Paige Hendrix Buckner

A must read for those looking at transformative and systemic changes: "Patient, flexible leadership and funding will be needed for the field of community development finance to evolve from the principles of market, scale, and self-sufficiency and fulfill its promise of increasing equity and opportunity in historically disadvantaged communities. Philanthropy will be essential for this move, but so will public and private developers, other public- and private-sector partners, and, most important, the empowered community residents and organizations who will be in the driver’s seat."

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Funders and nonprofits are working in complex and rapidly changing environments where no single organization or individual has access to all information and does not have control over all the actors in an ecosystem. Strategy in complex systems must serve as a compass instead of a map, laying out a clear direction and focus for the work and then enabling learning and course correction along the way. For funders focused on systems change, applying trust-based principles to the strategy setting process is imperative for navigating the complexity inherent in systems. When developing a clear focus to guide their work, it is critical for funders to consider multiple perspectives, particularly from those who are closest to the problem (e.g., grantees, community members). ➡️ Read more: https://lnkd.in/eV6CmbsA

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Capacity-building grants are key to helping nonprofits scale their community impact. Yet, when grants rely too heavily on metrics, they can overlook real community needs—creating a mismatch between funders and grantees, especially for Black and Indigenous-led organizations. This blog post from Exponent Philanthropy's Hannah Smith—Manager, Editorial and Publications—underscores the importance of making capacity-building grants more flexible, particularly for organizations led by Black and Indigenous people. At Foundant, we’re grateful to see these crucial discussions becoming more commonplace and encourage even more dialogue around equitable philanthropy in the future. Learn more at: https://okt.to/cEsTr5 #capacitybuilding #foundantforphilanthropy #capacitybuildinggrants

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The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 have partnered to explore the ways that consultants and advisors help foundations and donors achieve their goals, and how consultants and advisors can better serve the needs of their clients. If you are a donor, grantmaking foundation staff or trustee, consultant to grantmakers, or philanthropic advisor who works with donors, this survey is for you! It will take no longer than 15 minutes. Learn more and take the survey: https://lnkd.in/drfkGKgv

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Adding urgency to fundraising appeals is easy in times of great need during events like natural disasters, crises, and other emergencies. However, it is not always easy to create a sense of urgency in your fundraising appeals and convince your audiences that your organization needs their support now rather than later. This Donorbox blog post shares tips on developing your appeals to create a sense of urgency that helps you quickly meet your nonprofit’s fundraising goals. https://lnkd.in/eXuE3prz #fundraising #nonprofits

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What if your funder built their grant application or reporting requirements around a conversation? Trust-based philanthropy is the practice of funders making it easier for grantees to do their best work by loosening budget, application, or reporting structures. How could this practice change your relationship with funders? Listen to the latest episode of our podcast, Natural Collisions, featuring Kalamazoo Community Foundation Community Investment Officer Lily Salas, wherever you get your podcasts. #CoactDetroit #MichiganNonprofits #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #Wellness

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ICYMI: Our new Community Engaged Grantmaking guide offers a structured approach to democratizing philanthropy by outlining a spectrum of community engagement — from informing communities of grantmaking opportunities to community-driven decision-making through democratic participation. In this guide, we explore five distinct models of community engagement that help donors and foundations ensure that the voices of those most impacted by social challenges are central to the grantmaking process. We also share real-world case studies, such as how the Shift Health Accelerator Collaborative Fund and other leading organizations are already advancing equity and community involvement in their work. Read the full guide: https://lnkd.in/g7zdtSyx #participatorygrantmaking #communityengagedgrantmaking #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #alltogetherbold #ChangePhilanthropyBoldly

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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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Maximize your fundraising with proven strategies from the Gravyty Donor Engagement Benchmark Report. Did you know that in 2024, fundraisers will invest in ‘improving donor engagement’ and ‘enhancing pipeline development and qualification’ to achieve goals? ADage is here to help your community understand what works in donor retention and engagement to fuel your nonprofit's mission. #EngageToInspire #NonprofitSuccess

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Recent meetings with local foundation leaders reminds me that this still needs to be said... trust-based philanthropy and tracking outcomes are not mutually exclusive. At Social Impact Advising Group, we know that giving grantees the flexibility they need doesn’t mean we lose sight of the impact. When funders, consultants, and nonprofit leaders focus on strong relationships and trust, we create space for real needs and true collaboration, while still setting clear goals. Finding that balance between trust and accountability isn’t just doable—it’s key to making real, lasting change. 

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Ecosystems are complex, interrelated systems where every organism plays a valuable role. 🔄🌱 Across the country, we are seeing funders embrace the power of ecosystems. Philanthropy is embodying a powerful shift from being the center of social change efforts to working in close partnership with the broader ecosystem of stakeholders necessary to sustain lasting change. ➡️ Check out our latest piece about how funders are increasingly acting as a facilitator, connector, and learner in a larger ecosystem of actors working to create lasting, systems-level change. #philanthropy #foundation #socialimpact #strategy

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DEMONSTRATING NEED & IMPACT IN FUNDRAISING In an increasingly competitive landscape, showing the need for your work and your impact is critical for securing donor support. Here’s how non-profits can strengthen their case in fundraising: 1. Evidence of Need: * Use data and research from credible sources to highlight the scale of the issue you address (e.g., homelessness rates in your area). * Gather letters of support from credible individuals and organisations. * Collect community input and share real-life stories that show how the issue affects individuals. * Testimonials and interviews provide powerful, first-hand insights. * Demonstrate unmet demand through waiting lists or gaps in services. * Share case studies that make the need relatable and personal. 2. Demonstrating Impact: * Use clear metrics and track your work, such as the number of people helped or services provided. * Go beyond inputs, outputs and outcomes and demonstrate the long-term impact of your work. * Partner with third parties for independent evaluations to build credibility. * Share case studies highlighting beneficiary stories to give a human face to your successes, before-and-after stories are incredibly compelling. * Offer transparent financials to show exactly how donations are being used and the tangible difference they make. 3. Combine Need & Impact in Your Storytelling: * Use your fundraising campaigns to tie together the need and impact. Share the problem and how your organisation is solving it in a measurable, sustainable way. * Visual content like photos, videos, and infographics can really bring the story to life. * By weaving together both the need and your impact, your organisation will not only build trust but also inspire meaningful support. Contract @Heaward Solutions to help build powerful bids that clearly set out your case and effectively tell your story. What strategies have worked for you when evidencing need and impact? Share your thoughts below! #NonProfitLeadership #Charity #Fundraising #Impact #Schools #SocialEnterprise #CIC #Community

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The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 are partnering on a survey to assess the practice of philanthropy by understanding the behavior and attitudes of grantmakers and the consultants and advisors who serve them. If you are a donor, staff at a grantmaking institute, or a consultant or advisor who works in the field of philanthropy, take this survey and share your insights on the role of consultants and advisors in helping Grantmakers advance their philanthropy:

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The National Network of Consultants to Grantmakers (NNCG) and 21/64 are partnering on a survey to assess the practice of philanthropy by understanding the behavior and attitudes of grantmakers and the consultants and advisors who serve them. If you are a donor, staff at a grantmaking institute, or a consultant or advisor who works in the field of philanthropy, take this survey and share your insights on the role of consultants and advisors in helping Grantmakers advance their philanthropy:

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 Starting a Nonprofit in Oregon? Here's How to Secure Funding! 💰 Starting a nonprofit is a rewarding journey, but securing funding is crucial for turning your vision into reality. Funding not only helps you cover initial costs—like filing fees, marketing, and program development—but also builds credibility with donors and stakeholders. For Oregon-based founders, the state offers a range of funding opportunities tailored to diverse community needs. #ChangeTheWorld #finance #StartupFunding #ngo #NonprofitFunding #OregonNonprofit #Startup

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💼 Funders' role in advancing systems change is shifting from being at the center of social change efforts to being a facilitator👩🏽‍🏫, connector🤝, and learner📚 in a larger ecosystem of actors working to create lasting, systems-level change. 💡 Learn more about the changing role of funders in advancing systems change and how they can better fund ecosystems or support ecosystems in their strategy ➡ https://lnkd.in/dDTEQMwb

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We need to do things differently. "Achieving transformational change requires movement organizations to adapt to new ways of operating and funders to adjust the ways they fuel such long-term power-building work. Even when multiple crises have pushed the U.S. to an inflection point, this work is still possible, and even more necessary." Check out this piece featuring PowerSwitch Action in the Foundation Review. Movement partners and philanthropy: What's one thing you're doing differently today to prepare for a better tomorrow? https://lnkd.in/eRUeh5FU

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