Beyond The Blog

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109

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May 2026

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The Patterson Foundation drives meaningful change through strategic philanthropy by building relationships, fostering collaboration, and sharing knowledge. Moving beyond its weekly blog posts, the Foundation offers Beyond The Blog podcasts to inform and engage listeners while sharing compelling stories of people, organizations, and communities strengthened by its initiatives. Listen to Beyond The Blog podcasts on Apple Podcasts , Spotify and iHeartRadio .

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May 26, 202624 min

Nonprofit Is a Tax Status, Not a Business Plan: Rick Yocum on Margin & Mission Ignition

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series of Beyond The Blog, a Podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host Read Corley talks with Rick Yocum, executive director of the Humane Society of Manatee County, about his experience with Margin & Mission Ignition. Rick shares how the program helped his team focus its veterinary clinic around community needs, build a stronger business plan, and keep every decision tied to the organization’s mission. He also discusses the role of board and staff buy-in, listening to the public, expanding dermatology services, and using clinic revenue to support the shelter and keep more pets with the families who love them.Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Rick Yocum and Margin & Mission Ignition01:29 The first Margin & Mission Ignition venture03:14 Listening to staff, board members, volunteers, and the public06:02 Investing in staff and capacity to grow clinic revenue08:38 Tracking impact beyond dollars10:02 Expanding into dermatology services11:40 Nonprofit is a tax status, not a business plan14:56 Why board involvement mattered from the beginning18:20 The waves created by Margin & Mission Ignition23:23 Rick’s advice: be open and transparent with stakeholdersLinks to Learn More Margin & Mission IgnitionHumane Society of Manatee CountyBlog: How Margin & Mission Ignition Helped the Humane Society of Manatee County Grow With PurposeWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey

May 14, 202621 min

Ericia Henry Reflects on Gaining Confidence, Courage, and Connections During Her TPF Fellowship

In a recent Beyond The Blog podcast, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, speaks with Ericia Henry, TPF Fellow 2024/26, right before she launches to the Kiwanis International Headquarters. Both reflect on her TPF Fellowship experience and what happens when someone actually leans into possibility even when it’s uncomfortable. In this conversation, you'll….Hear what it really looks like to choose courage over comfort because Ericia doesn’t sugarcoat the unknowns, she walks through the fear, the decision-making, and what it takes to say yes anyway.Get an inside look at the TPF Fellowship experience, not just the structure, but how it actually stretches you, builds new skills, and shapes who you become along the way.Walk away with a clearer sense of what can happen when you explore possibilities for your own path. Whether you’re considering the Fellowship or just navigating your next step, her journey sparks that “what if I did it too?” feeling. Timestamps 1:18 - About Fellowship3:53 - About Ercia Henry 4:11 - Indiana University Southeast 5:40 - Learning About The Fellowship Through Avery Crews Prado de Lima6:15 - Getting to Know TPF Through the internship with Neurochallenge8:27 - TPF’s Immersive Impact: Through Engagement, Experience, and Expertise (Aka Study Away)9:48 - The Flexibility & Opportunity of The Fellow Day-to-Day Experience 11:20 - Developing Intellectual Muscles & Connections While at TPF13:17: Learning To Work High Level with Intention, Strategy, and Organization 15:40 - Ericia’s Plans to Make the World a Better Place16:43 - Launching to Kiwanis International in Indianapolis, Indiana, as Steewardship and Engagement Officer 17:45 - Reconnecting and Reconvening Fellows During TPF Beyond19:41 - Why Apply to be a Fellow?Links to Learn More About Ericia HenryThe Patterson Foundation FellowshipBlog: Reflecting on Ericia Henry's Confidence and Courage Throughout Her TPF FellowshipJoin The Journey

May 6, 202637 min

The New Civic Path: Turning Hope Into Community Action

In this episode of Aspirations to Actions, a Beyond The Blog podcast, host Alicia Chalmers talks with Michael Prihoda, Director of Media and Creative Content, and Menal Khanna, National Campaign Manager at The Harwood Institute for Public Innovation. Together, they explore The Harwood Institute’s powerful approach to community‑driven change and why you should join the upcoming National New Civic Path Virtual Book Circle on June 2.They discuss the practices that have shaped both The Harwood Institute and The Patterson Foundation — listening deeply, not arriving with the answers, turning outward, and meeting communities where they are. These principles are woven into TPF’s culture and continue to guide Aspirations to Actions efforts across people, organizations, and communities in our region.Listeners will hear about:How communities across the country are rediscovering hope through small, intentional actions — and how those actions create ripple effects that strengthen trust, connection, and belief in one another.Why shared aspirations can bridge our differences. The conversation explores how The New Civic Path offers a way forward in a time of division, inviting people to leave politics at the door, focus on what matters most locally, and take meaningful action together.This episode is an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and recommit to the work of building hope one conversation, one gathering, one action at a time.Timestamps 02:16 — How The Harwood Institute Shows Up in Community06:51 — The New Civic Path: What It Is and Why It Matters Right Now10:04 — Adapting the Work for Each Community While Centering Local Agency13:13 — Why and How The Patterson Foundation Launched The New Civic Path Book Circles17:55 — Creating Space for Wide Participation Across People, Organizations, & Communities 19:48 — Partnership Spotlight: William & Mary23:45 — Join the National New Civic Path Book Circle (June 2, 2025)26:23 — What’s In It for You? 33:14 — Real Examples: How Book Circles Sparked Ripples of ChangeLinks to Learn More Register for The National Book CircleBlog: Choosing Hope: Reflections From a Podcast Conversation on Civic PossibilityConnect Beyond The BlogThe Harwood InstituteFacebook: Rich Harwood Instagram: Rich HarwoodLinkedIn: Rich HarwoodJoin The Journey

April 10, 202629 min

Everything You Need to Join the Fun at Suncoast Remake Learning Days 2026

In this episode of Connecting Communities, a Beyond The Blog podcast by The Patterson Foundation, host and consultant Leah Verier-Dunn sits down with Beth Duda, Director of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, to talk about all things Suncoast Remake Learning Days–an annual 15-day FREE hands-on learning festival taking place April 18, 2026, to May 2, 2026.As a gift to the community by The Patterson Foundation, this 15-day celebration will feature 380+ free, hands-on events hosted by more than 335 community partners across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota counties. With learning themes like Arts, Maker, Outdoor Learning, Science, Technology, Youth Voice, and Professional Development, each event encouraged imagination and made room for meaningful discovery.Now in its fifth year, the Suncoast edition of this global learning movement continues to grow. As part of the worldwide Remake Learning Days initiative, these events are more than fun. They are building stronger family bonds, inspiring lifelong learning, and creating brighter futures for all.Timestamps 00:28 - Intro01:25 - Beth shares how Suncoast Remake Learning Days (SRLD) aligns with the work of the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR).02:27 - Beth talks about how she first discovered Remake Learning Days.03:50 - Beth explains why family engagement is so important in the sphere of learning.07:57 - Beth discusses how SRLD demonstrates TPF’s approach of Connecting, Learning, Sharing, Evolving, and Strengthening (CLSES).11:23 - Beth talks about the strengthening programs unique to Remake Learning Days in the Suncoast.12:49 - Beth dives into the details of SRLD 2026!15:27 - Beth explains how people can find out about the events.17:36 - Beth highlights some of the upcoming events she’s excited about.22:12 - Beth shares how to get involved and host your own event next year.25:53 - Beth encourages people of all ages to come and experience this year’s festival.Links to Learn More Suncoast Remake Learning Days GuideSRLD2026 App (Mac App Store)SRLD2026 App (Google Play)The Grable Foundation WebsiteThe Patterson Foundation WebsiteSuncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR) WebsiteRemake Learning Days (National)Blog: Connect Beyond The BlogLinkedIn: Beth DudaFacebook: Beth DudaInstagram: @SuncoastCGLRFacebook: Suncoast Campaign for Grade-Level ReadingInstagram: @remakelearningdaysFacebook: RemakeLearningDays Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey

April 7, 202625 min

How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic Fundraising

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Series, a Beyond the Blog Podcast, Read Corley sits down with Jesse Coleman, General Manager of WSLR + Fogartyville, to talk about what it really looks like to step into nonprofit leadership and figure out fundraising on the fly. Jesse shares how going through Fueling Dynamic Fundraising helped him move from uncertainty to having a clear plan by breaking down donor strategy, strengthening stewardship, and learning how to confidently make the ask. They also get into how WSLR + Fogartyville is building a culture of philanthropy with full team buy-in, and how their work with Margin & Mission Ignition is turning unused space into a new revenue stream while staying true to their mission. It is a grounded, honest conversation about learning as you go, building systems that actually work, and growing an organization without losing what makes it special.Timestamps 00:47 – What is WSLR + Fogartyville and its role in the community?02:02 – Why Jesse joined Fueling Dynamic Fundraising and his initial experience03:48 – The most impactful lesson from the fundraising training05:36 – How Jesse implemented fundraising strategies after the course06:47 – The value of collaborating with other nonprofit leaders08:11 – What strategies were applied immediately vs. saved for later09:48 – Jesse’s leadership transition and stepping into the GM role11:04 – Biggest wins achieved after completing the program13:56 – Strengths and ongoing challenges in fundraising execution16:32 – Introduction to Margin & Mission Ignition and the earned revenue modelLinks to Learn MoreWSLR WebsiteFDF Page on TPF websiteMMI Page on TPF websiteBlog: How Jesse Coleman Became a Confident Fundraiser With Fueling Dynamic FundraisingConnect Beyond The BlogFacebookLinkedinWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey

March 31, 202616 min

Discover DeSoto: Traci Willingham Shares How DeSoto County Ahead Is Fostering Meaningful Connections

In this episode of Discover DeSoto, host Alicia Exantus sits down with Traci Willingham, Community Relations and Engagement Director for the Neuro Challenge Foundation, about her experience as an exhibitor at the DeSoto County Ahead community event. From the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes, the one that resonated during our conversation was theme #3, “Nonprofit, Business, Resident and Economic Opportunities to Support DeSoto County.” This theme emphasizes the importance of creating opportunities for collaboration among nonprofits, local businesses, and residents. Traci and the DeSoto County Ahead event are a perfect example of this theme in action. As an exhibitor and community advocate, Traci not only shared the mission and programs of the Neuro Challenge Foundation but also actively engaged with residents, organizations, and local leaders to build connections that could spark future collaboration. By bringing together nonprofits, youth, and community members under one roof, the event embodies the idea of supporting economic and social opportunities in an action-oriented way.Hearing Traci reflect on her experience is a reminder that real progress doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens when people show up, invest their time, and commit to building something stronger together. The energy from the event continues to ripple outward, influencing how organizations connect and how individuals access support.DeSoto County Ahead is a testament to what’s possible when a community rallies around shared aspirations. I encourage you to stay connected through DeSotoCountyAhead.org and to learn more about the Eight Arcadia/DeSoto Community themes. Timestamps 00:25 - Introduction to Traci Willingham 01:12 - Alicia outlines The Patterson Foundation’s involvement in DeSoto County 02:56 - Traci’s role with the NeuroChallenge Foundation for Parkinson’s04:06 - Traci reflects on exhibitor experience at DeSoto County Ahead Community Event 2026 05:58 - How NeuroChallenge works with community partners and resources 07:35 - Traci’s winning Newcomer Booth Award 08:47 - Further discussion on resources for Parkinson’s disease 10:28 - Evolution of DeSoto County Ahead Community Event as an exhibitor in 2025 and 202613:12 - Traci advises future DeSoto County Ahead Community Event exhibitors14:55 - Traci shares her two Discover DeSoto gems, Jim Space Park and Yellow DeliLinks to Learn More Neuro ChallengeDeSoto County Ahead InitiativePublic Capital Report: DeSoto County Coming TogetherDeSoto County Ahead anthemCelebrating the Winners of the DeSoto AheaJoin The Journey

March 31, 202646 min

Inside the Disaster Response Ecosystem: Former FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate Explains How It Really Works

In this episode of Rising Resilience, Leah Verier-Dunn speaks with former Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Craig Fugate about the ins and outs of the disaster ecosystem. Who are the key players and what are their roles? Craig dives into the details of why each layer of support matters, encourages community members to explore Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, and even explains why the Waffle House has become a gauge for measuring the post-disaster status of an area. Timestamps01:08 – Craig Fugate's background and how he got into emergency management04:02 – What does the disaster ecosystem look like, and who are the key players?12:56 – What roles do Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) members play, and how can people of different abilities get involved?20:18 – The importance of communication28:01 – What would you say to someone new who is considering getting CERT training?30:12 – If you had a magic wand, what would you change about how CERT training works?32:44 – What is the Waffle House Index, and how did it come about?Links to Learn More Volunteer Florida CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) TrainingWaffle House Index ExplainedJoin The Journey

March 24, 202633 min

What Does Kindergarten Readiness Really Mean? Dr. Patti Folino Breaks It Down

In this episode of Beyond the Blog, host Leah Verier-Dunn talks with Dr. Patti Folino, Principal of Tuttle Elementary School in Sarasota County, to explore what kindergarten readiness really means. With 38 years in education, Dr. Folino brings deep experience and insight into preparing young learners for success.Together, they discuss how kindergarten readiness goes beyond letters and numbers to include independence, social-emotional development, problem-solving skills, and early language exposure. The conversation also highlights the role of family engagement, early learning programs, and community partnerships in supporting children before they ever step into a classroom.Listeners will hear about:Why independence and self-help skills matter as much as academicsHow everyday routines can build confidence and resilienceThe importance of early intervention and community resourcesThis conversation highlights how kindergarten readiness is truly a shared responsibility—one that brings together families, educators, and communities to help children thrive from the very start.Timestamps00:32 - Intro01:07 - Patti talks about her history as a principal and educator in Sarasota, FL.01:54 - Patti gives an overview of what it means for a child to be ready for Kindergarten.02:57 - Patti walks through a typical day at Tuttle Elementary.04:44 - Patti talks about Social Emotional readiness for Kindergarten.07:28 - Patti explains Cognitive Readiness.10:20 - Patti breaks down the self-help skills necessary to be Kindergarten Ready.11:47 - Patti shares how families might approach these ideas of preparedness.13:00 - Patti talks about how Tuttle Elementary approaches Kindergarten Readiness as a school.15:05 - Leah and Patti discuss the Kindergarten Readiness Bags supported by The Patterson Foundation18:25 - Patti shares some of the challenges families face at Title 1 Schools.20:42 - Patti talks about the creative solutions families and educators come up with to overcome their challenges.23:44 - Patti explains the importance of raising our children to be problem-solvers.27:00 - Big Picture Small Steps27:17 - Patti talks about her long-term goals for Kindergarten Readiness30:04 - Patti shares some small steps families can take today to help their child be Kindergarten Ready.Links to Learn More Early Learning Coalition of SarasotaFL Department of Education School Readiness ProgramForty Carrots (PIP) Partners in Play-Community Foundation of SarasotaSuncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading (SCGLR)Want to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey

March 24, 202631 min

From Possibility to Practice: How John Ferguson is Carrying Catalytic Philanthropy Beyond the TPF Fellowship

In this Beyond The Blog episode, focused on the Advancing Philanthropic Leadership initiative, Debra Jacobs, President and CEO of The Patterson Foundation, sits down with John Ferguson, TPF Fellow 2020/21, to reflect on his winding path to The Patterson Foundation and how the Fellowship experience continues to shape his leadership journey.Throughout the conversation, John shares how his professional path led him to the TPF Fellowship and how the experience evolved in real time as the Fellowship pivoted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He reflects on pride points from his Fellowship year, including his work with the Digital Access for All initiative and his participation in national conversations and webinars that expanded his understanding of philanthropy's reach and responsibility.John also discusses developing a catalytic mindset—recognizing philanthropy's role beyond funding to inspire collaboration, possibility, and impact. He also shares why saying yes to the Fellowship became a defining professional decision and how experiences like TPF Beyond helped cultivate a growing community of Possibilitarians committed to learning, sharing, and strengthening connective tissue across communities.Looking beyond the Fellowship, John reflects on his launch phase and the evolution of his career, including his role as Director of Member Programs at the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA) and his embrace of new opportunities to support philanthropic leaders through initiatives such as CliftonStrengths workshops. His journey highlights how the Fellowship experience continues to influence his leadership approach, professional growth, and commitment to advancing philanthropy in meaningful ways.Timestamps 2:18: John's Winding Path to The Patterson Foundation6:30: Pivoting The Fellowship Experience During COVID-1912:22: Pride Points from The Fellowship13:48: Participating in a National Webinar16:18: Developing a Catalytic Mindset 18:07: Why Say Yes to the TPF Fellowship Opportunity20:02: Creating a Community of Possibilitarians through TPF Beyond23:07: The Experience & Evolution After Launching From the TPF Fellowship 23:19: Director of Member Programs, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance (IPA)26:12 - Stepping into A New Opportunity at IPA with CliftonStrengths Workshop29:35 - John Ferguson Encourages You To Embrace What's Possible Links to Learn More About John Ferguson, TPF Fellow 2020/21Glimpse "A brief history of John A. Ferguson" through early 2022View John's Blog LibraryTwo graduates earn Fellowships with The Patterson FoundationConnect Beyond The BlogJoin John on Twitter: @TheRealJohnFergLinkedIn: John FergusonTo contact John: jferguson@inphilanthropy.orgWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey

February 5, 202626 min

Why The Greater Hartford Gives Foundation & The Patterson Foundation Are Investing in Social Enterprise for Nonprofit Impact

In this episode of the Nonprofit Thrivability Podcast, host Read Corley speaks with Michael Corley, Consultant with The Patterson Foundation, and Meher Shulman, Associate Director of the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, to explore how both foundations are working with No Margin, No Mission to strengthen nonprofit sustainability. The conversation focuses on how No Margin, No Mission supports nonprofit organizations through the Patterson Foundation’s Margin & Mission Ignition program and the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s Social Enterprise Accelerator. Together, they discuss how social enterprise ventures, earned income strategies, and nonprofit-run businesses are helping organizations diversify revenue, build resilience, and approach mission delivery with an entrepreneurial mindset.Timestamps 00:00 – Introducing Michael Corley and Meher Shulman03:20 – Why earned income became a priority for the Patterson Foundation06:08 – How the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation partnered with No Margin, No Mission09:06 – Early outcomes and examples from the Social Enterprise Accelerator11:05 – Why relationships are critical to sustaining social enterprise work14:24 – Collaboration versus competition inside nonprofit cohorts16:51 – Reflections from the all-cohort learning session19:54 – How foundations leverage entrepreneurial success to strengthen nonprofits22:20 – The broader benefits of earned income beyond revenue24:15 – What strengthening the nonprofit sector truly meansLinks to Learn More Greater Hartford Gives Foundation WebsiteWant to hear more? Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, or visit us Beyond The Blog!Join The Journey