As I reflect on the 5th Annual Power of Philanthropy Summit, hosted by Kinetic and the UMKC Bloch School of Management on February 21, 2025, I am inspired by the bold ideas and visionary leadership that emerged from our discussions. It is energizing to engage with leaders in our sector who challenge conventional thinking and offer transformative insights—ideas with the power to dismantle outdated approaches and rebuild philanthropy in ways that better serve our missions and the organizations we support.

One of the most impactful moments of the summit was Karin Cox’s and my conversation with Dan Pallotta, a true catalyst for change in the philanthropic world. Several key insights from our discussion continue to resonate with me:

1. Dream Big and Share the Vision
Nonprofits must embrace audacious goals and communicate a compelling vision—not just their basic operational needs. Donors are inspired when they see the big picture, the bold dreams, and the potential for real impact. When organizations invite donors to be part of something transformational, philanthropy reaches new heights, fueling not just immediate needs but long-term, sustainable success.

2. Rethink Capital and Growth
Nonprofits should not shy away from discussions about capital. Dan challenged the traditional definition of capital and encouraged organizations to think about the utilization of financing mechanisms to invest in strategies to grow core services and organizational infrastructure. In the business world, growth is fueled by capital investment—and nonprofits should think the same way. Exploring financial tools such as debt financing and venture investment can empower organizations to scale their impact and achieve greater outcomes.

3. Adopt the Apollo Mindset: Why Not?
The Apollo program wasn’t constrained by what was immediately possible; it operated with a “Why not?” mentality, pushing the limits of innovation. Nonprofits can learn from this approach by planning with extraordinary precision, collaborating at the highest levels, and refusing to settle for anything less than excellence. When we dare to think beyond limitations, we unlock groundbreaking solutions.

For those who missed the Power of Philanthropy Summit—or those who want to revisit its insights—I invite you to watch the recorded session while it is available.

Additionally, I encourage you to download the 2025 Power of Philanthropy Summit overview to dive deeper into these discussions.

Together, we can unleash the true power of philanthropy—fueling innovation, growth, and transformative impact for the causes we serve.