Beyond The Blog

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

The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio.

  1. 2D AGO

    How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series, a Beyond the Blog Podcast, Read Corley sits down with Jesse Coleman, General Manager of WSLR + Fogartyville, to talk about what it really looks like to step into nonprofit leadership and figure out fundraising on the fly. Jesse shares how going through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped him move from uncertainty to having a clear plan by breaking down donor strategy, strengthening stewardship, and learning how to confidently make the ask. They also get into how WSLR + Fogartyville is building a culture of philanthropy with full team buy-in, and how their work with Margin & Mission Ignition is turning unused space into a new revenue stream while staying true to their mission. It is a grounded, honest conversation about learning as you go, building systems that actually work, and growing an organization without losing what makes it special. Timestamps  00:47 – What is WSLR + Fogartyville and its role in the community? 02:02 – Why Jesse joined Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and his initial experience 03:48 – The most impactful lesson from the fundraising training 05:36 – How Jesse implemented fundraising strategies after the course 06:47 – The value of collaborating with other nonprofit leaders 08:11 – What strategies were applied immediately vs. saved for later 09:48 – Jesse’s leadership transition and stepping into the GM role 11:04 – Biggest wins achieved after completing the program 13:56 – Strengths and ongoing challenges in fundraising execution 16:32 – Introduction to Margin & Mission Ignition and the earned revenue model Links to Learn More WSLR WebsiteFDF Page on TPF websiteMMI Page on TPF websiteBlog: How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising Connect Beyond The Blog FacebookLinkedinWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    26 min

  2. MAR 31

    Discover DeSoto: Traci Willingham Shares How DeSoto County Ahead Is Fostering Meaningful Connections

    In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Traci Willingham, Community Relations and Engagement Director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, about her experience as an exhibitor at the DeSoto County Ahead community event.  From the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes, the one  that resonated during our conversation was theme #3, “Nonprofit, Business, Resident and Economic Opportunities to Support DeSoto County.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and residents. Traci and the DeSoto County Ahead event are a perfect example of this theme in action. As an exhibitor and community advocate, Traci not only shared the mission and programs of the Neuro Challenge Foundation but also actively engaged with residents, organizations, and local leaders to build connections that could spark future collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, youth, and community members under one roof, the event embodies the idea of supporting economic and social opportunities in an action-oriented way. Hearing Traci reflect on her experience is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, invest their time, and commit to building something stronger together. The energy from the event continues to ripple outward, influencing how organizations connect and how individuals access support.DeSoto County Ahead is a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around shared aspirations.  I encourage you to stay connected through DeSotoCountyAhead.org and to learn more about the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes.  Timestamps  00:25 - Introduction to Traci Willingham 01:12 - Alicia outlines The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in DeSoto County 02:56 - Traci’s role with the NeuroChallenge Foundation for Parkinson’s04:06 - Traci reflects on exhibitor experience at DeSoto County Ahead Community Event 2026 05:58 - How NeuroChallenge works with community partners and resources 07:35 - Traci’s winning Newcomer Booth Award 08:47 - Further discussion on resources for Parkinson’s disease 10:28 - Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead Community Event as an exhibitor in 2025 and 202613:12 - Traci advises future DeSoto County Ahead Community Event exhibitors14:55 - Traci shares her two Discover DeSoto gems, Jim Space Park and Yellow DeliLinks to Learn More  Neuro Challenge DeSoto County Ahead Initiative Public Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming Together DeSoto County Ahead anthem Celebrating the Winners of the DeSoto Ahea Join The Journey

    17 min

  3. MAR 31

    Inside the Disaster Response Ecosystem: Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Explains How It Really Works

    In this episode of Rising Resilience, Leah Verier-Dunn speaks with former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate about the ins and outs of the disaster ecosystem. Who are the key players and what are their roles? Craig dives into the details of why each layer of support matters, encourages community members to explore Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and even explains why the Waffle House has become a gauge for measuring the post-disaster status of an area.  Timestamps 01:08 – Craig Fugate's background and how he got into emergency management04:02 – What does the disaster ecosystem look like, and who are the key players?12:56 – What roles do  Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)  members play, and how can people of different abilities get involved?20:18 – The importance of communication28:01 – What would you say to someone new who is considering getting CERT training?30:12 – If you had a magic wand, what would you change about how CERT training works?32:44 – What is the Waffle House Index, and how did it come about?Links to Learn More  Volunteer Florida CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) TrainingWaffle House Index ExplainedJoin The Journey

    47 min

  4. MAR 24

    What Does Kindergarten Readiness Really Mean? Dr. Patti Folino Breaks It Down

    In this episode of Beyond the Blog, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Dr. Patti Folino, Principal of Tuttle Elementary School in Sarasota County, to explore what kindergarten readiness really means. With 38 years in education, Dr. Folino brings deep experience and insight into preparing young learners for success. Together, they discuss how kindergarten readiness goes beyond letters and numbers to include independence, social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and early language exposure. The conversation also highlights the role of family engagement, early learning programs, and community partnerships in supporting children before they ever step into a classroom. Listeners will hear about: Why independence and self-help skills matter as much as academicsHow everyday routines can build confidence and resilienceThe importance of early intervention and community resourcesThis conversation highlights how kindergarten readiness is truly a shared responsibility—one that brings together families, educators, and communities to help children thrive from the very start. Timestamps 00:32 - Intro01:07 - Patti talks about her history as a principal and educator in Sarasota, FL.01:54 - Patti gives an overview of what it means for a child to be ready for Kindergarten.02:57 - Patti walks through a typical day at Tuttle Elementary.04:44 - Patti talks about Social Emotional readiness for Kindergarten.07:28 - Patti explains Cognitive Readiness.10:20 - Patti breaks down the self-help skills necessary to be Kindergarten Ready.11:47 - Patti shares how families might approach these ideas of preparedness.13:00 - Patti talks about how Tuttle Elementary approaches Kindergarten Readiness as a school.15:05 - Leah and Patti discuss the Kindergarten Readiness Bags supported by The Patterson Foundation18:25 - Patti shares some of the challenges families face at Title 1 Schools.20:42 - Patti talks about the creative solutions families and educators come up with to overcome their challenges.23:44 - Patti explains the importance of raising our children to be problem-solvers.27:00 - Big Picture Small Steps27:17 - Patti talks about her long-term goals for Kindergarten Readiness30:04 - Patti shares some small steps families can take today to help their child be Kindergarten Ready.Links to Learn More  Early Learning Coalition of SarasotaFL Department of Education School Readiness ProgramForty Carrots (PIP) Partners in Play-Community Foundation of SarasotaSuncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR)Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    33 min

  5. MAR 24

    From Possibility to Practice: How John Ferguson is Carrying Catalytic Philanthropy Beyond the TPF Fellowship

    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 John Ferguson, TPF Fellow 2020/21, to reflect on his winding path to The Patterson Foundation and how the Fellowship experience continues to shape his leadership journey. Throughout the conversation, John shares how his professional path led him to the TPF Fellowship and how the experience evolved in real time as the Fellowship pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on pride points from his Fellowship year, including his work with the Digital Access for All initiative and his participation in national conversations and webinars that expanded his understanding of philanthropy's reach and responsibility. John also discusses developing a catalytic mindset—recognizing philanthropy's role beyond funding to inspire collaboration, possibility, and impact. He also shares why saying yes to the Fellowship became a defining professional decision and how experiences like TPF Beyond helped cultivate a growing community of Possibilitarians committed to learning, sharing, and strengthening connective tissue across communities. Looking beyond the Fellowship, John reflects on his launch phase and the evolution of his career, including his role as Director of Member Programs at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) and his embrace of new opportunities to support philanthropic leaders through initiatives such as CliftonStrengths workshops. His journey highlights how the Fellowship experience continues to influence his leadership approach, professional growth, and commitment to advancing philanthropy in meaningful ways. Timestamps  2:18: John's Winding Path to The Patterson Foundation6:30: Pivoting The Fellowship Experience During COVID-1912:22: Pride Points from The Fellowship13:48: Participating in a National Webinar16:18: Developing a Catalytic Mindset 18:07: Why Say Yes to the TPF Fellowship Opportunity20:02:  Creating a Community of Possibilitarians through TPF Beyond23:07: The Experience & Evolution After Launching From the TPF Fellowship  23:19: Director of Member Programs, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA)26:12 - Stepping into A New Opportunity at IPA with CliftonStrengths Workshop29:35 - John Ferguson Encourages You To Embrace What's Possible  Links to Learn More  About John Ferguson, TPF Fellow 2020/21Glimpse "A brief history of John A. Ferguson" through early 2022View John's Blog LibraryTwo graduates earn Fellowships with The Patterson Foundation Connect Beyond The Blog Join John on Twitter: @TheRealJohnFergLinkedIn: John FergusonTo contact John: jferguson@inphilanthropy.org Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog! Join The Journey

    31 min

  6. FEB 5

    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

  7. FEB 4

    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

  8. FEB 3

    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
See All (105)

About

The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio.

Information

  • Creator
    The Patterson Foundation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beyond The Blog
  • Show Website
    Beyond The Blog