Impact Insiders

Revolutionising Charity Funding with Tom Brushwood of Ziptrix

In this episode of Impact Insiders Podcast, Matthew Damon is joined by Tom Brushwood, Co-Founder of Ziptrix, to explore how AI and data are transforming the future of charity funding.

Tom shares how Ziptrix is using open data and AI to unlock new opportunities for organisations trying to make the world a better place, through tools like Ingrid and their latest development, Scout. Together, they discuss how technology can remove repetitive, time-consuming tasks, helping fundraisers spend less time on administration and more time building meaningful relationships.

Hear Toms thoughts on why AI should take on the robotic tasks, enabling humans to be human again—supporting better decision-making without replacing critical thinking, judgement, or the importance of human connection. The conversation also explores the responsible use of AI, the importance of providing the right guidance and context, and why technology should serve us rather than replace us.

Gain insight into Toms golden rule of marketing and fundraising - be different and challenge the traditions of how things are done. He believes fundraising campaigns don't need to be perfect—because perfection can often lead to bland, personality-free communication. Fundraising is a people business, built on trust, relationships, and emotional connection. Humanity is messy, imperfect, and authentic—and that's where real impact happens.

Why listen?
Whether you're working in fundraising, leading a charity, or simply curious about the future of AI, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how technology can enhance human creativity, strengthen relationships, and help organisations create greater impact—without losing the human touch at the heart of what they do.

In this episode of Impact Insiders, Derek Lubner from iZinga Assist shares insights from over two decades in the NGO and philanthropic space. The conversation explores the importance of verification in building donor trust, the challenges faced by smaller NPOs, and the role of platforms in connecting organisations tin South Africa to funding opportunities. Derek also unpacks the complexity of measuring impact and the need for stronger alignment between donors and NPOs to create change.

In this episode of Impact Insiders, Lindsay Sytsma from Mission Aviation Fellowship, Canada, shares how aviation supports humanitarian aid in some of the world’s most remote regions. From partnership-driven impact to getting started with measurement systems, this conversation explores collaboration, human-centered data, and why meaningful change often begins one small step at a time. 

This episode of Impact Insiders is presented by Ethical Good, in partnership with Relativ Impact. In this episode, Eija Searle speaks with Emma Chaplin and Kate Allan from the PropUp Project, a UK‑based social enterprise tackling waste in the film and TV industry by reusing, rehoming and reselling production materials. The conversation explores how PropUp combines efficient set‑clearance services with clear impact reporting, ensuring valuable resources reach community organisations that ensure dignity, care and real social value.

Get in touch with Kate and Emma by email on [email protected]

Follow us on:

PropUp.uk

Ethical-good.com

Relativimpact.com

In this week’s episode of Impact Insiders, Matt Damon and Jesse Lees continue with the third instalment of the Redemptive Spaces series. Redemptive Spaces is all about property development being used as a platform for social and environmental impact. In this episode they interviewed Marcus and Craig from Community Ministries, which is a church and community hub in Muldersdrift, Gauteng. Community Ministries has a determination to use their church and community hub as a redemptive space for positive change.

This episode of Impact Insiders, Matt Damon and Jesse Lees continue with the Redemptive Spaces series of the pod. Redemptive Spaces has to do with property development being used as a platform for social and environmental impact. In this episode they chat to Dave Child, one of the developers working on Protea Village, which is a community in Bishops Court, Cape Town that was forcefully removed during Apartheid. Today the re-development of the community is underway thanks to determined and lengthy process. For more information visit: https://proteavillage.co.za/

In this episode of Impact Insiders, Matt Damon and Jesse Lees kick off a new series of interviews with innovators in Redemptive Spaces where property is used as a platform for social and environmental impact. In this episode they interview Craig Stewart the co-founder of Odonata Neighbourhood Assets and explore the opportunities of using property investments to address the spatial and racial inequalities in cities like Cape Town, South Africa.

In this episode, we’re joined by Adriano Bisello, Team Coordinator at Eurac Research and a strategic partner of Relatomics Foundation in the i3.0 Strategic Partnership for Community Innovation Programme in Croatia, supported by the National Foundation for Civil Society Development.

In this conversation, we explore Eurac Research’s role in the i3.0 community and how research-led, locally driven innovation is helping communities across Croatia unlock their potential. By building on local resources and aligning with European strategies while staying rooted in what people truly care about these partnerships are co-creating development pathways that help communities thrive.

In this episode of Impact Insiders, Jean-Marc Fontan and Laurence Croteau from PhiLab explore recent shifts in Canadian philanthropy and offer their perspective on where the sector is headed. They dive into the concept of Post-Growth Philanthropy – what it means, why it matters, and how it’s emerging both in Canada and globally.

In this episode of Impact Insiders, Robin Sokoloski from MassCulture shares her perspective on how arts organisations can define and measure impact. The conversation explores collaborative research, data-informed decision-making, and the opportunities for building a culture of learning in the arts sector. The insights shared are valuable lessons for all organisations, not only those in the arts.