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How Small Funders Can Help Local School Systems Use Federal Relief to Target Local Needs
A little over a year ago, I was participating in Exponent Philanthropy’s Weekly Funder Discussions on Zoom, talking about the role philanthropy could play during the coffee and blankets stage of the pandemic. From my peers, I learned about being flexible in grant terms, the importance of listening well, and the need for open communications... Read More
Disaster Response: Connect, Collaborate, Consider, Communicate
Experts and experience have shown that the most effective grantmaking in response to a disaster follow the “Four Cs”: 1. Connect with a good source of information about the disaster Local organizations are already at the scene, know best what is needed, and understand the complex political, social, and cultural context. You might call on:... Read More
Funder Collaboration: It’s Not Always What You Think
At Common Counsel Foundation, we support, advise and manage donor advised funds and family foundations. It’s clear that an individual funder (and a small-staffed one no less!) won’t solve the world’s intractable problems alone. In fact, it will take a whole network of funders at the same table if we want to make progress. As... Read More
Getting Started on the Journey to Equity and Inclusion
This post originally appeared on the Foundant Technologies blog. Last fall, we asked our clients to share the work they’re doing in the areas of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. No surprise, they went above and beyond. We are inspired by their responses and follow up conversations, and look forward to sharing these stories with... Read More
Moving From Idea to Initiative
How do you move from a board table vision to a broad-based collaboration? After more than 20 years funding individual programs in its mission areas, The David and Lura Lovell Foundation began to focus on broad-based community, regional and national initiatives to change systems, address root causes, and build capacity in organizations focused on these... Read More
Are You Using Your Power, or Leaving It on the Table?
Power is taboo. We’re uncomfortable that some wield greater strength and influence, and use it to hold sway over others. In spite of our laws and regulations, our checks and balances, our moral and social norms nurturing restraint and respect, people use power to bend rules; exclude and disenfranchise; distort facts and disseminate misinformation; manufacture... Read More