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Ellie Bertani, CEO of GitLab Foundation, revolutionizes philanthropy with a data-driven approach that puts measurable economic impact at the center of every grant decision. This eye-opening conversation reveals how GitLab Foundation aims to generate at least $100 in increased earnings for every dollar they invest – a "North Star 100X goal" that guides their work across the United States, Colombia, and Kenya.
What happens when you apply financial modeling to philanthropy? Bertani explains how her foundation builds ROI projections for every potential grant, allowing them to identify high-impact opportunities that might otherwise go unfunded. This approach enables GitLab Foundation to take calculated risks on innovative, sometimes "crazy" ideas that more conservative funders might avoid – precisely the role philanthropy should play in our ecosystem.
The conversation explores GitLab's unique partnerships, including their collaboration with OpenAI and the Balmer Group on an AI for Economic Opportunity Fund. These partnerships amplify their impact while ensuring emerging technologies benefit those who need them most. As Bertani notes, historically, technological advances haven't immediately helped lower-income communities – a pattern she's determined to break.
Against the backdrop of political uncertainty and growing scrutiny of philanthropy, Bertani shares why GitLab's focus on measurable outcomes and economic mobility for Americans remains vital. Her journey from early-career nonprofit work to the Gates Foundation to leading frontline workforce initiatives at Walmart and Wells Fargo uniquely positions her to bridge sectors and maximize impact.
For foundation leaders, nonprofit professionals, and anyone interested in evidence-based approaches to creating opportunity, this conversation offers practical insights on measuring what matters. How can philanthropic dollars drive real economic change? What does true partnership between funders, grantees, and industry look like? Listen now to discover how data-driven giving can transform lives.

https://www.gitlabfoundation.org/

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