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Foundations effect greater change in the world when their funding decisions are shaped by the people and communities most harmed by inequities. While many funders agree with this notion, there is often a struggle to invest in systems change and to actualize community-centered funding. This session will discuss effective vs. extractive listening practices, provide a framework to implement power-sharing, and highlight lessons learned from regional grantmakers to evolve their practices.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have observed several transitions among foundation CEOs. These transitions have come about in a number of different ways. A significant number of CEOs retired from their positions (and a few have been dragged back into the fold). Some transitions have occurred because of new (or renewed) foundation missions which necessitated changes in organizational structure. And others have come about due to the natural evolution of careers, interests, and opportunities. But whatever the case, understanding what these transitions are like for the leaders— current and former—is instructive to both the field and the larger community.
Stories of companies retreating from targeted programs, rebranding programs, changing messaging, or taking a “quiet action” approach due to fear of backlash abound in the field. While companies are working to meet the unique needs of communities with their philanthropic efforts, this fear is directly impacting corporate philanthropy and CSR efforts.
As we look toward this year’s general election, the escalating negative political rhetoric is once again targeting the issues affecting people most marginalized in this country: transgender rights, reproductive autonomy, immigration, just to name a few. History has shown that these attacks are not new; they are a political ploy to stoke distrust and division during a critical election year while creating backlash against progressive wins. States and local jurisdictions across the country are passing bills to roll back progress on our civil liberties.
NCG’s community of advocates, movement conveners, and dreamers spend most of the year with us learning, collaborating, and working to shift philanthropic practice. We understand that no one aspect of philanthropic practice can be done alone.
Our nonprofit ecosystem is the backbone of our philanthropic work and efforts to build thriving communities. We rely on nonprofits to drive solutions and carry the weight of justice. In turn, how can the philanthropic sector support our nonprofits in this time?
Please join the California Youth Organizing Funders Collaborative for a discussion focused on the power and impact of investing in youth organizing as a strategy that supports a broad array of foundation and donor priorities - from youth development, to climate change, to mental health and well-being to power and movement building and leadership development for a truly just, inclusive and equitable California. This session will provide historical context, resources, dialogue with youth organizers and learning between practitioners in philanthropy who seek to invest in youth power and youth leadership development.