Beyond The Blog

The Patterson Foundation
  • 0.0 (0)
  • NON-PROFIT

Beyond the Blog is an evolution of The Patterson Foundation’s storytelling approach focused on creating and sharing engaging content featuring the people, organizations, and communities strengthened through the Foundation’s work. This idea began and grew in 2022 with strategic oversight from MagnifyGood, guidance from Debra Jacobs, and content planning, coordination, and production by Kellie Alexander and Rachel Hettinger. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Why The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation & The Patterson Foundation Are Investing in Social Enterprise for Nonprofit Impact

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, host Read Corley speaks with Michael Corley, Consultant with The Patterson Foundation, and Meher Shulman, Associate Director of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, to explore how both foundations are working with No Margin, No Mission to strengthen nonprofit sustainability.  The conversation focuses on how No Margin, No Mission supports nonprofit organizations through the Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition program and the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Social Enterprise Accelerator. Together, they discuss how social enterprise ventures, earned income strategies, and nonprofit-run businesses are helping organizations diversify revenue, build resilience, and approach mission delivery with an entrepreneurial mindset. Timestamps  00:00 – Introducing Michael Corley and Meher Shulman03:20 – Why earned income became a priority for the Patterson Foundation06:08 – How the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation partnered with No Margin, No Mission09:06 – Early outcomes and examples from the Social Enterprise Accelerator11:05 – Why relationships are critical to sustaining social enterprise work14:24 – Collaboration versus competition inside nonprofit cohorts16:51 – Reflections from the all-cohort learning session19:54 – How foundations leverage entrepreneurial success to strengthen nonprofits22:20 – The broader benefits of earned income beyond revenue24:15 – What strengthening the nonprofit sector truly meansLinks to Learn More  Greater Hartford Gives Foundation WebsiteWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    26 min

  2. 2D AGO

    The Magic of Building Relationships Featuring Laurin Kelly

    This podcast explores how a seemingly simple connection can turn into something that can change the trajectory of your life.  Timestamps  00:14 – Welcome & Introduction00:37 – Ericia highlights the history and background of her and Laurin’s relationship01:49 – Laurin shares what inspired her to start her firm and how it has evolved over the years03:00 – Laurin discusses how relationships shaped her growth and the direction of her consulting firm04:18 – Laurin provides examples of how relationships opened doors and created new opportunities06:17 – Advice from Laurin for emerging leaders on building authentic connections08:20 – Laurin reiterates the importance of relationships and their direct correlation to long-term successLinks to Learn More  Battle Plan Strategic Consulting Fellowship Connect Beyond The Blog Battle Plan Strategic Consulting Laurin Kelly LinkedInWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    10 min

  3. 3D AGO

    Andrew Spector, TPF Fellow 2023/2026 - Learning and Applying a Multifaceted Approach to Philanthropic Impact

    In this Beyond The Blog episode, focused on the Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, sits down with Andrew Spector, Senior Fellow 2023/25, to reflect on his winding path to the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) and The Patterson Foundation and his experience in year three as a Senior Fellow.  In this conversation, Andrew discusses the value of the TPF Fellowship in broadening his understanding of the role and impact funders can have beyond the check, and diving into a range of skill-building and networking opportunities that benefit both him and the organization. The work has challenged him, strengthened him, and evolved his aspirations as he looks for what’s next within his launch phase.  Timestamps  2:22 - Andrew Spector’s Winding Path to the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) and The Patterson Foundation (TPF)4:56 -  The Jewish Studies Fellowship6:28 - Getting to LFSOP11:00 - Learning about TPF’s Fellowship12:20 - Andrew’s Perception of a Fellow Versus The Reality 13:39 - The Evolving Role of a TPF Fellow15:20 -  Philanthropy Beyond a Check 16:50 - The Experience of Being Loaned Out to Other Funders 19:13 -  Podcasting as a Form of Strategic Communications24:42 - The Launch PhaseLinks to Learn More  About Andrew Spector Change Happens at the Speed of TrustThe Patterson Foundation FellowshipBlog: A Multifaceted Approach to Making an Impact in The Philanthropic SectorJoin The Journey

    32 min

  4. JAN 27

    Manatee County Makes Learning Accessible Through Their ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language Program With Debra Estes

    Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with the Director of the ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language Program for Manatee County Schools, Deb Estes, to discuss how Manatee County has established systems to foster widespread support and programming for families in need of resources.  Timestamps 00:30 Intro ​01:13 Debra dives into her history and her work.03:18 Debra explains “Two-way Immersion.”06:25 Debra breaks down how students get identified to be in the program and how they establish services for those families.12:55 Debra talks about how the communication between the district, the school, and the families works.18:20 Debra Talks about some of the difficulties immigrant and migrant families face regarding schooling and what they are doing to help.19:56 Debra shares whether or not immigration status affects a child’s ability to register for school.20:58 Debra discusses some of the barriers families face in gaining access to public education.24:33 Debra talks about what they do to help connect families with the resources available.26:23 Debra discusses The Patterson Foundation’s ESOL & ELL Ecosystem30:31 Big Picture Small Steps30:50 Debra shares her hopes for the dual language program in the next 5 years and beyond.32:46 Debra explains what families can do now to connect with community resources and other simple steps families can take to help their children succeed in school. Links to Learn More  Dual Language Program Manatee County Facebook Manatee County ESOLBlog: Learning Made Accessible Through ESOL, Migrant, and Dual Language Programs Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    36 min

  5. JAN 21

    How Cook County Is Advancing Digital Equity Through People, Policy, and Practice

    Digital equity goes far beyond internet access. It touches people, trust, language, and the systems that shape opportunity. In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, Cook County’s inaugural Director of Digital Equity, Kyla Williams Tate, shares how digital inclusion works best when it is treated as a living ecosystem. She explores the role of storytelling, small but strategic investments, trust-building, and designing programs with dignity at the center. The conversation also looks at AI, digital literacy, and the human infrastructure needed to support communities. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on building digital equity that lasts and truly serves people. Timestamps  00:00 Welcome and framing digital equity as a living ecosystem01:44 Cook County’s approach to digital equity and systems-level impact04:01 Storytelling, small investments, and community-centered success06:12 Why definitions of digital access, inclusion, and equity matter09:09 Engaging stakeholders through trust, collaboration, and shared value12:18 Lessons from the Affordable Connectivity Program and trust challenges15:21 Digital equity initiatives that are working and scaling impact18:33 Building trust through dignity, confidence, and digital literacy22:32 Preparing communities for AI with ethics, literacy, and human support Links to Learn More  Kyla Williams Tate LinkedInWebinar LinkCook County Digital Equity Action PlanCook County Digital Equity MapCook County Digital Equity Impact Small Grants ProgramCook County Digital Equity Website Connect Beyond The Blog Kyla Williams Tate LinkedIn Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    33 min

  6. JAN 21

    Fundraising with Confidence, Clarity, & Purpose with Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability podcast, host Read Corley talks with Megan Howell, founder and executive director of Second Heart Homes, about what it really takes to build sustainable nonprofit fundraising. Megan shares how Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped her move beyond transactional asks and toward a true culture of philanthropy. The conversation covers donor relationships, legacy giving, and the Linkage, Interest, and Ability framework, along with real stories that led to six-figure gifts and long-term support. The conversation highlights how nonprofit leaders can approach fundraising with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Timestamps 00:00 Welcome and overview of Fueling Dynamic Fundraising00:34 Meet Meghan Howell and the mission of Second Heart Homes02:07 The eight-year relationship that led to the founding of the organization05:12 Why fundraising is essential to sustaining housing solutions05:39 Core principles behind Fueling Dynamic Fundraising10:31 Linkage, Interest, and Ability explained in real terms12:19 The story behind a surprise $400,000 gift15:09 How legacy giving led to a $100,000 commitment20:05 Building a culture of fundraising across the organization Links to Learn More  Megan Howell LinkedIn​Second Heart HomesBlog: Building a Culture of Fundraising That Lasts Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    27 min

  7. 12/17/2025

    Diversifying Revenue Without Losing the Mission: Lessons from Resilient Retreat

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, Read Corley sits down with Lisa Intagliata, CEO of Resilient Retreat, to unpack how a young nonprofit built a mission-aligned social enterprise to diversify revenue and protect its ability to offer free, confidential healing programs for adult survivors of trauma and abuse, including first responders and helping professionals.  Lisa shares how Margin & Mission Ignition helped turn an idea into The Retreat Sarasota, an earned-revenue event rental venture, and why clear internal and external communication became the make-or-break factor for alignment. You’ll hear practical lessons on launching a business plan, managing systems, and calendaring to keep mission first, and expanding into wellness retreats without losing staff buy-in or community trust. Timestamps  00:00 - Introducing Lisa Intagliata, CEO, Resilient Retreat04:30 - Margin & Mission Ignition and the commitment required06:30 - Building The Retreat Sarasota from concept to business plan08:30 - A major misconception about fundraising and earned income10:15 - Donor excitement, staff caution, and early tension13:00 - Choosing event rentals as the first social enterprise16:30 - Expanding into wellness retreats using existing strengths20:30 - Leadership lessons on communication and internal alignmentLinks to Learn More  Resilient Retreat WebsiteThe Retreat Sarasota WebsiteBlog: Building Earned Income Without Losing Trust: Lessons from Resilient Retreat’s Work with Margin & Mission IgnitionConnect Beyond The Blog Lisa Intagliata LinkedinRead Corley LinkedinWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    28 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Connecting and Collaborating with our Communities on Disasters 

    The Patterson Foundation’s Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency (CPR-R) initiative is really starting to get its footing as it continues to uncover areas of need in the disaster ecosystem. Most notably, CPR-R has chosen to focus its current efforts on strengthening Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs). Karen Windon, CPR-R Initiative Lead, joined host Leah Verier-Dunn on Rising Resilience, a Beyond The Blog Podcast, to share more about what focusing on CERTs looks like.  Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Karen Windon, Initiative Lead03:01 - Why CPRR Was Created06:48 - What Are CERT Teams?13:12 - Disaster Ecosystem Overview16:33 - CERT Summit AnnouncementLinks to Learn More: Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency Community Emergency Response Teams2026 CERT Summit: Rising Resilience - Ready TogetherBlog: Getting to Know the Community Preparedness, Recovery, and Resiliency InitiativeWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    25 min
See All (100)

About

Beyond the Blog is an evolution of The Patterson Foundation’s storytelling approach focused on creating and sharing engaging content featuring the people, organizations, and communities strengthened through the Foundation’s work. This idea began and grew in 2022 with strategic oversight from MagnifyGood, guidance from Debra Jacobs, and content planning, coordination, and production by Kellie Alexander and Rachel Hettinger. 

Information

  • Creator
    The Patterson Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Blog
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Blog