Happy Spring!

May flowers and showers boost your spirits and calm your nervous systems.

Welcome to Intention 2 Impact's Heart-2-Heart — our monthly newsletter where we share what's on our minds, in our hearts, and up our sleeves. In this edition, we download our takeaways from a recent evaluation & responsible tech gathering at SXSW, celebrate Women’s History Month, and tip off our 2nd Annual March Madness: Celebrity Philanthropist Edition!

On Our Minds

Philanthropy's Role in Responsible Tech

We’ve been thinking a lot about how we got here *waves hands indiscriminately at the crumbling of democracy.*

Among many factors, the rise of technology is a major part of the equation.

Not only has technology fueled echo chambers and misinformation that divide us, but the sector has completely reshaped the economy and its leaders are now playing an outsized role in governance.

Of course, technological evolution is also a defining characteristic of humanity. Without innovations in tech, we wouldn’t have modern medicine, global connectivity, or the ability to stream cat videos at 2 a.m.

However, the way tech is funded and built today is deeply flawed: often extractive, consolidating power among a few, and prioritizing short-term profits over long-term social good.

The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way.

Our recent evaluation of The Tech We Want (TTWW), an $8M initiative funded by Omidyar Network and led by Aniyia Williams, revealed critical insights into what it takes to build an alternative tech ecosystem — one that prioritizes equity, sustainability, and social impact. If we want technology to serve democracy rather than undermine it, we need to rethink not just how we innovate, but who holds power in shaping the future.

So, what does it take to shift the tech landscape?

Last week, I2I’s CEO, Nina Sabarre, had the chance to attend TTWW’s annual event, The Light House, during SXSW in Austin, Texas. In addition to spotting celebs and eating her weight in BBQ, Nina got to listen in on panels and presentations from leaders across tech and philanthropy about public interest tech and an alternative tech ecosystem.

See below some hot takes from the TTWW evaluation and the Light House conversations:

Invest in Infrastructure, Not Just Innovation. We can’t just fund shiny new products; we need to invest in the people, networks, and governance models that sustain long-term change. This means resourcing not only individual leaders but also organizations, alliances, and systems change.
Change the Narrative, Change the Future. Tech culture is driven by dominant narratives (think: "move fast and break things"). To create lasting change, funders must support independent media, public engagement, and storytelling that uplifts alternative models of innovation rooted in justice and mutualism.
Think in Decades, Not Grant Cycles. Transforming an ecosystem requires patience and collaboration. Short-term funding windows often stifle experimentation and adaptability. Instead, we need long-term, flexible funding that allows for iterative learning and bold, systemic shifts. This requires donors and organizations to work in collaboration, not competition.

Tech isn’t inherently good or bad — it’s a reflection of the values we embed in it. If we want a future where technology strengthens democracy rather than erodes it, we need funders, policymakers, and innovators who are willing to play the long game.

The question isn’t just what kind of tech we want, but who gets to shape it. Interested to learn more? Download the full summary of our recommendations for funders here.

*Photo from the Light House panel: Strategizing with Funders for a Resilient Tech Ecosystem, featuring* *Anamitra Deb* *(Omidyar Network),* *Katya Hancock* *(Young Futures),* *Katarina Czarniak* *(P150), and Katy* *Knight* *(Siegel Family Endowment).*

In Our Hearts

Women’s History Month

At I2I, we like to think every month day is a celebration of Women’s history. Since 1987, the month of March is when the US federal government formally spotlights the history of women (which is actually also the history of every human being ever, amirite?).

Before another executive order comes down the pike, or DOGE can slash n’ burn Women’s History Month, let’s give some 💐flowers💐 to iconic women who remind us that a women’s place is in the resistance.

Jovita Idar was a Mexican-American journalist, nurse, and civil right activist in the early 1900s. Journalism was her preferred choice is activism as she tackled racism, segregation, and bilingual education in Texas. Hot take from Jovita: “When you educate a woman, you educate a family.”
Cecilia Chung is a transgender Chinese-American civil right activist, who advocates for the LGBTQ+ community and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. A gem from Cecilia: “The only way we can create change is not just changing people’s minds. We need to change peoples’ hearts.”
Sojourner Truth was a Black activist and formerly enslaved woman in the 1800s who was instrumental in the movement for abolition and women’s rights. An important reminder from Sojourner: “Truth is power and it prevails.”

BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT: As of January 2025, I2I officially certified in the eyes of the government (at least for now) as a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB). With this credential, we are proud to now be members of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WEBC). 💪

Up Our Sleeves

The 2nd Annual Celeb Philanthropist March Madness is LIVE!

We are nearly halfway through March, and that means the annual NCAA March Madness college basketball tournament is heating up! Just like last year, here at I2I, we’re pivoting our bracket from basketball to social impact!

Last year, 430 participants voted & Dolly Parton took the top honors for her work Imagination Library, which inspires a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. She beat out the likes of Oprah, Beyoncé, Emma Watson, and Lady Gaga. This year she will face some stiff competition from some new entries, such as Serena Williams, Dwyane “The Rock” Johnson, and Jennifer Lopez.

Will Dolly manage a repeat in 2025?!?
Your vote will decide her fate!

Join us over the next two weeks on Instagram and LinkedIn where we’ll announce the bracket-style match-ups between 16 celebs with prominent social impact initiatives. You can vote on your faves each round. In April, I2I will donate $300 to the winning organization.

The Sweet 16 round is live now and voting closes on Friday, March 21!
The Elite 8 will tip off on Monday, March 24.