Dr.Boyce D Watkins

Will I see you at the New Power Labs Summit: Capital Unlocked on Nov 20, 2024? #futures #transformation #power #capital #equity #Impactinvesting #underfunded

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In a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges, the State Infrastructure Fund is a beacon of hope, channeling donor dollars and optimism into safeguarding democratic processes across the United States. Our latest article on Inside Philanthropy explores how this fund is strategically mobilizing resources to support state-level initiatives that protect and strengthen democracy. #SarahHenry reports: How the State Infrastructure Fund is addressing threats to democracy Strategic initiatives supported by the fund at the state level The role of donor collaboration in driving impactful change Tagging The Overbrook Foundation CENTER FOR CIVIC POLICY John P. and Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation #DemocracyProtection #SocialImpact #StateInfrastructureFund #CivicEngagement #DemocraticResilience #DonorCollaboration #VotingRights #FairElections #DemocraticProcesses #PoliticalInfrastructure #DefendDemocracy #PhilanthropicImpact #InsidePhilanthropy #Philanthropy

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Lead poisoning remains a critical public health issue, affecting countless children and communities. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is tackling this challenge head-on with the launch of a major new initiative as part of its “Big Bets” program. Our latest article on Inside Philanthropy explores how RPA aims to reduce lead exposure and protect vulnerable populations through strategic funding and partnerships. Paul Karon Reports: The rationale behind RPA’s focus on lead poisoning as a primary health concern How the “Big Bets” program is structured to tackle pressing issues with significant, targeted funding The anticipated impact on public health and community well-being through this initiative Tagging Latanya Mapp USAID UNICEF Open Philanthropy Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Good Ventures #Philanthropy #PublicHealth #LeadPoisoning #RockefellerPhilanthropy #BigBets #InsidePhilanthropy #SocialImpact #HealthEquity #EnvironmentalJustice

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"Because the field is nascent, philanthropists and private investors can lead the way by testing, validating, and scaling up interventions that ensure access to wealth-generating assets at the base of the economic pyramid." Drawing on interviews with over 50 philanthropists, impact investors, and social entrepreneurs, a brief from The Bridgespan Group identifies five critical drivers of the racial wealth gap in the U.S. and strategies that funders can use to help close it. Read the brief: https://bit.ly/3V6rl5h Learn about how our upcoming Journey to Atlanta will explore strategies for expanding access to wealth-building opportunities and economic mobility: https://bit.ly/4ay3ocw

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The field of pro-democracy philanthropy is in a moment of deep transformation. Learn the details about what that looks like for funders in the 2024 update of our "Field in Focus" report:

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Discernment of Philanthropy from Last Century: The landscape of philanthropy has dramatically evolved from the early 20th century to the present. In the early 1900s, philanthropy was largely driven by big Religious Organizations to a few wealthy individuals and families who made substantial contributions to public institutions such as libraries, universities, and hospitals. Organizations Like Missionaries of Charity, Caritas International, Ramakrishna Mission, Figures like Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller were emblematic of this era, focusing on building enduring legacies through large-scale projects and endowments. Their approach was often paternalistic, with a top-down mindset about how to address societal issues. As the 20th century progressed, the scope and nature of philanthropy began to shift. The mid-century saw the rise of corporate philanthropy, where businesses started to play a significant role in charitable activities. Foundations like the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation became prominent, channeling substantial resources into addressing global issues like poverty, public health, and education. Entering the 21st century, philanthropy has become even more diverse and democratized. The advent of the internet and digital platforms has enabled broader participation from individuals across different economic backgrounds. Crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe and Kickstarter have empowered ordinary people to contribute to causes they care about, often resulting in swift and substantial fundraising efforts for various initiatives. Social media has further amplified this effect, allowing causes to gain visibility and support rapidly. Moreover, contemporary philanthropy emphasizes strategic giving and impact measurement. Modern philanthropists, including tech entrepreneurs like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, focus on data-driven approaches to ensure their contributions yield measurable and sustainable outcomes. This era has seen the rise of concepts such as impact investing and social entrepreneurship, where the lines between for-profit and non-profit activities blur, aiming for both financial returns and social good. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards collaborative philanthropy, where multiple stakeholders, including non-profits, governments, and private enterprises, work together to tackle complex global challenges. This collaborative approach reflects recognition that multifaceted problems like climate change, global health, and inequality require coordinated efforts and diverse perspectives. In essence, the face of philanthropy has transitioned from a predominantly elite, institution-building endeavor to a more inclusive, strategic, and collaborative field. This evolution mirrors broader societal changes, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and the collective impact of diverse contributions.

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What Do Grant Funders Really Want? 🤔 Grant funders are more than financial supporters—they are partners in creating impactful change. Whether you’re applying for a grant for your nonprofit, community initiative, or startup, understanding what funders look for is crucial. Here are key things that matter most to them: 1️⃣ Alignment with Their Mission Funders want to invest in projects that align closely with their priorities and values. Before applying, research the funder’s mission to ensure your goals resonate with theirs. 2️⃣ A Clear and Compelling Proposal Your proposal should articulate the why, how, and what of your project. Define the problem you’re solving, present a feasible solution, and outline measurable outcomes. Simplicity and clarity go a long way! 3️⃣ Evidence of Impact Funders need assurance that their resources will make a difference. Show data, testimonials, or past results to prove that your approach works. If you’re a new organization, share how you’ll measure success. 4️⃣ Strong Leadership and Sustainability Funders are drawn to well-led initiatives. Showcase your team’s expertise and the steps you’ll take to ensure the project’s long-term sustainability, even after their funding period ends. 5️⃣ Transparency and Accountability They want to know how their money will be used. Present a detailed budget and be open about reporting mechanisms. Transparency builds trust and sets you apart from other applicants. 6️⃣ Innovation and Scalability While some funders focus on proven solutions, others are drawn to innovative ideas that can be scaled or replicated. Highlight how your project stands out and how it can create systemic change. Remember: Grant funders are not just providing money—they’re partnering with you to create impact. Position your project as a solution that aligns with their mission and can deliver real, measurable results. What do you think is the most important thing a funder wants? Share your thoughts below! Faith Kinyanjui FAITH MAFU Gwanyama Noella #GrantWriting #NonprofitFunding #ImpactfulChange #ThinkLikeAFunder #PartnershipsForGood

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#PrincipalGifts may be where philanthropic advisors, and consultants to grantmakers, intersect with fundraising or institutional advancement. Principal Gifts also intersect with Leadership Gifts and gifts during the silent phase of a Capital Campaign. Advice on these is given by another set of campaign consultants like CCS Fundraising. Some transformational gifts are "organic;" they are the fruit of a lifetime of donor cultivation and engagement. They are, for that long-term loyal, high-capacity donor, "the largest gift of a lifetime," the "ultimate gift." These organic gifts from insiders may be either solicited or "self-solicited," as Ronald Schiller puts it. Say, half of Principal Gifts Gifts are organic. The other half are "over the transom" from philanthropists and companies who approach the nonprofit because they have done research, and perhaps have received strategic advice, that this nonprofit is an appropriate fulcrum for the donor's lever to move the world. Where #trustbasedphilanthropy intersects with these big-dollar transformational gifts is another matter. Arabella Advisors, Phīla Engaged Giving, and The Bridgespan Group would have insights and practical guidance. To make transformational gifts for the benefit to small community-based organizations that may not even have a full-time fundraiser, but address community needs is no small challenge. Community Foundations, Faith Foundations, and other Platform Organizations may play a role in connecting the big dollars through endowed funds for small organizations collectively addressing major community needs. Such gifts are potentially transformational at the level of systems change, or reboot, driven not only by the wisdom of the few, but also by the lived expeirence of the many. Megan Hyman at Dallas Jewish Community Foundation is among the pioneers in this community-based Principal Gift facilitation.

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Are you a donor or a grantmaker? Help our colleagues at 21/64 & the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. Click here to start the survey > https://bit.ly/49FGn76

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Are you a donor? Grantmaker? Do you have 10 minutes? ⏱️ Help your colleagues at @21/64 and the National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) gain valuable insights on how you engage philanthropy consultants or advisors to advance your giving. 🔗 Click here to start the 2024 Philanthropy Benchmark Survey >> https://lnkd.in/e-Y9QPs9 #NNCG #NNCGisWE #philanthropy #consultants #BenchmarkSurvey #GetInvolved #SubmitYourResponses

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We are seeing the early roots-and-shoots of municipalities who are finishing up their uses of ARPA funds, now starting to come to philanthropy to fill the gap. This is part of a larger arc of government more-and-more coming to philanthropy, sometimes under the guise of "public-private partnership" to ask for funding to pay for things that they themselves fully funded just a short time ago. I think as we live through this impending "ARPA cliff" case study, two things emerge to me. The first, we can see how well casted our public dollars were based on the philanthropic need to sustain them. I don't take this lightly. Philanthropy cannot maintain ARPA funding and there is going to be real pain at the local level as these dollars subside. This should be less about philanthropy and more about the challenges in the public side of maintaining our safety net. To that end, my second point, is that in most cities and counties, the safety net is largely publicly funded, often two-thirds of the total cost. The different forms of philanthropy together make up like just under a fifth of the total pie and with the growth of government needing private philanthropy more and more, it's likely a philanthropic 10%. I suspect that one of the biggest lessons of ARPA, like TARP fifteen-years prior, will be that the largest segment of our safety net did not really shift or alter itself to meet our communities' long-term needs. Shiny things were bought with those dollars but the infrastructure behind the service delivery to our most vulnerable stayed, unfortunately, intact. I am nervous about the developing ARPA challenge to our communities and how philanthropy will respond. I hope the moment can be used to have some hard conversations, which I believe are long overdue.

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📣 Happy to share the english version of this latest article from KV Philanthropy Consulting! ✳ As more and more philanthropists are looking to increase the social and environmental impact of their donations, effective altruism (EA) has emerged as a go-to strategy for many. ❓ But is it the right philanthropic approach for you and your foundation? 👇 In this article, we'll delve into the essence of effective altruism, its fundamental principles, its key proponents, and the criticisms it faces. A quick read, take a look and let me know what you think about EA! #foundation #grantmaking #strategy #donations #effectivealtruism #philanthropy https://bit.ly/43SUmp2

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In a time when there is so much uncertainty, this is a reminder that there are fund managers out there who are deepening and broadening impact strategies for underserved communities. They need your support. Flexible Capital Fund Boston Impact Initiative #impactinvesting #financialreturns #environmentalreturns #esg https://lnkd.in/esJBFc28

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We can see 👀 that community-led collaborative funds are emerging as powerful tools for driving equity and justice. These funds 💵 unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals, pooling resources to address complex social challenges. By fostering collaboration among donors, nonprofits, and community leaders, collaborative funds amplify impact and drive meaningful change at scale 💬. Community-led collaborative funds prioritize equity and justice, channeling resources towards systemic solutions💡and underrepresented communities. 🌍 By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, these funds amplify grassroots initiatives, promote inclusive decision-making, and dismantle barriers to opportunity. 🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏿 Through strategic investments in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, community-led collaborative funds drive tangible progress towards a more just and equitable society. How can we leverage these funds to address systemic inequalities and advance social justice? 🌀 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! How do you envision community-led collaborative funds shaping the future of philanthropy? #collaboration #PhilanthropicAdvising

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🌟 What's your favorite philanthropy podcast? I'm always on the lookout for insightful podcasts about philanthropy and fundraising. What’s your favorite podcast related to philanthropy or fundraising? Whether it features expert interviews, compelling stories, or practical advice, I'd love to hear your recommendations. Share your favorites in the comments below! #Philanthropy #Fundraising #Podcasts

This one's for my non-profit and mission-driven biz friends. 🌟 Ready to shake up your strategic planning? 🌟 Jen Self, phd licsw, Queer JEDI, Desiree’ Wilkins Finch, MA are launching our equity-centerd, cohort-based strategic planning program this fall. Strategic planning is often unwieldy, overwhelming, and frankly...not that fun. Our cohort-based model is designed for up to 10 organizations to embark on this journey together. Led by our expert team, you’ll create your organization’s equity-centered strategic plan in parallel with your peers in the cohort, with lots of community-based learning and support along the way. We have a few spots left, and we're wrapping up enrollment in the next week, so if you're interested...let's talk! I'll drop a link to more info in the comments; DM me if you want to chat!

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In addition to community foundations, we are considering a small number of United Ways. Spread the word! We think the SDGs will be particularly useful as a vehicle for place-based racial equity work in the new environment we are heading into...

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