Foundant Technologies (Foundant), a leader in making philanthropy easier and more impactful through innovative software solutions and exceptional client experiences, launched a quarter-long series of free educational events and resources aimed at helping philanthropic organizations “work smarter, not harder.” In partnership with Rachel Myers, a collaborator and strategist with more than 23 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Foundant created a series of webinars, podcasts, blogs and virtual coffee talks that provide tangible tips and tools to help organizations make space for the work that matters most.
Philanthropic organizations are working tirelessly to improve lives while facing economic uncertainty, staffing shortages and donor hesitancy. In a December 2021 report from the National Council of Nonprofits, nearly half of nonprofits had 20 percent or more of their positions open. At a time when the philanthropic community is seeing a greater demand for services and support, they continue to do more with even less.
“2023 presents an opportunity for the philanthropic sector to collaborate and work together to tackle the challenges in the workplace, as well as to fuel changes that can create a larger collective impact,” said Foundant’s CEO and co-founder Chris Dahl. “Foundant’s innovative software solutions and resources help organizations increase efficiency; focus on their missions; and connect people, organizations and data—creating a larger impact within the philanthropic community.”
Foundant’s new Work Smarter, Not Harder series offers resources to enable organizations to be more efficient, including:
- An educational webinar sharing tips on prioritization, creating great meetings and leveraging technology
- Coffee Talks for community foundations, grantmakers and scholarship providers that focus on sharing best practices, discussing workflows and engaging in robust dialogue and idea sharing with others in the philanthropic sector
- Podcast episodes offering an opportunity for Rachel and fellow philanthropic thought leaders to dive deeper into the topics of leveraging technology, prioritization, time management, creating great meetings and getting work done
“I’ve really enjoyed and learned a lot by sitting in on these webinars, and always come away with lots of new ideas,” shared Judi Stauffer, a member of Cinnabar Foundation’s board of directors. “Your latest program on ‘Working Smarter, Not Harder’ was an especially good reminder to prioritize and work within our foundation’s staff/board capacity…no matter how many great ideas I and others bring to the table!”
In April 2023, Foundant will launch its next quarterly content theme in collaboration with communication expert, speaker and University of Washington professor Erica Mills Barnhart. The upcoming series will offer a new wave of educational resources for the philanthropic community focused on utilizing effective communication tools to build stronger relationships between funders, nonprofits, donors, scholarship providers and board members.
Kristin’s passion is sharing knowledge and stories with the philanthropic community so they can make a difference. As Foundant Technologies’ Director of Brand & Communications, she enjoys collaborating with her highly creative and talented team to deliver engaging materials and sector education.
As an avid reader and writer, Kristin is fascinated with the written word and all forms of communication. In her spare time, she loves reading, writing, painting, swimming, cooking, and spending time with her comedic husband and children. Volunteering throughout the community and finding ways to get involved with fundraisers that make a difference is important to her. Kristin sits on the Board of Directors for two small nonprofits: We Are HER – dedicated to helping survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault become HER: healed, empowered, and restored through an online community and robust programming aimed at connection; and Pride House 406 – focused on providing a safe after-school space for LGBTQIA+ youth in the Gallatin Valley.
Drop her a line or connect on LinkedIn if you have an idea for some inspiring content or want to connect over a shared love of stories.