Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Funders are backing more play-based work for challenges like mental health and education, but they keep hitting the same problem: metrics like reach and engagement say little about the outcomes they actually care about. This panel rethinks how impact gets defined, measured, and funded, with guidance on realistic timelines and on treating play as durable social infrastructure rather than one-off content.
Speakers:
Tracy Costigan, Vice President, Impact Evaluation and Storytelling, Crisis Text Line
Elizabeth Newbury, Senior Director, Meridian International Center
Meghan Gardner, Transformative Design Director, Cultura Connector
Risa Ward, SVP of Operations, Crisis Text Line
Recorded at the 2026 Games for Change Festival, "Reimagining Play," July 21 to 22 at The Glasshouse in New York City.
Learn more about Games for Change at www.gamesforchange.org.
Funders are backing more play-based work for challenges like mental health and education, but they keep hitting the same problem: metrics like reach and engagement say little about the outcomes they actually care about. This panel rethinks how impact gets defined, measured, and funded, with guidance on realistic timelines and on treating play as durable social infrastructure rather than one-off content.
Speakers:
Tracy Costigan, Vice President, Impact Evaluation and Storytelling, Crisis Text Line
Elizabeth Newbury, Senior Director, Meridian International Center
Meghan Gardner, Transformative Design Director, Cultura Connector
Risa Ward, SVP of Operations, Crisis Text Line
Recorded at the 2026 Games for Change Festival, "Reimagining Play," July 21 to 22 at The Glasshouse in New York City.
Learn more about Games for Change at www.gamesforchange.org.
