The Social Impact Solutions Podcast

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, we're kicking off a new series focused on client stories. Over the coming episodes, you'll meet the nonprofit leaders we partner with, hear about the missions driving their work, and learn how strategic support helps organizations grow their impact. If you've wondered what a partnership with Social Impact Solutions looks like, this series shows you, in our clients' own words. We're starting with Jackie Walker, Executive Director of Love Bus, an organization that provides holistic, long-term support to families facing childhood cancer. Jackie shares the story of founder Lucy and the legacy that shaped Love Bus. She explains why the "in-between moments" of treatment matter so much, and how Love Bus keeps supporting families long after treatment ends. She also talks candidly about the work of showing impact: simplifying data, telling stronger stories, and why she sees impact measurement and fundraising as closely linked. For nonprofit leaders weighing a strategic partnership, Jackie offers honest advice on what to look for, why trust matters, and why ongoing collaboration can fuel long-term growth. Episode Resources: -Connect with Love Bus: https://www.lovebus.org/ - Work with Social Impact Solutions: Ready to strengthen your strategy, fundraising, or impact storytelling? Visit https://www.socialimpactsolutions.com/ to learn how we can support your team. Episode Chapters: -00:00 Introduction to Love Bus and its mission -01:16 Founder Lucy’s story and legacy -03:34 The importance of in-between moments for families -05:56 Challenges faced by families during cancer treatment -06:28 Long-term support and impact after treatment -09:17 Improving impact demonstration and fundraising -11:27 Simplifying data and storytelling for greater impact -12:09 Trust and collaboration with social impact solutions -16:31 Why ongoing partnership is vital for growth -19:52 Advice for nonprofit leaders considering strategic partnerships -23:06 Celebrating the impact and future of Love Bus

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-founders John Mark Vanderpool and Lauren Vanderpool introduce a brand new podcast segment - Ask Me Anything (AMA), where you get your questions answered. In this first AMA, they respond to thoughtful questions from their recent strategic planning webinar, offering practical guidance you can apply right away. You'll hear how to create a simple, flexible strategic plan your team can confidently put into action, why impact measurement grounded in a clear theory of change belongs at the heart of that plan, and how leadership involvement strengthens your impact strategy. If you're ready to lead with clarity and grow your organization's impact, this conversation is one you won't want to miss! Episode Resources: - Take the FREE nonprofit fundraising quiz! https://www.fundraisingquiz.org/ Episode Chapters -00:00 Introduction to webinar recap and key topics -02:24 Why concentrated funder strategies lead to growth -04:52 Funders channels and organizational size -07:03 Leadership involvement in impact strategy -09:08 The value of a flexible, actionable strategic plan -11:29 Simplifying strategic plans for better implementation -13:49 Impact measurement as a foundation for organizational growth -15:15 The core purpose of nonprofits is creating impact -15:39 Impact measurement as essential for scaling and success -16:07 Closing remarks and future podcast plans

On this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Jonathan Beck, CEO of We Give, joins Co-Founder John Mark Vanderpool to break down what actually moves the needle when nonprofits invest in technology. Jonathan explains why donor experience has become the new frontier of fundraising, how impact portals turn one-time gifts into lasting relationships, and what it really costs an organization when data lives across five disconnected tools. Together they unpack the metrics worth tracking, the case for bi-directional data sync and automation, and why consistent inputs compound into exponential growth over time. Whether you're a small shop running on spreadsheets or a growing organization ready to scale, this conversation offers a practical path toward aligning programs, fundraising, and impact goals. Episode Resources: - Connect with WeGive today and discover how they can partner to transform donor retention: https://www.wegive.com/ - Take the FREE nonprofit fundraising quiz today: https://www.fundraisingquiz.org/ Episode Chapters -00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Beck and We Give -03:59 The Role of Impact Portals in Donor Experience -07:56 The Importance of Integrated Systems -11:59 Data Silos and Fragmented Tools -16:02 Metrics, KPIs, and the Impact of Data -19:58 Impact Data and Cost-Effectiveness in Fundraising -24:04 The Leverage of Technology in Nonprofit Growth -27:58 Communication Preferences and Multi-Channel Engagement -32:00 Bi-Directional Data Sync and Automation -35:56 Efficiency and Effort in Fundraising -37:56 The Bell Curve of Donor Giving and Impact -39:58 The Role of Technology in Scaling Impact -41:59 Different Organizational Buckets and Tech Needs -43:57 Change Management and Data Integration Challenges -46:10 The Value of Visibility and Insight -47:58 Starting with Where You Are and Planning Forward -50:03 The Power of Consistent Inputs and Exponential Growth -52:03 The Importance of Impact and Program Data -53:59 Aligning Programs, Fundraising, and Impact Goals

On This Episode of the Social Impact Solutions podcast, Ginneh Baugh, Chief Impact Officer at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America sits down with co-founder Lauren Vanderpool to share how nonprofits can measure what matters without overcomplicating the process. She breaks down a practical approach to impact evaluation, showing how mentorship, belonging, and clear outcomes can be tracked and communicated in a way that actually helps teams grow their mission. If you lead a nonprofit or work in social impact, this conversation offers a concise roadmap for defining success, using data with purpose, and scaling programs with confidence. From stronger storytelling to smarter evaluation, you’ll walk away with actionable insights on how to demonstrate real value to funders, partners, and the communities you serve. Episode Resources: - Visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Webpage to learn more and get involved! https://www.bbbs.org/ - Take the FREE nonprofit fundraising quiz: https://www.fundraisingquiz.org/ Episode Chapters -00:00 Introduction to Ginneh Baugh and her role at Big Brothers Big Sisters of America -02:15 The importance of impact measurement and defining impact -04:36 Overview of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the role of mentorship -08:01 Why social connection and mentorship are critical now -12:32 Quantifying the need and measuring impact in mentorship programs -16:54 Using data and validated tools for impact assessment -20:14 Impact on stakeholders and communicating results -26:56 Theory of Change process and organizational strategy -31:31 Revisiting and updating impact measurement and theory of change -36:36 Scaling mentorship and expanding social impact

In this episode of the Social Impact Solutions Podcast, Co-Founder John Mark Vanderpool sits down with Jonna Ward to highlight the incredible collaborative work being done with clients of Social Impact Solutions. This series shines a light on the organizations and leaders Social Impact Solutions has worked alongside, offering listeners a behind the scenes glimpse into the mission-driven partnerships helping strengthen communities. In this conversation, Jonna shares the mission and impact of the Library Support Network, an organization dedicated to supporting public libraries through fundraising, peer connection, and sector-wide collaboration. She explores why public libraries matter so deeply, the challenges they face, and how fundraising and community support can transform the role libraries play in society. If you’re interested in nonprofit strategy, public library advocacy, or the power of mission driven partnerships, this episode offers an inspiring look at how collective support can make a lasting difference. Episode Resources: - Take the FREE Non-profit Fundraising Quiz Today! https://www.fundraisingquiz.org/ Episode Chapters - 00:00 Introduction to the Library Support Network - 02:06 Jonna Ward's background and the founding of the Network - 05:09 The importance of public libraries in trust and community - 07:57 Challenges faced by library foundations and how to address them - 11:59 Building a networked organization for impact - 15:58 Fundraising strategies and diversifying revenue - 20:00 The role of libraries in lifelong learning and social connection - 24:05 Impact measurement and benchmarking in library support - 27:57 The future of public libraries and community support