Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or anywhere else you find your favorite podcasts!
The Power of Employee-Led Philanthropy with Lauren Coape-Arnold • Purpose 360 • Episode 211

The Power of Employee-Led Philanthropy with Lauren Coape-Arnold

Employee engagement is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful forces shaping corporate philanthropy today. And skilled volunteerism—where employees contribute their professional expertise to nonprofits—can transform both the organizations served and the employees themselves.

We invited Lauren Coape-Arnold, Executive Director of the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF) and Global Head of Citizenship at Apollo Global Management, to speak about how AOF built a model that puts employees at the very heart of the company’s philanthropy. It empowers employees to nominate, evaluate, and partner with grantees, ensuring that they are engaged throughout the entire relationship—not just at the funding stage. Through cross-functional “deal teams,” employees apply their analytical, financial, and strategic skills to help nonprofits thrive, all while cultivating collaboration and leadership within Apollo’s culture. By structuring philanthropy around its people, AOF creates a cycle of giving and growth that benefits communities, strengthens performance, and deepens employees’ sense of meaning at work.

Listen for insights on:

  • Establishing relationships with grantees that go beyond check-writing
  • Building skilled volunteer programs employees actively want to join
  • Creating successful grant councils that bolster nonprofits and engage employees

Resources + Links:

Business is an unlikely hero: a force for good working to solve society’s most pressing challenges, while boosting bottom line. This is social purpose at work. And it’s a dynamic journey.

Purpose 360 is a masterclass in unlocking the potential of social purpose to ignite business and social impact. We illuminate the growing impacts of purpose, from engaging employees and fostering deeper consumer loyalty to inspiring product innovation and increasing market share.