Democracy Fund’s Post

The work we do is always bigger than the political landscape. Whether we agree or disagree with election results, the nonprofit sector must continue to serve the community at large—and that means supporting both the individuals on your team and those you serve. Here's how to lead through it: https://hubs.la/Q02XrGN-0

Today, many of us woke up with a sense of defeat — Trump has won the presidency again, and the stakes feel higher than ever. But as we’ve learned, even in the hardest times, we don’t back down. Our communities, especially those impacted the most, need us to keep pushing forward with resilience and purpose. If there’s one lesson we hold onto, it’s that change doesn’t rest in one leader but in the power of all of us. Let’s turn our frustration into action: support local nonprofits, advocate for vulnerable communities, and keep building a better tomorrow. Let’s keep going, together. 💪 Read more on the blog: https://lnkd.in/dJ_78A-J #2024Election #Advocacy #CommunityStrength #Leadership

Last Day to Apply! The Policy Center invites nonprofit organizations, and government leaders to join our next cohort of the Policy Fellows program through a competitive application process.   We will be prioritizing applications from states who have not yet been through our program. #maternalmentalhealth #mentalhealthpolicy

An interesting series of conversations are on the horizon for June. We have received an enormous amount of request to revisit strategic moves management focuses for founders as we approach the 2024 Presidential election. Yes, it is a critical time that will impact the nonprofit sector as it serves the community and humanity at large. #changemakers #socialentreprenuers #strategic philanthropy

"What do you recommend to say to stakeholders who request “poverty porn”-style stories?" We have been asked variations of this question time and time again... 💣 The truth is: Nonprofit professionals are ready to adopt ethical storytelling practices, but they worry about how to get their entire community on board. So, we asked the experts. And, thankfully, our friends Megan Donahue, Christina Tzavaras Edwards, Erika Spence and Jordana Merkin had great suggestions to share! We synthesized them into three actionable steps: Step 1️⃣: Have Tough Conversations & Be Prepared to Give Grace Step 2️⃣: Make a Communications Plan & Gather Buy-In  Step 3️⃣: Build Community & Raise More Funds Full article: https://lnkd.in/e9UDhRbV #ethicalstorytelling #exploitativestories

We are in the final stretch! The Black-Led Organizations: Strengthening California’s Economy& Communities Survey closes this Friday, August 16th. If you are a Black-led organization that hasn't had a chance to submit the survey, now is your chance! Now more than ever we need your voice in the conversation regarding racial funding equity. Click the link to learn more https://lnkd.in/eNujzbPE We’d like to extend a deep, heartfelt thank you to every organization that has taken the time to share and complete the survey. We know that across every corner of California, in the places seen and unseen, there are Black-led organizations, just like yours or ones that you know of, who are standing in the gap for our communities where it’s needed the most. We'd also like to extend a thank you to our partner @NonprofitFinance Fund for helping us launch this survey. #CaliforniaNeedsBLOs #EquityCantBeErased #FundBlackOrgs #BlackPermanency

Narratives permeate every aspect of the shared human experience, from myth and legend to cinema, news, everyday conversations, and even public policy. So how can we use effective narratives to build the public will for investments, resources, and policies proven to solve the defining issues that nonprofits are address? How can we improve the public’s understanding of solutions advanced by nonprofits and their philanthropic partners? Join colleagues acorss the state on October 22 as Marisol Bello, Executive Director, Housing Narrative Lab and Holly Minch, Founder, LightBox Collaborative discuss tips for effective storytelling and issue messaging to advance effective advocacy solutions 👉 https://lnkd.in/gsxMQi5M More about this series: The California Policy Forum is a unique partnership between CalNonprofits, Philanthropy California (Northern California Grantmakers, Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, SoCal Grantmakers) and the League of California Community Foundations. We provide not only a platform to bring together the voices of nonprofits and philanthropy in our state, but also to amplify the sector’s significance and priorities to policymakers and experts. #philanthropyca #advocacy #philanthropy #californianonprofits #sandiegononprofit

Dos and Don’ts for Engaging the Hispanic Community 🔍 Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or a government agency, knowing the right approach when engaging the Hispanic community is crucial. Want to dive deeper? Let’s talk about how these insights can shape your next community project. #CulturalEngagement #HispanicCommunities #NonprofitLeadership #GovernmentAgencies #VelezStrategies

Is your nonprofit ready for the 2024 election? In an interview with The Chronicle of Philanthropy's Ben Gose, KM Strategies Group founder Kindred Motes stresses the importance of proactive scenario planning. Rather than reacting to crises, KMSG advises organizations to focus on what they stand for and the goals they are working toward, no matter the political landscape: “You have to proactively state what you are for, and paint a vision of what you’re working toward. Even in challenging times, it’s not enough to be reactive.” Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/etG3qmu9

💼 "Responsibility is the price of freedom." — Elbert Hubbard nailed it with this one. In the nonprofit community, we know that freedom isn’t free. We’re all about creating change and lifting up our communities—but that kind of freedom comes with a big responsibility: to do it right, to act with purpose, and to serve with integrity. ✊🏾 With election season around the corner, this message hits even harder. Voting isn’t just a right; it’s a responsibility. It’s a way to advocate for our communities and make sure the issues that matter to us are front and center. If we’re going to talk about real change, it starts here. 🗳️ So, how are you showing up responsibly—in your work, in your service, and yes, at the polls? ⬇️ Drop your thoughts below, and let’s inspire each other to lead with purpose and make every action count. #SocialResponsibility #NonprofitImpact #NonprofitLeadership #VoteResponsibly #ElectionSeason