The ENGAGE Podcast

In this episode of the Engage podcast, Kristen Bellanger hosts Topher Lovell and Robin Kuehn from the Wolf Conservation Center to discuss their experiences attending bbcon, Blackbaud's annual conference for the social impact community. The guests share how the conference has helped them bridge technology and mission-driven work, including gaining practical tips from super user sessions and networking with other small-team nonprofit leaders. They discuss the benefits of sending diverse team members to the event to cover different technical needs and emphasize the value of direct access to Blackbaud product experts. The conversation serves to highlight the community-driven nature of bbcon and encourages prospective attendees to join the upcoming event in Columbus, Ohio, from September 29th through October 1st, 2026.

In this episode of The ENGAGE Podcast, host Kate Averett Anderson and Blackbaud research scientist Dr. Laurene Currie discuss new research from the Blackbaud Institute regarding how donors perceive and interact with artificial intelligence. The research reveals significant generational divides: Millennials and Gen Z are more comfortable with AI, viewing transparency as a signal of authenticity, whereas Baby Boomers are the most cautious, prioritizing human connection and explicit disclosure. Listen to hear Dr. Currie outline four practical shifts for social impact organizations honing in on their use of artificial intelligence.

Sally Ehrenfried is joined by Kate Stobbe, Chief Executive for Corporate Purpose (CECP), to discuss how corporate responsibility and corporate giving are evolving, what pressures CSR leaders are navigating, and how companies and nonprofits can build stronger partnerships that create measurable impact for communities and the business.

AI adoption in the social impact sector has surged—but results are still uneven.

In this episode of ENGAGE, Kate Averett Anderson, Research and Publications Lead at the Blackbaud Institute, breaks down new research on what it actually takes to turn AI experimentation into measurable impact. Drawing on a survey of nearly 1,400 professionals and more than 1,000 donors, she unpacks the growing divide between organizations that are seeing real returns from AI and those that aren’t.

You’ll hear why just 10% of organizations are pulling ahead with meaningful AI practices—and what they’re doing differently when it comes to governance, data, and transparency.

Kate also walks through four critical gaps shaping the sector right now, including:

The disconnect between AI use and organizational outcomes

The risks of underinvesting in infrastructure and tools

Why data readiness is the make-or-break factor for AI success

And the growing gap between what donors expect and what organizations communicate

Along the way, she shares practical, no-overhaul-required steps you can take to move forward—whether you’re just getting started or trying to scale what’s already working.

If you’ve been asking, “Are we actually getting value from AI?”—this episode gives you a clear place to start.

In this episode of The ENGAGE Podcast, Christine Newman is joined by David Lapp of Blessings of Hope and Martin O'Neill from Rosterfy to discuss the critical role of volunteers in nonprofit organizations. Discover proven strategies for volunteer engagement, recognition, and retention, and learn how organizations can create a thriving volunteer culture that drives lasting community impact.

Stephanie Walker, Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Inclusion at Blackbaud, sits down with Patty McIlreavy, President & CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP), for an insightful conversation about the evolving landscape of disaster philanthropy, the importance of equitable recovery, and practical steps foundations can take to maximize their impact.

Guest Spotlight:

Patty McIlreavy — President & CEO, Center for Disaster Philanthropy

Key Talking Points:

What constitutes a disaster vs. humanitarian crisis? Patty explains that both involve hazards meeting vulnerabilities, but complex humanitarian emergencies feature layered and protracted drivers, such as ongoing displacement or food insecurity.

Trends in disaster philanthropy: While Americans are generous, long-term recovery funding is still lacking. CDP advocates for sustained giving that supports recovery and preparedness, not just immediate relief.

Challenges in the past year: Patty discusses government withdrawal from international and domestic assistance, and the impact this has on nonprofits and affected communities. She highlights the need to support “invisible” disasters that aren’t on the front page but deeply affect communities.

Magic wand wishes for philanthropy: More balanced, flexible, and community-led funding; recognition that recovery takes years; and greater trust in local leadership.

Guidance for foundations: Start with core values and needs. It’s okay to focus your disaster giving where you’re aligned and can make a difference. Support community agency and multi-year recovery.

Sally Ehrenfried is joined by three South Carolina foundation leaders—Susan DeVenny, Arras Foundation, Katy Smith, Greater Good Greenville, and Molly Talbot-Metz, Mary Black Foundation—to reflect on their experience at Foundations on the Hill and share practical, nonpartisan ways philanthropy leaders can build relationships with policymakers to strengthen their communities.

As the year draws to a close, nonprofits and organizations everywhere are putting the finishing touches on their fundraising strategies. Amy Vavra and Jessica Thrift share practical advice, proven tactics, and fresh ideas to help you maximize your impact in these final weeks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

GivingTuesday isn’t just a giving day—it’s a catalyst to transform your individual giving year-round. Are you making the most of it?

Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday, and Carrie Cobb, Chief Data and AI Officer of Blackbaud, discuss the collaborative, special report from the Blackbaud Institute and GivingTuesday.

They dive deep into new data and strategies, like:

Read the report here https://blkb.co/GTxBBI and learn how to leverage these new strategies and spark generosity all year long!