Amy McIsaac’s Post

Many of our nonprofit clients have been advocating for years, making incremental gains and some have eventually led to landmark victories. This inspiring article from The Bridgespan Group shares how profound shifts in U.S. public policy have been the result of incremental policy making, step-by-step, over many decades. The article provides four ways that philanthropies and donors can make strategic, sustained investments in social movements. "For many—engaged citizens, activists, and donors across ideological perspectives—the scale and urgency of injustices focus attention and action on these major, nationwide moments. However, these monumental turning points are most often the accrual of decades of deliberate small steps—incremental policy changes—by thoughtful and strategic advocates on the road to the big win." Thank you William Foster, Marc Solomon, Eric Chen, Zachary Slobig

Interested in getting the gist of my hot-off-the-press report on how philanthropy spurs polarization — and how funders can pivot to support pluralism instead? I've got you covered! Here is a busy reader's guide for those who may only have 10, 30, or 60 minutes to read the report (and links to it).

There are some great pieces coming out of The Commons via The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Here is another. This passage spoke to me, "[Funding the resistance] does not begin to take responsibility for polarization in our public life, which philanthropy has helped fuel by funding high-octane, all-or-nothing advocacy and activism across a range of policy areas. This approach has hampered policy settlements on issues such as climate, education, immigration, and policing — further stoking the fires of populism." Some may find it off putting, but the "all-or-nothing" seems have amounted to "nothing" not "all." Not just in philanthropy either - we all know people who have ended friendships, stopped going to holidays with their families, or don't talk to their neighbors anymore. There's a lot of nothing there. And at the same time, record numbers of people are saying that they are lonely and long for connection and community. How can philanthropy and nonprofits lead the way? Would love to hear what thoughts came up for you reading this article.

As a leader of a service providing organization, getting corporate and philanthropic funding is the biggest challenge that I face. That's ok, challenges are part of the job. What is unfair and unwinnable is the misinformation that I have to address when talking with funders about issues pertaining to social equity. Addressing the lies about education equity and economic security through workforce development is insurmountable. Funders can help by being objective and aligned to their focus areas, while creating environments where leaders such as myself can pitch our work.

Nonprofits have a wealth of undiscovered assets. The obvious ones are successful program models, but what about: 🔷Your network or partnerships 🔷Tools or resources - grant writing frameworks, email campaigns 🔷Specialized knowledge or expertise - train the trainer 🔷You may have a successful donor relationship framework or email campaign. When I was an executive director with a globally based social enterprise, we had an employee who loved creating policies and procedures. I loved doing business planning, and we had several excellent trainers. These offerings became part of our consultancy service, which successfully yielded income. Asset mapping is one of the many tools I use for strategic planning, and it leaves organizations excited about the possibilities. 👋Hi, I am Lori. As a strategic consultant, I help nonprofits focus on the right things at the right time to elevate their social impact and sustainability. Gain clarity to shift from reactive decision-making to proactive, strategic choices.

Guiding A Nonprofit Through DEI Challenges https://lnkd.in/ec6bzCuH

We appreciate the continued scholarship that comes out of the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and this article from a recent issue of The Foundation Review is no exception. Noting that "the philanthropic sector often undermines its own goals by replicating those same inequitable policies, practices, and structures within their institutions," the article offers four practices that can help shift power and advance equity: 👉 Start by embedding a racial equity lens in the work. 👉 Demonstrate, through words and actions, an authentic commitment to the communities you serve. 👉 Bring your grantees into true partnership by allowing them to define their success. 👉 Elevate your organization's thinking and orient toward internal systems change. We would like to hear from you! How is your work shaping up in relation to these practices? #equitymatters #philanthropymatters

Black leaders around the country are collaborating in increasingly intersectional ways. Meaningful change does not emerge out of any single entity or nonprofit, and instead is a collective work done through multiple actors across organizations. Through support, education, and mutual community building, these leaders are making a difference where it counts. #BlackLeadership #Justice #NonprofitLeadership

"We are not prepared, nor should we be, to take a step back when it comes to social equity and philanthropy. " In Ed Mitzen's latest Fast Company Op-Ed, he urges readers to consider how much more good we could accomplish if philanthropic organizations and politicians worked harmoniously. 💫 As co-Founder of Business for Good, Ed helps provide both financial and non-financial resources to BIPOC individuals and businesses, seeking to uplift entire communities. Because it's time to come together, not pick sides and point fingers. ❤️ 📣 Check out "Philanthropists Need Allies in the Government." here: https://lnkd.in/eQ_pi8cq #socialissues #lastingchange #socialissue

🔆Just over here being a beacon. 🌈 We are changing the world one person, process, and tool at a time. Join Fundraising.AI on October 1 for the global summit 🌻 https://lnkd.in/eEGajGzx 🚀 This 100% free and virtual event on October 1, 2024, is designed for nonprofit professionals who are asking themselves critical questions about AI: Should you be leveraging AI for your nonprofit? How can you ensure it’s used responsibly and beneficially? Dive into over 30 sessions with top leaders to learn about ethical AI use, AI-driven donor profiling, and more. 🤖 Unlock the opportunities AI has to offer. Join us to learn how you can leverage AI responsibly and effectively for your cause. 🔗 Will you leverage AI to Generate Good? Check out the link in our bio to register! #fundraisingai #generategood #responsibleAI #nonprofitinnovation #fundraising #fundraisers #nonprofit #tech4good #tech #ai