketing and measurement, exploring how Plus Media Solutions is revolutionizing the way organizations engage with their audiences. They delve into the challenges of storytelling in media, the need for clear calls to action, and the innovative features of Plus Media that allow for real-time engagem...

In this conversation, Carly Berna, the Fundraiser-in-Residence at Virtuous CRM, discusses the importance of effective fundraising strategies and the insights from the latest benchmark report. The conversation covers key metrics such as donor retention, average gift sizes, and the significance of recurring giving. Carly emphasizes the need for nonprofits to adopt a data-driven approach to fundraisi...

In this episode of The Social Impact Solutions Podcast, we dive into the intricacies of strategic planning and project management for nonprofit leaders with expert Stacye Brim. We explore practical tools like scenario planning to navigate uncertainty, emphasizing the importance of aligning strategic plans with financial realities. Stacye shares insights on creating actionable strategic plans that...

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Lauren Vanderpool is joined by Ori Carmel and Sophie Blondeau of Sowen to explore the complex world of nonprofit impact measurement—and how organizations can move from fragmented data and fuzzy definitions to clarity, alignment, and transformation. Drawing on their experience advising nonprofits and for-purpose organizations across the globe,...

In this inspiring episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, John Mark Vanderpool sits down with David Simms, former Bain consultant, White House Fellow, nonprofit board leader, and founder of Talanton, to unpack how jobs—not microloans—hold the key to tackling extreme poverty at scale. David shares his extraordinary journey from high-powered consulting and turnaround leadership to faith-driv...

What if 20% of your donors are driving 80% of your revenue—and you're not even looking at them? In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, John Mark Vanderpool sits down with Kaitlin Windle, founder of Apt.io, a platform transforming how nonprofits track financial, fundraising, and impact data. Kaitlin brings the rare combo of investment banker precision and nonprofit grit to help you...

In this episode of The Social Impact Solutions Podcast, titled "Making Impact Measurable: How to Track What Really Matters," I explore the vital role of impact measurement in the nonprofit sector. I am joined by Sherry Cheney-Jones, founder and CEO of Sure Impact, who shares her expertise on using data to drive meaningful change. We discuss the importance of defining success indicators and utilizi...

If you’ve ever struggled with the time-consuming, soul-crushing work of grant writing, you’re not alone—and this episode is for you. On today's episode, Mark Reith shares how Cadenza helps nonprofits reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and dramatically increase funding success by streamlining the grant process through AI. (https://www.getcadenza.ai/) From eliminating monotonous research tasks to g...

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