Rupal Shah

Is the grant funding process truly fair? Let’s discuss. Grant funding is critical for not-for-profits. But is the process fair? Recently, the 5𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 introduced a new RFP process. We redacted the names of both the volunteer grant reviewers and the applying organizations. The intention? To make the process more objective and fair. But here’s the issue: Do these measures actually ensure unbiased evaluations? I’ve seen the data. One organization received a score of 26 from one member, while another organization received 65 from two other members—on nearly identical applications. How can we explain such a wide gap in scores? When you dig deeper, the discrepancies become even more concerning, especially for small and minority-led organizations. These organizations often don’t have the resources to challenge scores or funding decisions. They face: 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀: Hidden within layers of bureaucracy. 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: For calling out discrepancies. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀: In scoring that don’t reflect the true impact of their work. This system was designed to help, not hinder.  But when such large scoring gaps appear, it begs the question: Is the process truly impartial? Many small organizations rely on grant funding to continue their vital work. And yet, they’re left with little room to appeal decisions or voice concerns. We need to start a conversation about this. Here’s what we need to consider: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: How can we ensure the process is transparent from start to finish? 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: How do we provide legal and financial support to smaller organizations? 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: How can we make sure scoring criteria are applied uniformly across the board? Organizations that raise concerns about scoring discrepancies shouldn’t be penalized. Instead, they should be supported in their efforts to create change. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁: A fair and equitable process benefits everyone. What do you think? We redacted the names of the organizations to their reputations as they had no decision making of the fairness or lack thereof of this process. How can we ensure small and minority-led organizations aren’t left out? I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Let’s work together to make this system better for everyone. Rod Love, CEO of CSG Tech Solutions President of Florida Economic Consortium #nonprofit #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership

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At the GOVERN for IMPACT Annual Learning and Connecting Conference (June 13-15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis), we'll delve into innovative approaches and strategies that empower individuals, foster inclusivity, and drive sustainable governance and organizational development.   Key Highlights of the Conference: 1) Insightful Panel Discussions: Engage in dynamic discussions led by industry experts and community leaders on the importance of people-centric governance models in fostering societal progress.   2) Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops designed to explore practical solutions and best practices for implementing breakthrough governance initiatives at the organizational and Board levels.   3) Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, forge new partnerships, and exchange ideas with fellow attendees passionate about driving positive change through effective governance.   4) Inspiring Keynote Addresses: Gain valuable insights from renowned speakers who will share their perspectives on the transformative potential of governance innovations in addressing pressing social challenges.   5) Case Studies and Success Stories: Learn from real-world examples of organizations that have successfully leveraged breakthrough governance strategies to enhance the well-being and prosperity of their careholdership. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a collaborative effort to advance governance excellence and create a future where every individual can thrive. There are lots of sessions related to your sector at this conference. Hear from John Tzountzouris, Registrar & CEO of The College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario on why he is looking forward to the conference. See full program here: https://lnkd.in/gtJU4nmp Register here: https://lnkd.in/e5XWM6zJ #governance, #governance excellence, #conference, #governance models

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Navigating the Grant Review Process: Key Insights and What Reviewers Look For PT.2 What Reviewers Look For 1. Relevance to the Call: Reviewers first check if the proposal aligns with the objectives and priorities of the funding call. Proposals must address the specific themes, questions, or challenges outlined by the funder. 2. Significance and Innovation: Proposals should demonstrate the significance of the project. Reviewers look for innovative approaches that offer new insights, solutions, or advancements in the field. A clear articulation of the project's potential impact is crucial. 3. Clear Objectives and Outcomes: Well-defined objectives and expected outcomes are essential. Reviewers favor proposals with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. The outcomes should contribute meaningfully to the field and have a broader societal impact. 4. Sound Methodology: A robust and feasible methodology is critical. Reviewers scrutinize the research design, data collection, and analysis methods to ensure they are appropriate and rigorous. Proposals should also address potential challenges and limitations, along with mitigation strategies. 5. Team Expertise and Capability: The qualifications and experience of the project team are pivotal. Reviewers assess whether the team has the necessary expertise and skills to successfully execute the project. Strong track records in relevant areas can significantly boost a proposal’s credibility. 6. Budget and Resources: The proposed budget must be realistic and well-justified. Reviewers examine whether the resources requested are adequate and reasonable for the project scope. Transparency and detailed justifications for each budget item are important. 7. Sustainability and Dissemination: Reviewers value proposals that plan for sustainability beyond the funding period. This includes strategies for maintaining project outcomes and further funding avenues. Additionally, a solid dissemination plan for sharing findings with the broader community is essential. Conclusion The grant review process is thorough and highly competitive. By understanding the stages of the review process and knowing what reviewers look for, applicants can enhance the quality of their proposals. This increases their chances of securing funding and advancing their research or project goals. Detailed preparation, a clear articulation of the project's significance, and a robust methodology are key components that reviewers prioritize, making them critical elements in a successful grant proposal. Jeremy Burwell Founder/CEO Kingdom Works Giving, Inc [email protected] www.kingdomworksgiving.org #grantwriter #grantwriting #nonprofitconsulting

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Featured In This Week’s Advisor News - Public sector DC balances and contributions growing. The Public Retirement Research Lab, a collaborative effort of the Employee Benefit Research Institute and the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, published a new research report today detailing a longitudinal analysis of 1.1 million public-sector defined contribution retirement plan participants which found steady growth in account balances and dollar contributions. https://lnkd.in/dAu4HKcG #AdvisorNews #PRRL #publicsector #definedcontribution #401k #news #personalfinance #plandesign #benefits #employer #EBRI Employee Benefit Research Institute NAGDCA Matthew Petersen Susan Rupe AdvisorNews

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DAF is a great way to consolidate your giving into one fund.

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Nonprofit space report release. Join the Community Spaces Network team for the release of their State of Sector Shared Spaces report. Thurs 9/18 11A Pacific. Register through the link. Free. Since 2011, the Community Spaces Network, formerly the Nonprofit Centers Network, has conducted the State of the Shared Space Sector survey to assess the impact of these spaces in the United States and Canada. The survey captures the tenant and community benefits, best practices, and innovations happening in these spaces every day. This particular edition of the survey felt especially critical, post-pandemic. Over the last few years, nonprofit shared spaces, like commercial work spaces more broadly, have weathered enormous shifts in the way people think about and use workspace. This report underscores the resilience and creativity within the sector, showcasing that even during periods of transition, nonprofit shared space leaders consistently prioritize their ultimate goal: creating vibrant and stable spaces that benefit both their nonprofit tenants and the broader community. https://lnkd.in/gXWQSpua #sharedspace #nonprofitcenters #communityhub #hubs #nonprofitrealesate #spre #socialpurposerealestate

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Writing federal grant proposals can be tough - especially when it comes to writing goals, defining outcomes, and showing how you will demonstrate your impact. In this solo episode, I dive into tips and strategies for how to talk about data collection in your federal grant proposals. Topics include: -> performance measures, -> building a plan for data collection, -> identifying useful data collection tools, and -> how to align your data collection procedures across your proposal with a performance measures table. Use tips from this episode to help separate yourself from the field and win that next six- or seven-figure federal grant. Search "Common Good Data Podcast" anywhere yo listen to find the episode, or navigate to our show page: https://lnkd.in/gUpwJvYY

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The association community, through ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership, has urged both presidential campaigns to recognize and prioritize the contributions of trade and professional associations in their policy agendas. From the letter, associations account for over 1 million jobs, generating more than $71 billion in wages, and hold more than 272,000 events every year that attract nearly 52 million participants and generate $42 billion in spending. Associations also pay almost $28 billion in federal, state and local taxes each year, and events generate an additional $7.5 billion in taxes. https://lnkd.in/g5bkmP7Q #associations #associationmanagement #policy #vote

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Dive into the latest Leadership Matters to learn how to unlock the secrets to debunking AI myths in #localgov. Learn how to apply for Economic Mobility and Opportunity Peer Learning cohort. Nominate deserving candidates for the Honorary Membership Award. https://lnkd.in/e8GghFjS

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Political violence is not a far-off threat—it's happening in our communities. But there's a powerful tool that often gets overlooked: local government. In my latest piece for TheGrio, I explore how local leadership can confront harmful rhetoric and promote racial equity in real, actionable ways. If you're interested in strategies to tackle these urgent issues, check out the full essay below. Let's not underestimate the power of local solutions. #Leadership #RacialEquity #LocalGovernment #PoliticalViolence

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New survey results from Issue One and Citizen Data highlight differences in confidence in election results across party lines, education level, and gender. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/er87SixY

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My favorite REPORT OF THE YEAR is here: The 2024 Philanthropic Landscape by CCS Fundraising Calling all #nonprofit leaders, fundraising professionals, and board members—this incredible #resource is for you! Every year, the #CCS team compiles and analyzes Giving USA data and research from across the field to provide a snapshot of the state of #philanthropy today. The Philanthropic Landscape #report unpacks the impressive $557 BILLION invested in the philanthropic marketplace in 2023 and offers a deep dive on individual, foundation, corporate, and planned #giving to illustrate key trends and inform nonprofit #fundraising strategies. This year’s 13th edition discusses key #themes in today’s landscape including: - The leading role that #individuals play in driving philanthropy - How the U.S. presidential #election might influence philanthropic trends - Steps to build an #AI-ready culture If you’re like me and you geek out to the #GivingUSA data, then you will love this report! The timely insights and action-oriented #strategies will prepare you and your #teams to advance fundraising activity in the months and year ahead. ** Download your (free) copy HERE ** https://lnkd.in/eJgT5rJ9 Glennis Melley Mollie Wormser Kara Christ Margaret Fleming Caroline Lentz Caroline Bushman

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Opportunity

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Local governments today must bridge strategic plans with budgets to reclaim public trust and support. The key lies in mastering the "Three C’s": Capacity, Competence, and Collaboration, with the aid of purpose-built technologies to optimize community outcomes.   Download our recent eBook, "The Way Forward: 5 Essential Steps for Strategic Planning" to discover actionable insights into how you can transform your strategic planning approach: https://bit.ly/3zkFB3A #StrategicPlanning #BudgetBetter

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Last week I had the pleasure of joining a panel discussion about maternal and infant health at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) conference. I am energized by the long-form investigative pieces that uphold the dignity of the human spirit written by my fellow panelists Linda Villarosa, Akilah Johnson, & Joshunda Sanders and by the tireless work and grace that Jeanine Valrie Logan shows every day. Let's give them their flowers now for their tireless work in bringing these crucial stories to light. 💐 🌺 🌻 🌼 🌷 These takeaways from our powerful conversation continue to linger on my mind:   Black women are shouldering the burden of covering infant and maternal mortality in newsrooms across this country. These stories are powerful, and we need credible journalism about infant and maternal health to inform strong policy. But this is emotional labor that is not paid.    The media appetite for stories of Black joy is low, and these stories are in short supply. We must uplift them when we see them - like them, repost them, and send meaningful notes of encouragement to the authors.   Stories of human dignity and worth are necessary. Journalists' work helps to change hearts and minds, and what follows is the ability to change policies and systems to better serve those who have been marginalized. Health, racism, social justice, and democracy are tightly intertwined. It’s important both advocates and policymakers keep this front of mind.

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