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The Social Impact Solutions Podcast
Too many organizations struggle to prove the good they’re doing in a way that inspires donors, partners, investors, and communities to take action. Join Lauren and John Mark Vanderpool as they share how you can measure and market your impact to create more meaningful change today.
Each episode delivers practical strategies, expert insights, and inspiring stories to help you overcome these hurdles, raise more funding, and amplify your mission.
Whether you’re leading a nonprofit, heading up a CSR initiative, or simply passionate about making the world a better place, the Social Impact Solutions Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable advice...Show more
All Episodes
Turning Powerful Nonprofit Stories Into Measurable Impact with Julie Davitz
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 engagement and data collection. Through case studies and practical examples, they highlight the significance of understanding impact goals and the strategies necessary for effective campaigns. Get Julie's Media Campaign Checklist: https://40014997.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/40014997/Plus%2BMedia%2B-%2BContent%2BImpact%2BChecklist.pdf Takeaways - Impact marketing focuses on measuring the effectiveness of campaigns. - Storytelling in media often lacks a clear call to action. - Plus Media Solutions engages viewers through interactive content. - Real-time data collection is crucial for measuring impact. - Understanding impact goals is essential for successful campaigns. - Clicks and likes are not enough; meaningful engagement matters. - Innovative features of Plus Media enhance audience interaction. - Case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of Plus Media's approach. - The future of impact marketing relies on data-driven strategies. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impact Marketing 04:07 The Role of Plus Media Solutions 07:05 Engaging Audiences Through Storytelling 09:43 Measuring Impact and Engagement 12:41 Case Studies: Success Stories 15:28 Innovative Features of Plus Media 18:31 Addressing Social Issues Through Media 21:35 The Importance of Data in Campaigns 24:07 Creating Effective Impact Strategies 26:49 Conclusion and Future Outlook Keywords impact marketing, impact measurement, storytelling, audience engagement, nonprofit, Plus Media Solutions, case studies, campaign strategies, data analytics, social impactUnlocking Fundraising Success with Carly Berna
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 fundraising, highlighting the importance of understanding acquisition costs and lifetime value. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by nonprofits in diversifying their donor portfolios and adapting to economic conditions. Ultimately, Carly encourages nonprofits to remain resilient and focused on their mission, leveraging data to make informed decisions for growth. Access The Virtuous Benchmark Report: https://virtuous.org/resource/nonprofit-benchmark-report-2025/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Virtuous and Fundraising Expertise 04:04 The Importance of Benchmarking in Nonprofits 06:47 Key Metrics from the Benchmark Report 09:26 Donor Retention Strategies and Insights 12:04 The Role of Recurring Giving in Nonprofit Revenue 15:00 Acquisition Costs and Donor Lifetime Value 18:11 The Economics of Growth in Nonprofits 29:03 Understanding Lifetime Value (LTV) in Nonprofits 33:08 Acquisition Costs and Break-Even Analysis 38:03 The Role of High Net Worth Donors 38:40 Portfolio Balance in Fundraising 43:28 Diversifying Acquisition Channels 47:29 The Importance of Metrics in Nonprofit Growth 50:58 Encouragement for Nonprofit Professionals Keywords fundraising, nonprofit, donor retention, benchmark report, recurring giving, acquisition costs, lifetime value, donor engagement, Virtuous, social impactStrategic Planning That Actually Works: Practical Tools for Nonprofit Leaders With Stacye Brim
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 don't just gather dust but drive real change. We discuss how project management can enhance organizational efficiency and ensure that strategic initiatives meet their intended outcomes. Whether you're grappling with budget constraints or aiming to stay values-aligned amid shifting landscapes, this episode offers valuable strategies to keep your nonprofit on track. Join us as we uncover how to transform visionary plans into tangible results, ensuring your mission thrives even in challenging times.From Data Chaos to Clarity: Rethinking Nonprofit Impact with Ori Carmel & Sophie Blondeau
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, Ori and Sophie deliver a candid, thoughtful, and practical conversation on the real challenges of impact measurement in 2025. Takeaways - Measuring impact is essential for nonprofits to demonstrate their effectiveness. - Understanding your organization's mission and vision is crucial for impact measurement. - A clear theory of change helps organizations focus on their goals. - Stakeholder mapping is vital for understanding different perspectives on impact. - Fragmented data is a common challenge for organizations, but progress is possible. - Short-term metrics are important for tracking progress, but long-term impact is the ultimate goal. - Centralized data systems could enhance impact measurement but come with challenges. - Organizations should embrace a data maturity model to assess their capabilities. - Creating sustainable solutions requires a multi-faceted approach. - Engaging in conversations about impact measurement can lead to valuable insights. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Impact Measurement 08:34 Defining Impact in the Nonprofit Sector 14:13 The Importance of Theory of Change and Logic Models 20:25 Stakeholder Mapping and Its Role in Impact Measurement 26:18 Challenges of Fragmented Data in Nonprofits 35:28 Exploring Central Data Repositories in Social Impact 40:19 Stakeholder Perspectives on Data Sharing 41:38 The Role of Centralized Data in Health and Human Services 43:28 Lessons from COVID-19: Data Sharing in Crisis 49:02 Balancing Short-Term Metrics with Long-Term Change 01:00:03 Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders