How Disruptive Technologies Can Improve Philanthropy

Connecticut-based consultant and private equity specialist Kevin Graetz has more than 15 years of experience raising capital for some of Silicon Valley’s most innovative technology firms. As an investor, Kevin Graetz adheres to a personal philosophy of supporting companies whose innovations can be used to achieve a positive social impact. 

More broadly, disruptive technologies such as cloud capabilities, smartphones, and social networking have completely altered how individuals make donations to charitable causes. Below are some of the most striking ways that philanthropy has been improved by technological innovations. 

Access - The plethora of mobile payment options facilitate the ability for donors to contribute smaller amounts with one click. Organizations can also advertise their work in front of a wider audience by using social media outlets and encouraging people to share the information with others in their network. 

Accountability - Today, potential donors can easily access an organization’s financial information as well as charity watchdog ratings through a web search. This increases transparency for donors and holds nonprofits to a higher level of accountability, bringing special attention to groups which divert the highest percentage of donations to effective programs. Organizations can also use infographics to clearly demonstrate how funding is allocated and the impact of their services. 

Engagement - Organizations can interact with their donor base through SMS messaging, social media, video, and email. Multiple contact points make it easier for nonprofits to convey updated information to their donors and keep them engaged with their work.

The Woltemade Center at Ohio Wesleyan University

For more than 15 years, Kevin Graetz has raised venture capital for firms such as Bloom Energy through his strong relationships with prominent Silicon Valley figures. To prepare for his career in private equity and venture capital, Kevin Graetz earned a BA in economics from Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU).

For more than 175 years, OWU has been providing students with a rigorous liberal arts education in Central Ohio. Today, the University features small classes led by prominent faculty members who encourage critical thinking, creative problem solving, and clear communication through dozens of majors and minors. Among other well-respected programs, OWU offers a bachelor’s degree in economics.

Economics majors at OWU participate in a dynamic, challenging curriculum that incorporates the traditional study of economic principles with a sound understanding of the role of economics in larger society. To further enrich the experience, economics students have access to the Woltemade Center for Economics, Business, and Entrepreneurship.

Launched in 1985, the Woltemade Center maintains a range of fellowships, speaking events, internships, and other holistic programs that help economics and business students at the University put their academic studies into real-world practice. Among other programs, the Economics Management Fellows Program at the center accepts 15-20 incoming freshmen students annually for focused mentoring, travel opportunities, and other perks that will help them develop their careers.