Riding the Hype Curves: Community Foundations, Crypto, and DAFs
When new technology hits the market, the hype can be overwhelming. Think crypto, NFTs, blockchain. Gartner’s Hype Curve tracks how enthusiasm around new tech surges and dips over time. What does this curve look like for philanthropy? And what does the future hold for grantmakers looking to leverage tech for maximum social impact?
In this episode of Impact Audio, Leon Wilson, Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer at the Cleveland Foundation, and Sam Caplan, Submittable’s VP of Social Impact address these questions and more.
Listen in to learn:
- Why philanthropic work spurs entrepreneurial innovation
- How funders can diversify tech leadership through recruitment
- What Amara’s Law can teach us about crypto
- How community foundations can compete with DAFs
- Why we should also look to small foundations as model changemakers
We hope you enjoy the conversation.
Leon Wilson has over 25 years in the field of Information Technology, currently as the Chief of Digital Innovation & Chief Information Officer at the Cleveland Foundation. In this dual role, Leon is part of the executive committee leading the foundation’s Information & Technology Services department, focusing on strategic and transformational use of technology and data within the foundation. Additionally, as the Chief for Digital Innovation, Leon oversees the foundation’s Digital Excellence grantmaking strategy geared toward “building a stronger, more equitable and inclusive digital community”; along with elevating Greater Cleveland’s position as a major regional smart tech and technology innovation hub. Previously, Leon served as the Senior Director of Technology & Data Engagement for the Michigan Nonprofit Association. He is a frequent speaker at many nonprofit conferences and a lecturer at the University of Michigan teaching information technology in the schools of business and public administration.
Sam Caplan is the Vice President of Social Impact at Submittable, a platform that foundations, governments, nonprofits, and other changemakers use to launch, manage, and measure impactful granting and CSR programs. Inspired by the amazing work performed by practitioners of all stripes, Sam strives to help them achieve their missions through better, more effective software.
Sam formerly served as founder of New Spark Strategy, Chief Information Officer at the Walton Family Foundation, and head of technology at the Walmart Foundation. He consults, advises, and writes on social impact technology, strategy, and innovation.
Connect with or follow Sam on Linkedin, listen to his podcast Impact Audio, and subscribe to his bi-weekly newsletter The Review.
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