November 2023
Articles and News
How to think about your fundraising investment
A helpful article if you’re trying to make the case for a larger development budget. “Fundraising “expenses” are better seen as investments insofar as increasing your investment in fundraising will increase your revenue—and that means increasing your organization’s impact.” (Philanthropy Daily)
An interesting essay proposing that philanthropy must move away from problem solving, and instead pursue ‘a healthy context’. I found this really compelling and would love to hear your thoughts if you read it! (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
The failed philanthropy of Sam Bankman-Fried
A hot opinion piece from the Editorial Board of the Washington Post on Sam Bankman-Fried’s use of Effective Altruism perhaps as a cover for fraud. It includes this brutal take on the (IMO flawed) philosophy of Long Termism: “This is an arid conception of giving that flatters the fascinations of its adherents while excusing them from facing suffering in the here and now.” (Washington Post)
Studies and Resources
Community Finance Alliance Launches Racial Equity Scorecard
Two years after the Washington Post reported on the lack of accountability for corporations that made major financial pledges toward racial justice, Community Vision has partnered with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs to unveil the African American Equity Impact Scorecard, in effort to hold community lenders accountable to Black communities. (NPQ)
Americans for the Arts’ Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Report
The newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) is an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 provides detailed findings on 373 regions from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico—ranging in population from 4,000 to 4 million—and representing rural, suburban, and large urban communities. (AMA)
For Funders
Political Repression in Georgia: What Funders Can Do to Protect Democracy and Support Communities
“The ongoing attacks on organizers in Georgia are part of a concerted effort to suppress community voices and the right to protest. This is a critical time for philanthropy to stand with movements and protect democracy.” A joint letter from Democratizing Justice Initiative, Borealis Philanthropy, and Funders for Justice.
Fostering Connection for More Effective Philanthropy
Atlanta’s own David Weitnauer notes the importance of personal connection among family, board, and staff members in the context of their philanthropy and introduces his research on the concept of giving related. (National Center for Family Philanthropy)
Practicing Participatory Philanthropy: Five Key Findings
“Why do so few of these large foundations shift meaningful decisions and power to the communities they serve when they know it will lead to more effective grantmaking? To gain a better understanding of these issues, we interviewed trustees and staff at Mott Foundation, Kolibri Foundation, Conant Family Foundation, Chorus Foundation, Bush Foundation, and one anonymous family foundation. Our conversations reinforce that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to shifting power in philanthropy, but there are lessons that can help guide those eager to dive in. If these foundations can do it, many others can too.” (NPQ)
Short profiles on several funders who are addressing pressing issues, notably racism, mass incarceration, education inequalities and the climate crisis, including Purpose Possible clients Nwamaka Agbo and Regan Pritzker of the Kataly Foundation. (Robb Report)
