Inside Philanthropy’s Post

As we navigate the evolving landscape of philanthropy and social impact, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Here are three insightful pieces that offer a glimpse into the future of giving and community building: Philanthropy 4.0 is pushing boundaries by addressing root causes with a whole-system perspective. This approach fosters trust-based relationships and long-term capacity building, aiming for transformative societal changes. The Lankellychase Foundation and V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation exemplify this shift by reallocating resources to community-driven initiatives, promoting equity and sustainability. Read more in Louis Klein’s article: https://lnkd.in/erGRczqt CJ Orr’ analysis highlights key trends shaping 2024, including the rise of AI in fundraising, the increasing importance of donor-advised funds, and a generational shift in board leadership. These trends underscore the need for nonprofits to be agile and tech-savvy to enhance donor engagement and fundraising strategies. Explore the trends: https://lnkd.in/eJqYzciF AI’s integration into philanthropy is set to revolutionize donor engagement and operational efficiency. Concurrently, influencer philanthropy, led by figures like MrBeast is sparking discussion on ethical giving and social responsibility. This dual focus highlights the potential and challenges of leveraging technology and media influence for social good. Dive into the discussion: https://lnkd.in/eEqSdhvr By embracing these innovative trends and approaches, we can drive meaningful change and build stronger, more resilient communities. #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #CommunityBuilding #AI #SystemsChange

It's like trying to "get to the moon using a donkey cart." (Otto Scharmer, quoting a colleague in the UN**) We're not "navigating an ever-evolving digital age" or "landscape" right now. I see this language used often. That framing isn't just inaccurate; it's also reductive. And it sets up the nonprofit/social impact sector to fail (again). It's much bigger than that. We're in a major societal paradigm shift. It requires a new mindset: systems-based approaches + solutions, deeper collaboration + co-creation, and longer-term funding/projects, esp capacity building. We're trying to solve big problems, but the problems are 50x more complex than they were when our nonprofits were established. Covid, AI, the climate crisis, capitalism's growing cracks (including widening economic disparity) all the equity- and justice-seeking that is happening 💖 🙌 and that's still being fought for ✊ : we're not in Kansas anymore (Wizard of Oz reference). We're on the front lines of this paradigm shift. Every nonprofit I know is feeling the tension of knowing we need much more, while boards, major funding, governments and society generally don't see or articulate or address (or fund!) this shift. Systems change is critical. Our mission-focused problems are more complex, and interconnected, while our people need more (skillsets, compensation, funding, recognition and support), and all while internal infrastructure need more (tools, tech, processes and ops -- need more strategy, investing, replacing, and iterating). This ain't your grandma's philanthropy. 2D is nostalgically simple. 3D isn't solving the problems. 4D may be hard to imagine, but we're already living it, inside and outside of 'work'. We know the issues we're trying to address and solve are multidimensional and intersectional. The good thing??? *We* are multidimensional and intersectional, too. If you're like me, you've felt this tension and you like when words can identify big ideas. If you're not like me, you probably didn't read until the end 😅 ** Otto Scharmer's article dives deep into this and is amazing (and dense). Will link in comments. It's one of the more recent sources I'm reading and processing. Much of what I wrote above is a Ryann-flavoured distillation of his piece. Credit to him + thank you Jennifer Harris who shared the piece and some reflections.

Hear-hear to this: "It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the big, audacious goals of society can be achieved without system orchestrators... ...System orchestrators play a critical role in bringing about transformational social change by knitting together actors and institutions, providing backbone infrastructure, and mobilizing collective change efforts across ecosystems, sectors, and geographies. Along the way, they shape new paradigms, leverage system-wide resources, and navigate complexity, all to create forward momentum and progress at societal scale..." Stanford Social Innovation Review article by Don Gips Skoll Foundation / Tulaine M. New Profit / Cristiane Sultani Instituto Beja / Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, who together have established the Centre for Exponential Change. https://lnkd.in/ejzUwu4Z

I just came across the below article about Zero-Problem Philanthropy by Christian Seelos. For everyone, who does not want to read the whole thing, here's the main idea:   Zero-Problem Philanthropy shifts the focus from solving individual problems to creating healthy social contexts that inherently reduce the creation of problems. By developing environments where people can thrive, it aims to prevent problems from occurring in the first place. This approach contrasts with traditional philanthropy, which often results in a cycle of problem-solving without addressing the root causes.   The article made me think about AI and all the changes it will bring to the world of work, our social lives and our political systems. Is there an alternative to playing catch up and trying to fix one problem this technology will inevitably bring after another? Would it make more sense to think differently and more along the lines of: How can we create a political, economic and social environment around AI which allows (all) people and societies to thrive?   Sorry to say that I don't have any answers but maybe you have? I would love to read any ideas or recommendations for books/articles/podcasts as well as voices to follow in the comments.   https://lnkd.in/eDXD72mU

An impactful discussion at the #TechForGoodAwards 2024! Our panelists delved into Investing in Social Innovation: Shaping Pathways for Vision 2047 through CSR and Philanthropy, exploring how collaboration, responsibility, and strategic investment can build a sustainable and inclusive future. From difficulty in finding funds for pure tech programs to repetition of startups, this session was a deep dive into the power of CSR and philanthropy in shaping the future we want. Shruti Das Gopal Chhetri Prashant Mehra Yuvraj Malik #TechForGood #SocialInnovation #CSR #Philanthropy #Vision2047 #ImpactfulChange #FutureForward

"If we want to drive equitable systems change, investing in system orchestrators is among the highest-leverage investments that the philanthropic sector can make." Social challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and social injustice are complex and interconnected and continue to outpace available resources and solutions. This led to a shared understanding that linear problem-solving is not enough. We need exponential change to tackle exponential problems. We need system orchestrators - individuals or organizations that facilitate large-scale social change. System Orchestrators can build coalitions, leverage diverse resources, and drive equitable impact. Funders must recognize the crucial role of system orchestrators and provide the necessary long-term, sustained funding to enable them to achieve ambitious, systemic change. The Centre for Exponential Change was born out of this idea. C4EC is a global action network that creates spaces and marshals resources for system orchestrators. These resources are used to reimagine solutions and ecosystems that create resilient, collaborative responses to new challenges as they arise. "It’s hard to imagine a scenario in which the big, audacious goals of society can be achieved without system orchestrators. If philanthropy provides them the wraparound, long-term support they deserve, we may never have to." https://lnkd.in/gRfKVvhX Stanford Social Innovation Review | Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies | Skoll Foundation | Don Gips | New Profit | Tulaine M. | Instituto Beja | Cristiane Sultani | Sanjay Purohit | Centro para Mudanças Exponenciais #systemorchestrators #collaboration #philanthropy #socialchange

Is it me, or does interacting with a LLM at 30,000 feet on a early morning flight to distill a 72 page report (in mere seconds) feel like something from a SciFi movie? Alas, the future is today, and TODAY IS THE WORST THAT AI WILL EVER BE. In the words of my friend Conner Contreras (and budding data wonk!), "What a time to be alive!" For my original reason to post this morning is the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors report on Shift Systems Initiative - Solutions for Scaling Impact (link below), which headline of, "Philanthropy Needs More Walk, Less Talk to Create Systems Change" caught my attention. As for GPT 4's initial work [reviewed and edited by a human - me], not too shabby: Strategic Collaboration: The Shifting Systems Initiative (SSI), spearheaded by the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors since 2016, has been at the forefront of encouraging philanthropic funders to embrace more collaborative, adaptive, and long-term strategies to scale solutions for systemic change that empower grantees to drive meaningful change. Diverse Engagement: The initiative's role in amplifying the discourse around systems change within philanthropy is notable, increasing energetic conversations across the sector but also revealing the diversity and challenges inherent in this space. Equity at the Forefront: In a world increasingly aware of systemic inequalities, SSI's recent endeavors to integrate equity and justice into the systems change dialogue mark a crucial evolution in its mission. For Future Consideration: 1. Defining and Measuring Success: As the landscape of philanthropy evolves, how can SSI and similar entities refine their definitions of success in systems change? Identifying clear, actionable metrics could illuminate the path forward. 2. Harmonizing Diverse Perspectives: The richness of the systems change conversation is undeniable. Yet, this diversity brings its own set of challenges. How can we foster a more inclusive dialogue that respects and integrates varied perspectives without diluting the potency of the systems change approach? 3. Deepening the Equity Focus: The intersection of systems change with equity and justice has never been more pertinent. What strategies can ensure that this focus is not merely additive but foundational to systems change efforts? 4. Expanding Influence through Connectivity: In an age where connectivity can significantly amplify impact, what innovative approaches can SSI adopt to enhance its network's cohesion and reach, leveraging digital platforms for greater visibility and influence? 5. Cross-Sectoral Applications: The principles of systems change hold potential beyond philanthropy. How can these insights inform transformative strategies in other sectors, fostering a more integrated approach to societal challenges? #Philanthropy #SystemsChange #Equity #Collaboration #FutureOfPhilanthropy https://lnkd.in/gKHb9gAC

💡Explore how sharing knowledge and data can revolutionize philanthropy in The Chronicle of Philanthropy's latest article, "How Transparent Philanthropy Can Liberate Billions of Dollars — and Do More Good." Read the Full Article, here: https://lnkd.in/gPnmRu_F Learn how grantmakers can enhance accessibility, equity, and effectiveness in their giving by embracing transparency. #socialimpact #TransparentPhilanthropy #ImpactGiving #KnowledgeSharing

This insightful article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review highlights the critical role of system orchestrators, which build ecosystems of actors to move a broader systems change strategy. "What does system orchestration look like in practice? Spanning sectors and ecosystems, Health Care Without Harm is illustrative of the indispensability of system orchestrators to systemic change...Its orchestration approach incubates, connects, and scales grassroots initiatives to create systems-level shifts in policy and practices." Thank you to Don Gips of Skoll Foundation, Tulaine M. of New Profit, Rohini Nilekani of Rohini Nilekani Philanthropies, and Cristiane Sultaniof Instituto Beja for co-authoring this powerful piece and elevating Health Care Without Harm's role as a systems orchestrator. Read more💡 ⬇️

I have been in community service for more than 25 years and have seen so many changes in the social sector. One is the rising number of young social entrepreneurs who are the vanguards of social change and  community development. The work of  Yoek of Bold Academy, YiLin of Science Centre, Tiziana of Brain Juice, Khloe  and her forest therapy, Adrian and Greg of SG Assist is truly  inspiring. They bring passion and conviction and I feel good about the future. There is also the amazing shift in philanthropy. It used to be philanthropy by patronage or affiliation (it depends on who you are or who you know). Now it has shifted to philanthropy by possibilities (there is so much that we can do together to co-create the future). I see this  especially in corporate giving. The C-suite bosses actually come down to the community to experience for themselves the pulse of the community and the kind of impact their contributions have. One prominent example is Singapore Pools who is part of the community they support. There has been so much noise about sustainability, and if I may add to the noise, if you want sustainability, donors should consider investing (not  funding) the eco-system of the problems the community is trying to ameliorate.   This requires Big Bet money and Trust because we need big investments to get enduring and sustainable change. So we attended a meeting with a financial institution. We were asking for investment in our "building the good life" eco-system.  Our message would be that if you want the system to work you need to invest in the system or eco-system so that it is robust enough to be a social safety net. Wonder how they will take this. The presenter of our potential donor organisation opened the meeting with “Do you know what an eco-system is?  It is something that we believe in…” I was thrilled not because of the potential "investment" but that change-makers are framing the social sector right. Cormac Russell, Adrian Tan, Yoek Ling Yong, Yi Lin Tan, Tiziana Tan 陈英娇, Khloe Teo 🌱,Greg Tan Tze Kai, Noraini Maskuri, Rachel L.,Huihan Loh (卢晖翰), Wei Hurng Sio, Wai Chiong Loke, Hock Lin Sng 孫福霖, Hon Weng Yip, Sau Ho CHIN, Lee Yee Hern,Agnes Kwang,Wayne ANG 洪伟达, June Tay, Lim Tit Meng