College of Law Practice Management’s Post

As we think about our efforts so far in 2024, we remain energized about the firm’s work with philanthropies to help coordinate partnerships with federal and state leaders, building effective relationships across sectors. We see cross-sector partnerships as an important tool for impact, especially in today’s evolving policy environment. ▶️ In Maryland, we have worked with philanthropies and helped to develop cross-sector partnerships with Office of Governor Wes Moore, helping to secure over a dozen partnerships and more than $47 million in philanthropic commitments. With leadership by team members Amanda Newman and Monique Garcia Rizer, this effort includes supporting philanthropic efforts related to the implementation of Gov. Moore’s ENOUGH Act (a first-of-its-kind strategy to end concentrated child poverty), coordination for the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Alliance to rapidly raise $16 million after the collapse of the Key Bridge, and more. ▶️ In California, our team is supporting philanthropies as they pilot place-based partnership models in regions navigating economic transitions fueled by climate change. Earlier this month, team leaders Martha Mendoza, Bridget Brown, Isabella Gelfand and the team organized and facilitated a convening of nearly 80 state, philanthropy, and local leaders to launch the Imperial Valley Civic Ecosystem Initiative—a set of three interrelated partnerships designed to strengthen the capacity of Imperial Valley CBOs and local governments. Read more here https://lnkd.in/e5RvJNJf and here: https://lnkd.in/ea3R-458 ▶️ Nationally, the What Works Plus funder collaborative, led by Sasha Beder-Schenker and Talya Karr, has provided knowledge-building and gap-filling support for federal funding implementation. This summer, we partnered with Invest in Our Future on Philanthropy’s 500/1500 Challenge to showcase national and community foundations’ investments to further federal climate and clean energy funding. Find more on the What Works Plus website here: https://lnkd.in/eVsrTS-7 ▶️ As we look towards the future, we’re excited to scale lessons from this work as we begin to build a new effort, State Partnerships Lab led by Kathleen Kelly Janus, Martha Mendoza, and Talya Karr — that can provide a knowledge center, training, and peer learning for state-based partnerships across the country. Stay tuned for more in early 2025.

A wonderful piece on the false dichotomy between trust and results by my dear colleague and Co-Impact’s Director of Learning, Measurement, and Evaluation, Varja Lipovsek.   “What such organizations need most is funders who will support them to excel in both strategy and measurement without imposing the funder’s view of what matters. So as funders we do give up control. But we all gain in the form of deeper engagement and collaboration with partners – and, most importantly, more real-life impact.”   https://lnkd.in/eZqpx8eG

The Chapter One UK network goes from strength to strength as our corporate partners increase their support each year and we add new companies to our list. This year our partners will support over 3,000 children facing disadvantage across the UK. Want your company to be part of this incredible movement for social change? We are signing up volunteers now, so get in touch. #socialimpact #socialvalue #volunteering #employeevolunteering #corporatepartnerships #csr #esg #itallstartswithliteracy #literacy

Knowledge work is not just a buzzword. It's a key skill for grantmakers who want to adapt to the complex and changing world we live in.    In this white paper, Angela Frusciante, Ph.D. shows how knowledge work can help you introduce an equity focus, encourage exploration and creativity, and test a new grant strategy.

I regularly wonder whether our sector would do well to not introduce more time-bound organizations. And why we don't have more. (At one point, I co-wrote an academic article about an interesting case - and what we can learn from that, with David Berlan. Send me a DM if this piques your interest) Moreover, we could do better in terms of closing down our organizations -- when the time has come -- in a graceful as well as productive style. Barney Tallack describes that memorably as 'dying well'. This SSIR short article Sunsetting in Style, by Georg von Schnurbein and Alice Hengevoss, describes such a positive approach towards a foundation closing, in style. We do see a few more examples of those, lately: https://buff.ly/3wn8XfX.

Knowledge work is not just a buzzword. It's a key skill for grantmakers who want to adapt to the complex and changing world we live in.    In this white paper, Angela Frusciante, Ph.D. shows how knowledge work can help you introduce an equity focus, encourage exploration and creativity, and test a new grant strategy.

Is foundation governance stuck in a black hole? ️ 🕳 Help us bring it down to Earth! 🌍 Our interactive session explores redesigning board structures to center communities & justice. 💡 Vote for Liberatory Governance: Bringing an Out of This World Idea to Earth at SOCAP here through April 14th 📩 https://lnkd.in/eMYBzttW Title: Liberatory Governance: Bringing an Out of This World Idea to Earth The governance structures of foundations are the nebulae of the funding universe–to many they feel lightyears away; untouchable entities floating unexplored in deep space. Our governance structures are currently unchallenged but also, perhaps, the most latent powerful force for transformational change in philanthropy. In this interactive session, participants will think boldly and creatively about how they could begin to dramatically redesign the current rigid board structures of funding institutions to really center communities, justice, and the mission and vision of their organizations.

Grants

🌟 In our 2023 Annual Impact Report: Rising Together - A Year of Growth and Collaboration, we celebrate Freedom Equity Inc. for their impactful work in improving access to capital for Black and minority-owned businesses in Central Ohio! Since 2021, FEI has disbursed nearly $1.3M in 2023 alone, creating or retaining 130+ jobs. Under the leadership of J. Averi Frost, FEI focuses on sustainable funding and empowering communities. Read more about it in our annual report here: https://lnkd.in/epCWveUD #CDFIs

Grant Cardone Challenged: $250,000 Bet on the Table? In every interaction, especially those layered with complexity and challenge, our compass is unwaveringly set on integrity. It's not about outmaneuvering or dominating the conversation; it's about aligning on the same side of the table, moving forward together with our clients. We embrace this journey arm in arm, ensuring our steps are rooted in mutual respect and understanding. The subtle, yet profound distinction in our approach lies in the energy we bring into every room. Yes, we match energy levels, but only to dismantle barriers of dismissiveness or disrespect, fostering an environment where genuine listening can flourish once again. This isn't a battle of egos; it's a return to the heart, a reaffirmation of our collective humanity. Here's to the endless possibilities that lie in open, heart-centered dialogues. Let's continue to elevate the conversation, side by side, in unwavering integrity and respect. Grant Cardone #Unblinded #IntegrityFirst #GrantCardone #challengeyourself