Beyond The Blog

In this episode, we explore how "Principles & Techniques of Fundraising," a four-day, in-person training of Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's The Fund Raising School, equips nonprofit leaders with practical, research-backed tools to strengthen fundraising efforts.  

Tom Melville, Executive Director of the Literacy Council of Sarasota, and Board President Laura Randall, who attended th...

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Regional Program Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Crystal Walter, to explore her aspirations for DeSoto County and how her organization’s mentorship programs are empowering local youth.

Crystal shares how building strong relationships, nurturing trust, and investing in young people are central to creating the kind of community where e...

In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, host Read Corley sits down with Bruce Clark, Digital Inclusion Project Manager, Center for Digital Equity at Queens University, to explore how collaborative ecosystems can bridge the digital divide. They dive into the power of trust, community partnerships, and the critical three-legged stool of digital access: connectivity, devices, and skills/support. 

Timestamps 

• (00:00) Introduct...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability podcast, Read Corley sits down with Nancy Nallin and Rene Ferreira from Big Cat Habitat to explore how the Margin & Mission Ignition (MMI) initiative from The Patterson Foundation helped them supercharge sustainability. From gift shops to yoga with animals, they've transformed entrepreneurial ideas into mission-driven revenue streams, all while nurturing a new generation of lea...

This episode of Beyond The Blog features Ericia Henry, a Fellow with The Patterson Foundation, and Grace Wang, a student at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, who recently completed an internship with The Venice Symphony through The Patterson Foundation’s Nonprofit Internship Program. Join us as we explore Grace’s journey, the experiences that shaped her, and how this opportunity has influenced her growth and development as a...

In this episode of Digital Access Discoveries, host Read Corley sits down with Kathy Bisbee, Director of the Alliance for Digital Equity, to explore how Massachusetts is building one of the nation’s most promising models for digital inclusion. Kathy shares powerful lessons from launching a statewide Digital Navigators network, co-designing a credentialing program, and championing digital equity in both rural and urban communities. ...

In this episode of The New Civic Path podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with facilitator Carolina Franco to explore the power of book circles in building trust, fostering empathy, and sparking action in our communities. Carolina shares inspiring stories from her experience leading circles, from participants finding hope in difficult times to small actions that created ripple effects of change.

These conversations show us that...

This episode of Rising Resilience shares the evolution of The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in the disaster space. Hear about TPF’s commitment to optimizing efforts toward long-term impact in our Suncoast region and beyond.

Timestamps 

• 00:00 - Introducing Rising Resilience
• 01:10 - Why is TPF in disaster recovery? 
• 04:30 - How has the way TPF has funded disaster recovery changed?
• 07:15 - How do we define preparedness, recovery, ...

On this episode of Discover DeSoto, Alicia Exantus chats with fellow Patterson Foundation consultant, Sherry Oehler.

Though Sherry lives in Manatee County, her work has brought her deeply into the heart of DeSoto through a special assignment with the DeSoto Digest Newsletter team. Together, Alicia and Sherry explore what it means to tell stories that connect residents, community leaders, and organizations, painting a fuller picture ...

In this episode of The New Civic Path Beyond The Blog podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Monica Encarnacion, founder and CEO of Homeschool STEAM. Monica reflects on her experience in a New Civic Path book circle, sharing how it transformed her outlook from feeling hopeless to hopeful and why small actions can spark big community change. They discuss finding common ground, fostering civic responsibility, and the unique design...

The Patterson Foundation's (TPF)  approach to philanthropy goes beyond traditional geographic boundaries, tapping into expansive networks and movements that work toward shared aspirations.

Exemplifying TPF's collaborative approach to philanthropy, a report titled Proven Practices: Applying National Practices Locally was developed to identify and examine ten instances where TPF worked with national organizations to catalyze...

In this episode of Beyond the Blog: The New Civic Path series, we sit down with Tiffaney Schippert Conner, a former librarian, published writer, and owner of Sobriety Beach, to hear her inspiring reflections on participating in A New Civic Path book circle.

Tiffaney shares how these circles create safe spaces for connection and trust, where vulnerability turns into strength and small actions ripple into meaningful community change. ...

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn has an in-depth conversation with Hedy Chang, Executive Director of Attendance Works. Together, they unpack the growing challenge of chronic absenteeism. How it has become such a widespread issue across the country and why it matters for children, families, and schools alike. Hedy also shares practical strategies, proven approaches, and valu...

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thriveability Podcast, we dive into how one nonprofit leader transformed his approach to fundraising through The Patterson Foundation's Fueling Dynamic Fundraising initiative. Dave Abderhalden, Executive Director of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, shares his firsthand experience from attending the multi-day, research-backed training led by the Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Fa...

In this episode of Beyond the Blog, Sarasota local and Muscle Repair Shop owner Butch Phelps shares his experience participating in a New Civic Path book circle. Butch reflects on the power of authenticity, the importance of starting local, and how everyday neighbors are quietly making a big impact in our communities.

Discover why these book circles create safe spaces for honest conversations, build trust across differences, and ins...

In the latest episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Sondra Guffey, DeSoto County’s Director of Economic Development and Tourism.

Sondra shares her aspirations for the future of DeSoto County and highlights the many ways she is working to make those dreams a reality. From strengthening local businesses to promoting tourism, her leadership is helping shape a thriving, connected community.

Through her involvemen...

In this episode of Connecting Communities: A Beyond the Blog Podcast, host Leah Verier-Dunn chats with Beth Duda about the launch of The Patterson Foundation’s newest book circle selection, A New Civic Path by Rich Harwood. They discuss the success of past book circles, the addition of trained facilitators this time around, and the special connections participants make along the way. Their conversation highlights how book circles c...

Discover how Sarasota Opera is transforming its mission-driven work into sustainable revenue in this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast.

General Director Richard Russell shares the opera company’s journey with Margin & Mission Ignition, an initiative designed to help nonprofits develop earned income strategies that align with their mission. Learn how Sarasota Opera turned its world-class costume collection ...

In this Beyond The Blog conversation, Kiarra Louis invites Josephine Eisenberg, Alicia Exantus, and Stacy Sternberg — three committed, brilliant, and studious women — to share their experience in leveraging The Patterson Foundation's Tuition/Fees Reimbursement Program in collaboration with Indiana University Indianapolis Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (LFSOP) through its Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative.

Recog...