Voices from the Field

The Big Reset: Guidance for Funders

Posted on September 15, 2020 by Mario Morino

This article was originally published by Leap of Reason. View all components of The Big Reset and a list of references for funders here. Brutal Truths America has never needed more from civil society. That’s because our country is being rocked by a health pandemic, an age-old racism pandemic, economic upheaval, sweeping cuts in safety net programs, and the increasing… Read More
Voices from the Field

Focus and Reenergize with Four Powerful Questions

Posted on September 2, 2020 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly

white question mark on an abstract background
Feeling uncomfortable? You’re not alone. We’re all being asked to stretch and grow these days as we navigate a new world. Along with COVID-19, we’re facing divisive political rhetoric, and the growing needs of a struggling civic society. Add to that the challenges of a recession and a deafening cry for action to condemn racism and increase social justice. While… Read More
Voices from the Field

Five Lessons Learned from Running a Foundation That Gives Directly to Families

Posted on August 27, 2020 by Amy Kingman

In 2016, I was asked to join a philanthropic project that was close to the heart of philanthropist Warren Buffett and his beloved older sister, Doris Buffett. The “letters program” first started many years ago. After going public with his giving pledge, Warren (like many well-known philanthropists) was flooded with requests not just from nonprofits, but also from individuals and… Read More
Voices from the Field

State of the Social Sector: A Message to Family Philanthropy

Posted on August 24, 2020 by David La Piana, Madison McAleese

hands reaching out to each other, helping
The COVID-19 crisis has detrimentally impacted every industry over the past several months. While record numbers of Americans are filing for unemployment and communities around the country are facing serious health and economic crises, the social sector, responsible for supporting and engaging these communities, is desperately holding on while funding dries up. As the pandemic shutdown began to unfold, we… Read More
Voices from the Field

Supporting Youth and Next-gen Philanthropy: How to Get Started

Posted on August 18, 2020 by Jen Crino

Sammie Holzwarth, Kimberly Myers Hewlett, and Vasser Seydel on
Sammie Holzwarth, Kimberly Myers Hewlett, and Vasser Seydel on NCFP’s recent webinar This article was originally published by Foundant Technologies and is re-posted here with permission. Bringing the next generation into the fold is a natural progression for many family philanthropies. Teaching children at a young age about shared values, engaging youth in service learning and site visits, and formally preparing… Read More
Voices from the Field

The Impact of COVID-19 on Civil Society

Posted on August 14, 2020 by Sarina Dayal

survey
This article was originally published by Candid and is re-posted here with permission. Over the last four months, organizations around the globe have surveyed foundations, nonprofits, civil society organizations, and individuals to learn how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting them. The findings from these surveys provide data to help the sector best respond to the crisis, strengthen solidarity, and inform… Read More
Voices from the Field

What We Learned When We Listened to Community Voices

Posted on August 10, 2020 by Neeraj Mehta, McKnight Foundation

Photo credit: Molly Miles This article was originally published by the McKnight Foundation and is re-posted here with permission. As the McKnight Foundation began developing a new program devoted to equity and inclusion in our state, we’ve been mindful that engaging the wisdom and expertise of individuals and communities beyond the Foundation walls increases the program’s relevance, credibility, and effectiveness… Read More
Voices from the Field

Exceptional Times Call for Exceptional Responses

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Megan Reilly

The Clowes Fund Executive Committee March and April 2020 were scary days. Most of the country had shut down to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The news was filled with heartbreaking stories of patients sick from COVID-19 and people who were suddenly unable to buy groceries or pay rent. Foundation board and staff members were not immune; most of… Read More
Voices from the Field

For Weissberg Foundation, Trust-Based Philanthropy Starts With Internal Culture-Building

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Hanh Le, Shaady Salehi

Workplace, boardroom
This article was originally published by the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project and is re-posted here with permission. Join us on October 6 for a webinar to learn more about trust-based family philanthropy.  The Weissberg Foundation in Arlington, Virginia is a justice-oriented family foundation that has always leaned on its values to drive its grantmaking. In 2016, Hanh Le took the helm… Read More