When it works, collaboration in any form is a powerful tool for enhancing organizational capacity. It can keep lone organizations strong and sustainable over time. In a sector in which services often are duplicated, collaboration can streamline efforts and produce better results. In his report Real Collaboration: A Guide for Grantmakers, David La Piana lists... Read More
General operating support is valuable for many reasons. It: Allows grantee organizations to focus on fulfilling their missions and building infrastructure, rather than on tackling peripheral projects and additional fundraising Serves as a vote of confidence for nonprofit leaders, helping to decrease burnout Lessens the inherent power imbalance between grantor and grantee, and shifts the... Read More
Each week, dozens of economic reports and indicators are released, providing measurements for evaluating the health of our economy, the latest business cycles, how consumers are spending, and consumers’ general outlook. Investment professionals use this information not only to explain their investment strategy, make tactical portfolio decisions, and provide context around the performance of assets... Read More
Stookey grew up and attended elementary school in Marshall, a small town just east of Battle Creek, MI. The year was 1936, and Stookey was a 5th grade student of Vyda Mumby during her second year of teaching. According to Stookey, Mumby “loved teaching; and like anyone doing something they like, she was good at... Read More
To kick-start your thinking about leadership at the organizations you fund: Start by building trust—To assess leadership well requires an honest dialogue between funder and nonprofit, and building the trusting relationship that facilitates such dialogue takes time. To build trust, be forthright in your communications with nonprofits and clear about your expectations. Make your grant... Read More
A forum for investors to shape the progression of national and global issues, socially responsible investing (SRI) traces as far back as the 1700s, when the Quaker Philadelphia Yearly Meeting prohibited members from buying or selling into the slave trade. John Wesley, a founder of Methodism, preached against engaging industries that harmed one’s neighbor. The... Read More