The Social Impact Solutions Podcast

Social Impact Solutions
  • 5.0 (5)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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 on measuring and marketing your impact. Tune in, take notes, and let’s create a world where your work speaks for itself.

  1. From Strategic Planning to Implementation: Making Your Impact Measurable in 2026

    FEB 10

    From Strategic Planning to Implementation: Making Your Impact Measurable in 2026

    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 programs with strategic goals, understanding the true impact of nonprofit activities, and incorporating measurable objectives into strategic plans. They also address the misconceptions surrounding impact measurement and the necessity of having a clear theory of change and logic model to guide nonprofit efforts. Ultimately, the conversation underscores that keeping impact at the center of strategic planning is essential for nonprofit success and donor engagement. Episode Resources: - Schedule a Free Call a with Social Impact Solutions Co-Founders: www.socialimpactsolutions.com - Take the Free Fundraising Quiz: www.fundraisingquiz.org Episode Chapters - 00:00: The Importance of Impact Measurement in Nonprofits - 11:15: Understanding the Gaps in Strategic Planning - 18:57: Creating a Logic Model for Impact Measurement - 26:27: The Role of Funders in Impact Measurement

    31 min
  2. Unlocking the Secret That Drives Nonprofit Impact with Sheri Chaney Jones

    FEB 3

    Unlocking the Secret That Drives Nonprofit Impact with Sheri Chaney Jones

    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 in 2025, and how those utilizing tools like SureImpact have thrived by adapting their strategies and diversifying funding sources. We discuss common misconceptions about impact measurement, the importance of leadership commitment, and how data-driven organizations can seize opportunities amidst uncertainty. Join us as we navigate the complexities of nonprofit impact and uncover strategies for success in 2026 and beyond.

    37 min
  3. Reimagining Fundraising: Practical Strategies for Nonprofit Growth

    12/31/2025

    Reimagining Fundraising: Practical Strategies for Nonprofit Growth

    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 the right funders instead of spreading efforts too thin, and choose fundraising activities that actually move the needle. The conversation also explores how to increase volunteer engagement, measure and communicate impact with clarity, and leverage tools like social media and SMS to strengthen donor relationships. This bonus episode is designed to help nonprofit leaders reflect, refocus, and head into the new year equipped to grow fundraising efforts and amplify social impact! Episode Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Nonprofit Challenges - 05:14 Engaging New Donors - 11:43 Key Fundraising Activities for Small Teams - 16:30 Effective Marketing Strategies for Nonprofits - 24:13 Measuring and Communicating Impact - 25:20 Diversifying Your Donor Base: Myths and Realities - 28:14 Understanding Funder Fit and Diversification - 30:41 Concentration vs. Diversification in Fundraising - 33:29 Attracting and Retaining Ideal Funders - 34:05 Engaging New Donors on Social Media - 37:48 Addressing Cost of Living Increases with Donors - 40:31 Boosting Volunteer Engagement - 44:23 Effective Use of Text Communication - 46:16 Articulating Program Impact - 51:01 Finding New Donors and Funders

    56 min
  4. Building Sustainable Philanthropy: A Community-Centric Approach with Lauren Tudor

    12/30/2025

    Building Sustainable Philanthropy: A Community-Centric Approach with Lauren Tudor

    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, resilient nonprofits. Lauren Tudor shares practical insights on asset-based community development, honest communication, and meaningful collaboration among stakeholders, especially in times of economic uncertainty. Together, they highlight how nonprofits can strengthen funding strategies, deepen trust, and foster authentic community connections that support long-term impact. This episode will equip you with practical tools and a fresh perspective to help you build funding models that truly serve both your mission and your community. Episode Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to Community-Centric Philanthropy - 04:31 The Shift from Donor-Centric to Community-Centric Approaches - 06:56 Building Community Capacity and Relationships - 09:58 Navigating Economic Challenges in Nonprofits - 12:29 Upsides of Community-Centric Philanthropy for Stakeholders - 14:56 Leadership Changes and Mindset Shifts - 17:01 Creating Authentic Community Connections - 19:44 The Role of Honesty and Communication - 21:56 Building Resilience Through Community Engagement - 23:58 Implementing Community-Centric Approaches - 26:42 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

    36 min
  5. Equipping Communities in Extreme Poverty for Lasting Change: The Long Way Home Story with Matt Paneitz

    12/23/2025

    Equipping Communities in Extreme Poverty for Lasting Change: The Long Way Home Story with Matt Paneitz

    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 from recycled materials, to uplift communities living in extreme poverty. - Learn about their unique approach to integrating these projects into educational curriculums, empowering students to become active participants in their community's development. - Determine how to use strategic insights from Social Impact Solutions and apply them to your non-profit organization today. Tune in to hear about the challenges and triumphs of scaling these impactful initiatives and the vision for a brighter future! Episode Chapters: - 00:00 Introduction to Long Way Home and Its Mission - 03:00 -Innovative Building Solutions Using Trash - 05:41 Impact on Quality of Life and Health - 08:39 Scaling the Model for Broader Impact - 11:26 Challenges and Opportunities in Fundraising - 14:14 Community Involvement and Democratic Processes - 17:18 Success Stories and Social Return on Investment - 20:04 Partnerships and Collaborations for Growth - 23:02 Future Goals and Vision for Long Way Home - 25:59 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    45 min
  6. Year-End Fundraising That Works: How Communicating Impact Inspires Giving

    12/04/2025

    Year-End Fundraising That Works: How Communicating Impact Inspires Giving

    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, clarity, and authentic connection to inspire generosity and strengthen donor relationships. In this episode, you’ll discover how to: - Communicate your organization’s impact in a way that moves donors to action. - Clearly articulate the size of the problem you’re solving and why now is the moment to invest. - Showcase real outcomes and demonstrate exactly how funding will drive change. - Engage both long-time supporters and new prospects, even when donor history is unclear. At the core of every successful campaign is gratitude and a powerful invitation. Tune in to learn proven, practical strategies that elevate your year-end fundraising and accelerate the social impact your community needs. Episode Chapters: - 02:20 Understanding the Size of the Problem - 07:51 Communicating the Funding Need - 13:47 Measuring Impact for Effective Communication - 18:33 Defining and Measuring Impact - 23:52 Addressing Impact Measurement Challenges - 33:02 Engaging with Donors Effectively

    37 min
  7. Turning Powerful Nonprofit Stories Into Measurable Impact with Julie Davitz

    09/12/2025

    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 impact

    32 min
  8. Unlocking Fundraising Success with Carly Berna

    08/22/2025

    Unlocking 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 impact

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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 on measuring and marketing your impact. Tune in, take notes, and let’s create a world where your work speaks for itself.

Information

  • Creator
    Social Impact Solutions
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean