In the ever-evolving landscape of philanthropy and social impact, few individuals embody the intersection of technology and social good as effectively as Sam Caplan. As the Vice President of Social Impact at Submittable and host of the Impact Audio podcast, Caplan’s journey from technology executive at Walmart to CIO at the Walton Family Foundation, and now to his current role, exemplifies a career dedicated to harnessing the power of technology for positive change. We had the honor of sitting down with him recently on The Caring Economy to learn from his experiences and insights.
From English Major to Tech Innovator
Caplan’s path to becoming a technology leader in the social impact space was far from conventional. As an English major at the University of Central Arkansas, he initially aspired to pursue a career in creative writing and teaching. However, when his graduate school plans didn’t materialize, Caplan found himself at a crossroads. Serendipitously, he landed a job as a technical writer, which became his gateway into the world of software development.
This unexpected turn of events proved fortuitous, as Caplan discovered he had a knack for technology and innovation. His ability to bridge the gap between technical jargon and layman’s terms set the stage for a career that would ultimately revolutionize how the social sector operates and makes a meaningful impact on communities worldwide.
The Pivot to Philanthropy
Caplan’s transition from the corporate world to philanthropy came about through a chance encounter at a Cub Scout camp out. A conversation with the CEO of the Walmart Foundation opened his eyes to the incredible impact that corporate philanthropy could have on communities around the world. This pivotal moment led Caplan to become the first-ever head of technology for the Walmart Foundation, overseeing all tech, data, and software for Walmart’s global grant-making and CSR programs.
This experience ignited Caplan’s passion for leveraging technology in the nonprofit sector. He went on to become the first Chief Information Officer at the Walton Family Foundation before eventually joining Submittable, where he now leads social impact initiatives and hosts the Impact Audio podcast.
Submittable: Revolutionizing Grants Management and CSR
At Submittable, Caplan is at the forefront of developing software solutions that serve the nonprofit sector. The company’s two primary products focus on grants management and corporate social responsibility (CSR):
•Grants Management System: This software enables foundations, state governments, and corporations to manage the entire process of launching, managing, and measuring their grant and social impact programs.
•CSR Suite: Focused on employee engagement, this software helps corporations manage employee volunteering programs, giving initiatives, and matching programs.
Caplan’s work at Submittable is driven by a desire to simplify and streamline processes in the philanthropic sector. He recognizes the burden that complex grant application processes place on nonprofits and is committed to developing solutions that make life easier for grantees.
The Role of AI in Philanthropy
As artificial intelligence continues to dominate tech conversations across sectors, Caplan sees both potential and challenges in its application to philanthropy. While there are exciting use cases in medical research and crop resilience, the implementation of AI in social impact and corporate social responsibility is still in its early stages.
Caplan notes that AI is currently being used in the nonprofit sector primarily for fundraising tasks such as writing emails, creating social media posts, and segmenting donor bases. Some applications have been developed to help nonprofits write more effective grant applications. On the funder side, AI is being explored for data analysis and finding insights in grant-making data.
At Submittable, Caplan and his team have developed an AI-powered feature to address the issue of “grantee burden.” This innovative tool allows grant applicants to reuse information from previous applications, significantly reducing the time and effort required to apply for multiple grants.
The Philanthropy Data Commons: A Game-Changer
One of the most exciting initiatives Caplan is involved with is the Philanthropy Data Commons, sponsored by the MacArthur Foundation. This project aims to create a centralized repository for philanthropy-related data, including grant applications, organizational information about nonprofits, and data about grant makers.
The potential impact of this initiative is significant. It could enable better matching of nonprofit organizations with funders based on aligned values and missions and provide valuable insights for policymakers and researchers. However, Caplan emphasizes that the challenge lies not in the technology itself, but in developing appropriate data governance and fair use policies.
Pearls of Wisdom for Aspiring Social Impact Leaders
Drawing from his diverse experience in both the corporate and philanthropic sectors, Caplan offers several key insights for those looking to make a difference in the world:
•Embrace Incremental Progress: Don’t get frustrated by the enormity of social challenges. Focus on making incremental progress and stay the course.
•Leverage Technology: Look for ways to use technology to build capacity and increase effectiveness in nonprofit organizations.
•Talent is Needed: The nonprofit sector needs more talented individuals from the corporate world, especially in technology roles.
•Compensation Parity: Contrary to popular belief, many nonprofit organizations now offer competitive compensation for technology roles, making it more feasible for talented individuals to transition into the sector.
•Simplify and Streamline**: There’s a tremendous opportunity to simplify complex processes in philanthropy. Take a step back and assess how to become more applicant-centric and grantee-centric.
The Future of Social Impact
Caplan is optimistic about the future of social impact, particularly as more talented individuals from diverse backgrounds enter the sector. He sees a growing trend of collaboration between large foundations and believes that technology will play a crucial role in making philanthropy more efficient and effective.
As we look to the future, Caplan’s journey serves as an inspiration for those seeking to align their careers with social impact. His story demonstrates that with passion, innovation, and a willingness to embrace unexpected opportunities, it’s possible to create meaningful change at the intersection of technology and philanthropy.
In a world facing complex challenges, leaders like Sam Caplan remind us of the power of technology to amplify social good. As he continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the philanthropic sector, Caplan’s work at Submittable and beyond serves as a beacon for those looking to make a lasting impact on the world.
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