Ross Marshall

Interested in learning more about the impact of climate change on health? Check out this new blog post from the Big Cities Health Coalition and partners at Drexel Urban Health Collaboration and data on the threefold increase in heat waves across our cities. https://lnkd.in/eykDJ4Yi

34

3 Comments

Can’t wait to dive into how women investors are driving change in women’s health! If you're in #Boston for Women's Health Innovation Summit and/or are curious about how to invest in women's health – join us! And huge shout out to Silicon Valley Bank and Ben Maitland-Lewis for making this happen! Trish Costello Delphine O'Rourke, JD Laura Yecies. #WHIS #InvestInHealth

13

New and Improved Fundraising Metrics The metrics that will actually lead to improved fundraising performance will not be about tasking fundraisers but about creating the conditions that allow fundraisers to be successful. The usual fundraising metrics have not: 🔹 Reversed the public's mistrust in institutions 🔹 Stemmed the loss of giving households 🔹 Slowed the rate of donor attrition 🔹 Helped donors better understand the impact of their giving 🔹 Substituted for the lack of major gift worthy content 🔹 Addressed donors' declining interest in subsidizing organizations Those metrics, therefore, are geared toward getting fundraisers to produce more without addressing the major obstacles in their way. The new metrics must be focused on creating the conditions that will increase the chances of fundraising success. They could include: 🔸 How many major gift concepts have been tested with current and prospective donors. How many have received a score of 4 or better (on a 1 to 5 scale)? 🔸 The results of a donor satisfaction survey or interviews of top donors to determine the baseline score in the current year, then a plan to address the issues that donors have identified as needing improvement, and how those scores compare year over year. 🔸 The results of service satisfaction surveys or service delivery assessments to quantify how well the organization is delivering on its mission promise for those it was established to serve 🔸 The results of needs assessment to determine if there is a rising or falling need for the service provided by the organization and, if rising, what additional programs and investments will be required to meet that need Without better organizational performance metrics, fundraising metrics are relatively meaningless and counterproductive. Fundraising metrics cannot compensate for organizations that don't sufficiently address what donors have every right to expect.

86

21 Comments

(This post was written with the assistance of AI 😉) I am so glad Council of New Jersey Grantmakers’s 2024 Colloquium gave us a chance to learn, as a sector, about Artificial Intelligence and its transformative potential in the realm of philanthropy. While there were sober discussions about the challenges AI pose to equality, privacy, and autonomy, I think it’s safe to say the crowd overall felt a great sense of promise in AI for helping us do our work better and spend more time with grantees, face to face, trying to solve problems. #AI #Philanthropy #SocialImpact #Innovation #TechForGood #FutureOfGiving Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on leveraging AI for social good! 🌍💡

60

7 Comments

💡 If you work with non-profits, then it’s no secret that it's getting harder and harder for them to reach their fundraising objectives. As a foundation or fonds de dotation (French endowment fund) a simple way help is to provide multi-year funding.   👇This article from KV Philanthropy Consulting offers a few insights as multi-year vs one-off donations and what impacts they can have for both associations and foundations. Don’t hesitate to let me know what you think! (Vous trouvez également la version française via le lien ci-dessous) #Donation #Multiyear #foundation #fondsdedotation #nonprofit #charity #association #grantmaking #fundraising #philanthropy

5

Tailor Your Funding Requests to Donors' Level of Receptivity The most receptive: ⏺ Living donors who have made estate commitments ⏺ Multiple major gift givers ⏺ Loyal annual givers of 15 years or more ⏺ Volunteers long-engaged in substantive activities (e.g. board membership) ⏺ Highly engaged in events and actives Moderately receptive: ⏺ Single major gift givers ⏺ Annual donors who have given 6 to 10 years, sometimes intermittently ⏺ Volunteers engaged for 3-5 years in occasional activities ⏺ Occasionally engaged in events in activities Lightly receptive: ⏺ Two recent and modest commitments ⏺ Attended a few events Where you would be wrong to assume receptivity to another funding request: ⏺ First time donors given little or nothing after their first commitment ⏺ Major donors who have not be contacted personally in a year or more ⏺ Someone who volunteered once or twice but never gave ⏺ Someone who attended one event Where you would be crazy to assume receptivity: ⏺ "Prospects" who have done none of the above Strategies that work best with each of these cohorts The highly receptive: ⏹ You can speak to the building blocks of organization because they are so much a part of it and trust in its ability to convert investment into impact The moderately receptive: ⏹ Conduct donor satisfaction interviews or survey's first The lightly receptive: ⏹ Interview or conduct survey to see how strongly they believe in your purpose, direction and leadership; the degree to which they feel they belong and if they see how their giving has bettered the lives of those you serve. Unsure of receptivity: ⏹ Interview or conduct survey asking to which cause or purpose they have been the most pleased and why, what has been their most and least satisfying giving experience, and their receptivity to volunteering. No indication of receptivity ⏹ Stop calling them prospects ⏹ Don't put them in portfolios ⏹ Look for other giving experiences as evidence of what they might be receptive to ⏹ Invite them to a substantive event that tracks with previous philanthropic interests Is this perfect? Hardly, but any effort to segment, experiment, and learn is much better than the spray-and-pray or assuming a "one size appeal fits all." Segmentation and customization are the beginnings of strategic philanthropic facilitation. Defaulting to the usual unimaginative tactical grind is wasteful and depleting for the organization and those engage in doing of that work, and good way to continue squandering your philanthropic potential.

113

21 Comments

This article references a number of important stats that show how City of Yes will encourage job growth, expedite affordable housing, and spur future reform. Let’s get City of Yes across the finish line!

12

Learn about the first guaranteed basic income program in Maine: "Drawing from our extensive experience working with over 3,000 adults and children over the past seven years—70% of whom are members of Black, brown, and Indigenous communities—we have gained valuable insights into addressing poverty in Maine. The cornerstone of our approach is a racial equity-based accompaniment strategy that ensures stable housing and a pathway to financial security. By establishing this solid foundation, individuals and families can then focus on improving their health and pursuing educational and professional aspirations."

8

How are you using #AI in health communication?

6

Why isn’t Indigenous Peoples' Day recognized in Massachusetts? The debate surrounding Indigenous Peoples' Day versus Columbus Day reflects the intersection of two intertwined histories: one celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus, marking a pivotal moment in European exploration, while the other contemplates the devastating effects this arrival had on Indigenous communities. These parallel narratives highlight the complexity of America's history—one of discovery and conquest, and one of survival and loss for Native peoples. While we cannot rewrite the past, we must recognize these two realities and the voices that have long been silenced in the process. For centuries, the life stories of Indigenous peoples have been overlooked. They have suffered immense losses—people, culture, language, artifacts—and many are now fighting to reclaim their identities. The least we can do is acknowledge these two historical truths and understand the lasting impact on Indigenous communities. The history of America is complex and should not be oversimplified. The greatness of any civilization lies in its continual quest to reconcile historical contradictions and shape a better tomorrow for all. By harmonizing these realities, we can create a richer, more inclusive narrative of America's history and reaffirm its moral standing in the world. On this special day, I want to shine a light on a remarkable group I had the privilege of working with in the Berkshires: The Ohketeau Cultural Center. Since 2017, Ohketeau has been working to uplift Native voices and dismantle unjust systems, replacing them with frameworks centered on accessibility, equity, dignity, and wellness for Native communities. Through cultural workshops, dance, music, art, and outdoor activities, Ohketeau provides opportunities for reciprocal education and creative expression. Double Edge has provided the space and the support for Ohketeau to be what it is today. Please support Ohketeau by visiting, learning about their work, and standing with them in their ongoing struggle: https://www.ohketeau.org/ I also want to acknowledge the progressive philanthropy of the Barr Foundation, which has designed and implemented a dedicated program to strengthen and amplify the voices of this institution within the broader landscape of American culture. Many Indigenous groups are fighting for recognition and survival in the state of Massachusetts. Let’s dedicate this journey to acknowledge their work, and let’s take a stand to ensure their stories are never forgotten in this great state.

10

4 Comments

In collaboration with our friends at Democracy Fund, Independence Public Media Foundation helped the City of Philadelphia's Digital Literacy Alliance make $205,000 in grants to 6 organizations addressing digital inclusion. Among these grants are projects in which older adults serve as digital ambassadors and volunteer peer educators at senior centers and senior housing, as well as a series of Wi-Fi Town Halls with community-based organizations exploring how community–controlled Wi-Fi networks can connect residents with Philadelphia’s digital equity ecosystem. 👏 👏 👏

35

1 Comment

#journorequest I'm working on a 2025 predictions story on advancements in health equity & DEI. What new initiatives, innovations or policies are expected? 👉 Looking to speak with academics, health system execs, investors, regulators, consultants

99

25 Comments

My latest column in Governing is about how city leaders like Boston's Michelle Wu are stepping up to fill the many gaps that exist in how we do early childhood education in the U.S. Please give it a read! https://lnkd.in/edeaEYpp

19

1 Comment

Check out our blog.

14

2 Comments

As many of the folks in my network gear up for #ClimateWeekNYC, I wrote about the importance of storytelling for the weekly 17 Communications impact newsletter. DM me if you'd like to be added to the distribution list! See below for an excerpt and read the full newsletter at https://lnkd.in/eGPCPckD I’ve attended Climate Week NYC for each of the past two years and have always come away feeling excited, inspired and curious. There are so many people doing such interesting things to address climate change, even if the news cycle most days seems apocalyptic. News stories about heat waves, droughts or natural disasters don’t seem to have quite the same effect as they used to – perhaps because we’ve all become numb to the tragedy. But there are still some mediums that are capable of breaking through the numbness and motivating changes in people’s behavior. Books. On my train ride to last year’s Climate Week NYC I read “The Ministry for the Future,” a climate sci-fi book that explored what it might look like if the world got its act together in time. The author, Kim Stanley Robinson, recently gave an interview to the FT in which he said that people are attracted to the book because it can replace “feelings of futility or despair” with “relatively justifiable hope.” As for his motivation? “You tell the story in an attempt to forestall it by informing people in advance.” My take is that the book found a way to balance blind optimism and cynical pessimism in a way that felt refreshingly human. Most news coverage these days tends towards the dark and stormy, but long-form writers like Robinson are able to take a step back and offer a more balanced perspective that feels more real and accessible for a general audience. TV. Like many of my colleagues who work in finance, I’ve become enamored by the steady stream of excellent TV series that bring viewers into the wacky world of finance. Billions is the most obvious example, but even hit shows like Silicon Valley and Succession explore complex financial themes that are integral to the narrative. The new show that should be on everyone’s watchlist is Industry, which explores the inner workings and general tomfoolery of an investment bank in London. While their episodes focused on the ESG craze have been cringeworthy, I appreciate that a major company like HBO would green-light a project that offers a somewhat realistic view into how the finance world works, and why it sometimes doesn’t work. The 3rd episode, which is primarily set at a major climate conference, shows how the worlds of finance and sustainability interact, with profit rather than purpose motivating most decision-making. The link between these examples is storytelling... Stories are what power human ingenuity and creativity, and are how we are able to connect across racial, cultural and economic divides. 

7

2 Comments

Proud moments: last week's White House roundtable. I had the honor of participating in crucial discussions with administrative officials, LGBTQ investors, founders, entrepreneurs, and activists from across the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our goal? To shape policies that empower LGBTQ entrepreneurs and capital allocators in the venture capital economy. Three reflections came out of this experience: 1. Awareness is key. The administration has numerous programs to support LGBTQ entrepreneurs, but many remain underutilized due to lack of awareness. We must bridge this information gap. 2. Visibility is power. Being part of this roundtable reinforced the importance of creating visibility for LGBTQ investors and entrepreneurs. Our stories and experiences can drive meaningful change. 3. More work lies ahead. While progress has been made, there's still a pressing need for policies that offer the LGBTQ community the same level of support as other underrepresented groups. This "meeting of the minds" was a pivotal step towards a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.  By fostering stronger connections between the LGBTQ business community and policymakers, we're paving the way for new opportunities, increased access to capital, and a more vibrant, diverse venture capital ecosystem. As we move forward, I'm committed to amplifying our community's voice and working towards policies that ensure equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Together, we can build a future where innovation knows no boundaries.

119

13 Comments

Practical Tips on Growing Individual Fundraising I was asked recently to speak on this topic but I didn’t want to.  I understand why I was asked.  It’s what fundraisers see the need for and/or are increasingly expected to do.  It’s because the old ways are running out. We’ve lost over 30 million giving households. According to our State of the Development Profession survey, 53% of fundraisers say getting the first appointment with a prospect is their greatest challenge; no other challenge comes close to it in their minds. We’re losing 3 out of 4 donors after their first gift So, what’s the solution?  Go get more donors? Really?  So we can put them through the same sieve – one small gift, if we’re lucky and then they’re gone?  Really? This is a big part of what concerns me about so much of fundraising. Too many fundraisers just nod their heads when handed mission impossible, and then set themselves up for frustration, burnout or failure.  Perhaps some of us have rescuers complex.  “Sounds crazy but let me at it.”  Oy.  It like saying, “Give me something that will waste my time, wear me out, cause me to be blamed, and leave me with little to show for it.” There’s a double bind in this notion of “practical tips for growing individual fundraising.” 1️⃣ Fundraisers have very limited ability to grow individual giving.  Individual giving grows in the soil of hope and real possibility.  It usually grows from small seeds and progresses slowly, largely culminating after 15-20 years of giving.  The fact that we’re losing 4 out of 5 donors after their first gift tells us there’s something wrong with our soil; the seeds are not taking, it’s not conducive to growing a root system.  2️⃣ There are no practical tips for achieving unrealistic purposes like turning mosquitoes into butterflies.  Beware of any person, firm or product that plies “practical tips” to achieve impractical purposes even though the world is full of them and your colleagues at other institutions have been gulled by them. Let’s step back, then, and ask how we create conditions that: 🔹 Draw individuals to our door 🔹 Convert their attraction into investment 🔹 Make them feel good about that investment 🔹 Cause them to continue to invest if not invest more To learn more about how we can achieve this goals, please subscribe to my free, weekly newsletter: https://t.ly/bqoKF

161

43 Comments