Aaron Hurst

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the need for a "whole-of-society approach" to advancing social connection. We've tried to heed that call in our work at Einhorn Collaborative, supporting a broader range of efforts that engage actors across sectors. That includes: Projects like Team Up to enlist large national civic organizations with a presence in local communities to help people build connection across difference through service. Research groups like Building H to measure the impact of products on consumers’ health and urge companies to do better to improve social connection and other health outcomes. Initiatives like Human Connections AI to bring together social connection experts with technologists to puzzle through how AI companions can be designed to enhance and not degrade human relationships. Another project that has helped us explore a facet of the whole-of-society approach is the Connective Tissue Framework, which puts forward a range of recommendations for how government – especially at the local level – can create the structural conditions and everyday opportunities for people to experience healthy connection. I've learned a lot from Sam Pressler, lead author of Connective Tissue. In this piece, I asked Sam to share more about the story behind the framework and a few highlights. https://lnkd.in/esayJU3b

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Despite the fact that collaborative funds are being talked about as the next big thing in philanthropy, there's still a lot we don't know about their value-add to philanthropy. Often the discussion centers on how they enhance the experience and impact of donors. This new piece from Jennifer Stout draws attention to the importance of examining the experiences of grantees who receive funding from collaborative funds, as compared to their experiences with "direct funders". For The Freedom Fund, our understanding of how grantee partners perceive us largely comes from continuously seeking feedback (more on that here: https://lnkd.in/eEa6u7F6). We also see a big part of our role as identifying and building relationships with groups who have tremendous potential for deep, sustainable impact but who more traditional funders might overlook. As Jen says, we need more research across the field to draw broader conclusions and make the case for why collaborative funds, when structured appropriately, can fill gaps and do things differently.

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It's time to be ruthlessly strategic in our philanthropic support of movements to build a just democracy. This political moment calls for a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that protects marginalized communities from physical and political attacks while building the economic, cultural, and political power we need to create a future where we all can thrive. I designed the Courageous Giving Framework to guide funding institutions and individual donors as they respond to the rise of fascism. Love and compassion, plus strategy and infrastructure, will build the world that we all deserve. #philanthropy #nonprofits #trustbasedphilanthropy #socialjusticephilanthropy https://lnkd.in/eERV-cBv

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✅ Representation. ✅Visibility. ✅Co-creation. ✅Belonging. My prediction is that in the near future #DEI won’t be controversial in any way because every organization will embed it in every business process and workflow. That’s why I’m loving this blog post by the team over at Gather Voices. Check it out! https://lnkd.in/dTKYUtZZ

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Part 2! Of my interview with Ludovic Blain, ED of California Donor Table. This one right here is chock full of hard earned reflections. Almost every paragraph Ludovic takes on some important topic in the world of social justice philanthropy, donor organizing and electoral power building, pointing us away from any simplistic analysis and towards a more complex understanding. I hope we can use his boldness to inspire (and agitate) all of us to think and act more rigorously about this work many of us do. I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/gyFeRzji Quotes to pique your interest... "If unions and progressive elected officials, both of whom are elected (and funded) by large bases, are not amongst the folk we are listening to and following, philanthropy won’t succeed." "The Left is really good at opposition but our power building gets weak the closer it comes to power wielding." "In many ways, the individual donors are less stuffy than many of the biggest foundation boards. And it can be a little bit clearer how to get individual donors to grapple with their privilege, compared to getting the top 2 or 3 levels of a foundation to do so." "What we really need is wealthy donors who understand the medium and long term strategies. We need donors to understand that we invest in places that we are absolutely going to lose for the next two, 4 or 6 years...So the questions become, are we losing forward?" "We have a lot of wealthy white folks who are not really accountable to anybody, so they can literally fund whatever they want (for good and bad). Many wealthy people of color are in a different situation. Their wealth might be mostly due to their income, so they’re accountable and dependent on the wealthier person who’s paying them...it's a weird thing where we have sets of white folks who are more able to be ideologically bold with their wealth, & are motivated because maybe they don’t like their grand-parent who made the wealth in an oppressive way. They are able to do both the right thing (take a progressive stand) & also do the rebelling thing at the same time. A win-win for them! Whereas for the people of color w wealth, they’re often new money, so it's their kids who might be the leftist rebel, but the money hasn’t passed to them yet." "Most (wealthy) donors are white and the country is becoming more and more majority people of color. And more political contestation isn't just between white folks and people of color anymore, it’s also amongst people of color. More and more, doing this work requires racial understanding 501, if not 701. Creating multiracial coalitions that we need to win is going to continue to be very complicated and uncomfortable for everyone, including people of color. I think people should expect messiness, lack of clear ways forward, and very few kumbaya meetings. Almost every step will be hard. Worth it, but almost drudgery. We are making this road by walking."

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🌟 Challenge Spotlight 🌟 How can a small team maintain alignment and sustain momentum in major initiatives, while experiencing turnover in their backbone team AND amongst their partners? At The Collective Shift Co., we supported a backbone team of just 4.0 FTEs as they tackled complex challenges in collective impact work. Our approach: ✅ Visual frameworks and strategic plans ✅ Quarterly retreats for big-picture planning and relationship-building ✅ Communication norms to centralize and streamline internal messaging Building systems isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a foundation that grows with the team and empowers external partners. #Leadership #OrganizationalDevelopment #CollectiveImpact #TeamBuilding

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Associations role in addressing climate change 🔍 "The reason people associate in the first place is to solve big problems." – reflections from my recent Mission: Impact podcast podcast episode with Shelly Cumbie Alcorn Alcorn and Elizabeth Weaver Engel  on associations' pivotal roles in addressing climate change. Every industry, whether directly or indirectly, is affected by by climate change and the environmental shifts it is creating. In facing something as monumental as climate change, it's easy to focus on the extremes — either leaving everything to global entities like the UN or taking individual measures like installing solar panels. However, the real work for associations lies in that critical middle ground where practical, collective action can drive significant change. This is where our expertise and collaborative efforts can truly make a difference We are positioned to implement practical, scalable solutions that can influence entire industries and professions. This involves not only advocacy and education but also setting standards and leading by example in sustainability practices. How is your association or nonprofit leveraging its influence for sustainable impact?

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💡 ⚡ 👊 "All of our research indicates one key truth: FIELD CATALYSTS ARE AMONG THE HIGHEST-LEVERAGE INVESTMENTS PHILANTHROPY CAN MAKE when it comes to equitable systems change." (caps are mine) YES!...The Bridgespan Group we couldn't agree more! Here we share some reflections on running NCP's Economic System Change Lab...and playing a field catalyst role in support of leaders working day and night to transform the economic system so it actually works for more people--and the planet--and not just a privileged few. "The New Capitalism Project (NCP) Lab has been an experiment in how to incubate a set of inter-related ideas for action and bridge them towards a group’s shared vision for a transformed economic system. From the outset, the NCP Lab has focused on cultivating deep connections and trust among a range of leaders in service of supporting more connected and systemic ways of working together. We believe this kind of collective leadership and coordinated action are critical enabling conditions for driving system health. What we also know is that investments in enabling conditions such as these are hard to “projectize” and therefore harder to fund; and the qualitative and emergent nature of their impact often does not fit well into typical grantmaking reports." Read on if you're interested... https://lnkd.in/eUnzNhn8

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To assess Epic Foundation ’s impact on our grantee nonprofits and donors, two third-party evaluators have conducted impact measurement studies: → Impact Works Associates assessed how and to what extent Epic’s support impacts nonprofits. → Koreis Conseil aimed at answering three questions about Epic’s effect on creating change in giving behaviors. 🔄 70% of nonprofits feel Epic’s support has been “Transformational” 🤝 81% of donors who had trust issues in nonprofit organizations prior to working with Epic say that Epic has helped them overcome this difficulty 👉 Want to find out more about our model and how we operate? Take a look at our Global Report 2023: 🇬🇧 Discover the Report in English: https://bit.ly/4fVQUzq 🇫🇷 Discover the Report in French: https://bit.ly/4fUiCNa

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Venture 2 Impact and Sage have teamed up to revolutionize fundraising for Per Scholas Atlanta. The local strategy, reliant on large institutional donors, faced sustainability challenges, prompting a shift towards individual-based giving—a method where most donors consistently return. By enhancing connections with the philanthropic community and leveraging the strengths of Per Scholas’ Advisory Board and alumni, the new strategy aims for profound engagement and increased funding independence. Anticipated outcomes include a robust increase in the local philanthropic knowledge, a significant budget boost, and enhanced training opportunities for over 200 learners annually, disrupting generational poverty through tech education.🚀 Read Case Study in detail: https://lnkd.in/e9-6E_56 #TechForGood #FundraisingExcellence #CommunityImpact #PerScholas #SustainableDevelopment #AtlantaNonprofits

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Check out this episode with some of our industry's BEST in-class talk about the evolution of the Philanthropic sector.👍🏾#LetsGO #Podcast #PhilanthrophyMatters #DayLightAdvisors 🔥🔥

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🌟 This week at the Wisdom 2.0 + AI Summit, leaders across tech, spirituality, and innovation gathered to explore humanity's next chapter. "We're drowning in information and starving for wisdom." E.O. Wilson's famous words (now 30+ years old!) echoed through every session, a clarion call for what's next. At a time when AI headlines ping between promise and peril, I was surprised to hear Sam Altman offer a rare glimmer of hope: "As tech advances, I believe we'll see a significant return to spirituality — it's what's missing when other things get solved for." In short: the more AI handles the HOW, the more humans will return to asking WHY. May it be so! Some insights that stayed with me: 🛎 "If you want to be humbled, just close your eyes" - Yung Pueblo on the power of inner exploration. His reminder that "You won the lottery, you're human - how will we make the most of it?!" hits differently in an age of AI. 🤖 "How can humans live good lives surrounded by these new species?" Hans Peter Brøndmo, founder of Everyday Robots, on why the conversation we need isn't about the future of work, but the nature of work. 🌿 "We need AI's to be context-wise, not just information-smart," danielle krettek cobb on what's possible when we blend ancestral wisdom with new tools – and what happens if we don't. The most profound moment came when our host, Soren Gordhamer, asked: "How might we design a culture where knowing who you are is the most noble thing?" 🎯 Because here's what won't change (in Sam's words): "The right answer to most questions will still be.....time in nature, fresh air, meditation, and loving the people close to you." Amen to that. 💡 Watching my young boys interact with AI recently, a lightbulb went off: to them, intelligent machines aren't miraculous - they're expected. But perhaps this is the gift in this era -- the better our machines get at doing, the more humans can focus on being. What do you think: Could AI's greatest contribution be pushing us to rediscover what makes us uniquely human?! #WisdomAndAI #ConsciousTech #LearningOnPurpose #TakingFlight Center for Humane Technology The Flight School

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Many donors still are trying to understand how donor-advised funds work. Likewise, a lot of nonprofit leaders still are unsure the right way to work with donors who give through DAFs, much less the DAF providers themselves. In the latest Giving Ventures podcast, we tackle both sides of the equation. The podcast plays back a great webinar we hosted for non-profit leaders last week exploring how to use and work with DAF providers. Take a listen, whether you be a donor, non-profit CEO, or a fundraiser. You'll find something to help you!

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The key to having meaningful conversations at work? Be R.I.C.H. Neiko Lampkin, Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity Manager at Expel, presented at our ERG Summit about leveraging the R.I.C.H. framework to explore issues of intersectionality. According to Performance Paradigm, R.I.C.H. dialogue is “a communication method that strengthens relationships by exploring variations in points of view around race, identity, culture, and heritage.” In other words, it’s a way of having meaningful dialogue that acknowledges people’s backgrounds and lived experiences. Real, meaningful conversations are crucial to the success of any ERG. Members expect to be able to bring their full selves to the table and to be seen, heard, respected, and accepted for who they are. The R.I.C.H. communication method sets the stage for conversations that honor employees as whole, intersectional people — and ultimately, it demonstrates how acknowledging our differences can actually bring us closer together. Check out Neiko's session here: https://lnkd.in/gCZ87jWy

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How will a donor’s DAF go after the death of donor or donor and spouse? The options are richer than many realize, and those options can solve for many multi-generational philanthropic planning challenges. In effect, a donor can plan to support one or more specific charities for a long time after death, or forever, without having to trust those orgs with a big lump sum, and without having to entrust (or burden) heirs with fulfilling parental intentions. Houses of Worship, small arts organizations, activist organizations, elder care facilities, and private school, are among the many vital community based organizations that can benefit. Many of them have no endowment and no ability to manage endowed, donor-restricted gifts. In educating donors about these solutions Community Foundations, National Gift Funds, and Faith Community Foundtions all have a role to play. As do advisors. Consider these as possibilities as #outsourcedendowments. Kimberlee Riley, CAP® Megan Hyman Phil Strassler Daniel White, CAP® https://lnkd.in/ewnKEYaY

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🎭 Ever felt like you're wearing a mask in your fundraising role? In my recent conversation with Mallory Erickson, author of "What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose," we explored groundbreaking insights that can revolutionize how we approach fundraising.🌟 From battling burnout to embracing alignment, we dove deep into the heart of what makes fundraising both challenging and rewarding. Mallory shared several practical strategies that we can implement immediately: ✅ Cultivate curiosity: When faced with resistance or fear, get curious about where those feelings are coming from. This can help create space for new possibilities. ✅ Acknowledge discomfort: Recognize that feeling uncomfortable is normal in fundraising. Not all discomfort is bad – sometimes it's a sign we're growing or staying true to our values. ✅ Focus on removing barriers: Instead of always trying to add new strategies, look at what's holding you back and work on removing those obstacles. ✅ Prioritize and focus: Mallory shared how she grew fundraising by 10 times in six months by focusing intensely on one area (corporate partnerships) rather than trying to do everything at once. 🤔 What if I told you that your fundraising fears are not only normal but could be the key to unlocking your potential? 🚀 Listen to this juicy episode and then share it with everyone. It's a must-listen for every nonprofit pro! 👉 Listen at https://lnkd.in/gywiSdQ7 or wherever you get your podcasts! #NonprofitGrowth #FundraisingRevolution #AlignmentFundraising

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Who will be the superpowers of philanthropy in the next 25 years? Who will have the capacity and resources to influence social, economic, and political arenas? The answer is women. Historically, women have always played crucial roles in philanthropy. Early social service work was seen as “women’s work.” Female philanthropy started with parochial institutions, where nuns, deaconesses, and women of all faiths offered comfort to the marginalized in their communities. Now, with women holding more than half of private wealth in the U.S. and the capacity to influence global change, their impact is poised to grow exponentially. Despite progress, support for women's and girls' organizations remains low, receiving just 1.8% of charitable giving. However, women are stepping up to fill this gap, often giving broadly, holistically, and collectively. They focus on aligning their passion with their resources, working collaboratively, and demanding transparency about the impact of their contributions. Women’s philanthropy offers vast opportunities: from supporting traditional nonprofits to becoming angel investors and engaging in impact investing. In my role as a philanthropic advisor, I work to help women donors align their values with their charitable giving, grow their confidence and celebrate their achievements. #PhilanthropyConcierge #WDM2024 #WomensPhilanthropy #WomenInLeadership https://lnkd.in/gSZhsadi

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Venture2Impact's collaboration with Pathways to Education illustrates the powerful outcomes of combining human-centered design with skills-based volunteering. Key achievements from this partnership include: ✔️Development of innovative tools that integrate youth insights into product decisions, enhancing engagement and effectiveness. ✔️Creation of a prototype application and a website for microsurveys that improved the collection of actionable student feedback. ✔️Significant resource savings for Pathways, with estimates showing around $70,000 in cost savings and 150-200 hours of staff time saved. ✔️Universal praise from volunteers, with 100% expressing a high likelihood of participating in future projects and recommending skills-based volunteering to peers. ✔️Boosted confidence and empowerment among Pathways staff due to new technologies. Dive in to read the case study in detail: https://lnkd.in/ePB25ZtP #SocialImpact #InnovationInEducation #SkillsBasedVolunteering #YouthEmpowerment #NonprofitSuccess

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👏👏👏👏👏 "This political moment calls for a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that protects marginalized communities from physical and political attacks while building the economic, cultural, and political power we need to create a future where we all can thrive. The Courageous Giving Framework is a progressive philanthropic strategy to ensure that donors and funders are working in alignment with social justice movements to build a just, multiracial, democracy. This framework describes what to fund and is designed to complement progressive funding approaches, such as Trust-Based Philanthropy, social justice philanthropy, and the Justice Funders’ Resonance Framework, which guide donors on how to fund." Courageous Giving

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