A Fort Wayne-based startup made two big splashes Monday in its mission to be the source for universal basic technology for nonprofits nationwide.
Fort Wayne-based startup Pond unveils local podcast series, national growth initiative
Fort Wayne, Indiana (July 19, 2021) — A Fort Wayne-based startup made two big splashes Monday in its mission to be the source for universal basic technology for nonprofits nationwide.
Co-founded in 2020 by Fort Wayne native and former Goldman Sachs vice president Mitch Stein, Pond is an innovative online platform that connects nonprofits around the country with technology-service providers. At an event Monday night in Fort Wayne, the start-up unveiled two key initiatives – including one with a decidedly regional flavor – as it continues to grow and scale.
The first initiative is “The Kids Table,” a new podcast series featuring interviews between Stein and prominent nonprofit leaders from throughout northeast Indiana offering a unique point of view around power dynamics and equity in the impact and nonprofit sector. The first episode, featuring Wallace Butts of Love Church Ministries, is now live on all major podcast platforms.
Future guests of “The Kids Table” include Andrew Gritzmaker of Habitat for Humanity, Connie Heflin of Super Shot, Heather Presley-Cowen of the Housing Resources Hub, and Josette Rider of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana.
“Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana have such a robust ecosystem of amazing impact organizations doing important work, so we really couldn’t think of a better talent pool for our first series of guests for ‘The Kids Table,’” Stein said. “As you’ll hear, their challenges are both universal and unique, and they emphasize our mission at Pond and how we’re helping them to meet those challenges. We’re excited to share this first collection of inspiring and engaging conversations – featuring a distinctly Fort Wayne flavor – with the world.”
In addition to the debut of “The Kids Table,” Pond also introduced Launch Pad, a referral initiative designed to exponentially increase the amount of nonprofits registering on the platform. Current and/or new Pond members who are listed as a referral source on any new nonprofit signup will be automatically entered to win one of 10 $2,000 bonuses to their Pond accounts, sponsored by prominent technology providers serving the nonprofit space, including Network for Good, DonorPerfect, Thankview and Givebutter, as well as locally based companies DonorWrangler and Impact Upgrade. In addition, nonprofit members can earn unlimited entries if they secure more referrals.
“The support and enthusiasm of technology providers from the beginning has been incredible, and that’s being demonstrated again in their sponsorship of this unique initiative,” said Kristin Giant, a Fort Wayne native and Pond’s Head of Growth and member of its founding team. “This is sponsorship with real impact behind it – not just a logo on a banner or brochure. The beauty of Pond’s approach is that we make it easier for both sides of the relationship – the nonprofit and the provider – to connect in a more meaningful, transparent way. Provider support for Launch Pad helps ensure as many nonprofits as possible know about Pond, because every nonprofit deserves to be here. And what nonprofit leader doesn’t want an extra two grand of spending money? We believe our way is a better way to find and fund the tech they need most.”
Nonprofits register via the Pond website, setting up profiles with key details about their organization, its impact area and its particular technology needs. They can then research and initiate conversations with technology providers they believe may be a fit or solution for their needs. The process saves both sides significant time, energy and resources navigating a process that has traditionally been inefficient and complex – and almost entirely inaccessible for smaller organizations.
For more information, visit joinpoind.com.
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