(image from and Techsoup.org and Ballmergroup.org)
A new strategic initiative with TechSoup and Ballmer Group Philanthropy is launching this fall to establish Place-Based Partnerships (PBPs) nationwide to leverage data, AI, and technology to effectively improve outcomes for children and families.
Erin McHugh Saif was hired by TechSoup to be the initiative’s chief executive officer. She has experience adapting cutting-edge technology for the social sector, recently serving as Microsoft Tech for Social Impact’s chief product officer.
The goal of the initiative will be to connect, advise, and support PBPs across the United States in adapting new technology and accessing innovation. PBPs are networks of organizations and individuals in specific geographies that work through collective impact to address cradle-to-career and economic challenges and improve community outcomes.
Helping PBPs to cultivate technology talent and access technology infrastructure and data management solutions is critical to their success. These partnerships rely on shared data to set goals, deliver outcomes, share success through impact reporting, and drive continuous improvement.
The new initiative will work closely with leading national PBP networks such as Purpose Built Communities, Partners for Rural Impact, William Julius Wilson Institute, StriveTogether, and My Brother’s Keeper Alliance to support local members by building efficient and effective data and technology infrastructure that results in sustained, repeatable community impact. McHugh Saif has been tapped to operationalize a strategic vision for how technology and data can accelerate significant economic improvements in communities across the country.
“I’m excited to lead this new venture and partner with data leaders at this pivotal moment. Together we can harness data, AI, tools, and systems needed to accelerate measurable progress for children and families,” McHugh Saif said via a statement. “I believe in the power of communities coming together to build their futures, and this new initiative will bring leaders the data, innovation, and technology they need to improve education standards, create jobs, and transform lives in their communities.”
“We believe lasting change is driven by those closest to the problems they are working to solve,” Marnie Webb, CEO, TechSoup, said via a statement. “We are proud to collaborate on an initiative that champions place-based leaders by equipping them with the tools they need to make a tangible difference for children.”
“McHugh Saif brings the technological expertise and social sector experience needed to meet the needs of the field, bringing innovation and entrepreneurial spirit to the challenge of economic mobility for kids and families in the U.S.,” Kevin Bromer, executive director, data and technology, Ballmer Group Philanthropy, said via a statement.
TechSoup works in partnership with organizations around the world to build the digital capacity of civil society organizations. It supports more than 300,000 organizations every 12 months as they access, adopt, and optimize digital solutions to achieve their missions.
Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers.
