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Betting on Systems Change: One Foundation’s Journey
Forward-thinking philanthropy is by nature a gamble. With new ideas continually being tested, new fields discovered and new measurements created, it can be difficult to know when you are succeeding. We substitute the known to try and bring order. We count the number of people served. We measure the hours of service provided. We substitute scale... Read More
3 Immediate Steps Funders Can Take To Move Towards Racial Equity
Diversity and racial equity touch on every aspect of a foundation’s work. In the blog posts Developing a Shared Language and Introducing an Anti-Racist Intersectional Frame, we discussed how philanthropy can advance racial equity. In this post, we lay out three ways you can start doing racial equity work in real time. 1. Look Internally... Read More
Our Family Foundation’s Approach To Trust-Based Philanthropy
One of our grantees said, the greatest gift you can give another person is trust. Thus, when I started thinking about how to share our experiences with trust-based philanthropy, I first thought about hearing our grantees’ perspectives. This defines our philanthropic philosophy: working collectively to inspire possibility, innovation and sustainable outcomes. Engaging in trust-based philanthropy... Read More
Introducing an Anti-Racist, Intersectional Frame for Lean Funders
For over forty years, the Center for the Study of Social Policy (CSSP) has worked to produce equal outcomes for children, families and communities. In part one of this blog series, we shared CSSP’s Key Equity Terms & Concepts. The organization’s commitment to equity, especially racial equity, means we’re constantly evolving our thinking. Part of this evolution... Read More
Nonprofit Collaboration Is Essential Now—How Funders Can Play a Role
These unprecedented times require new ways of working together. Nonprofits’ services are needed more than ever. But there are fewer resources to support them. Organizations have already lost significant revenue streams from cancelled fundraisers and lost earned income. The number of households that give was decreasing before the pandemic hit, says the 2019 Giving USA... Read More
MacKenzie Scott Gives a Masterclass in Philanthropy
Philanthropy has a new champion. Her name is MacKenzie Scott. Recently, Scott announced that in her relatively short time in philanthropy, she’s given $1.7 billion to 116 nonprofits. Many of the organizations are devoted to equity, and those organizations are largely led by women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ people. While the amount represents a... Read More