Center for Effective Philanthropy

"[I]t is imperative that we unravel the myths that dictate how our sector operates and, as we’ve seen, limit what is possible to achieve."   NEW on the CEP blog: Mandy Van Deven introduces a new special series on the CEP blog - "the myths of philanthropy" - asking how narratives like individualism, competition, risk aversion, short-termism, scarcity, and presumed expertise shape philanthropic norms - and what happens if we break with those narratives and reimagine the possibilities of philanthropy. Read it here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eVchbqjt #blog #newblog #read #reading #myths #philanthropy #narratives #narrativechange #funding #whatif

Catch CEP's Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. on this recent informative webinar with Orr Group, discussing the transformative potential of big gifts + implications of the current political climate for the philanthropic sector. CEP has recently published research on both topics (see below) so this is a perfect opportunity for a deep dive! 👇

The latest edition of our LinkedIn newsletter offers a roundup of recent perspectives and insights on what nonprofits need - and how funders can respond - in light of the shifting political context in recent months. Read it here 👇 and share what resources you have been finding helpful! #newsletter #news #updates #reading #resources #philanthropy #nonprofits

Believe in the potential of long-term, flexible, trust-based funding as a path to lasting impact - or want to learn more about it? Vote for this session at SOCAP Global by April 13 👉  https://lnkd.in/eHRVUadr

NEW on the CEP blog: Only 0.6% of global philanthropy reaches Indigenous Peoples, with just 33% going directly to Indigenous-led orgs. How can funders better support Indigenous self-determination? Three Indigenous organizations - International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, FIMI - International Indigenous Women's Forum, and Pawanka Fund - share insights on the transformative power of unrestricted funding.   Read their insights here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ewcBqZz9       #blog #newblog #reading #nonprofits #philanthropy #socialimpact #socialsector #funders #indigenousled #indigenousleadership

"As funders, our focus in this moment ought to be clear: to support grassroots leaders by being in greater lock-step with them, the movements they lead, and the communities they serve. This is how we win." NEW on the CEP blog, Jeree T. and Julia Beatty of Borealis Philanthropy share insight into how a participatory tool developed in partnership with Social Insights Research, LLC helped them redefine impact evaluation and better support grantees of two of Borealis' funds. Read their insights here 👉 https://lnkd.in/enehcNPD

At Equal Opportunity Schools, a surprise big gift from MacKenzie Scott meant the organization could build out its superpower: data. With hundreds of thousands of annual survey responses comprising its most valuable asset - student-level data - the organization was able to build a state-of-the-art system to pursue its mission: ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their potential through rigorous coursework. Click through to learn more about their story 👇   For the full story - and seven other organizations' experiences receiving Scott gifts - read CEP's "Transformative Gifts," authored by Lowell Weiss. Find it here 👉 #transformativegifts #transformation #storytelling #nonprofits #philanthropy #giving #biggifts

NEW on the CEP blog: As DEI initiatives face rollbacks and funding for marginalized communities dries up, Vanessa R. McDowell-Atlas calls on funders to shift from supporting "moments" to sustaining "movements." The sector needs committed "sacrificers," not just allies, she writes. Read her post 👉 https://lnkd.in/ehDuAbqf #philanthropy #socialimpact #socialjustice #funding #funders #movements

The actions funders take - or don't take - in this moment speak volumes, and they're crucial for the continued strength of the social sector. We've written about funders needing to rethink assumptions, and find their voices, and act. More and more are, which provide inspiration and guides for all of us. My Center for Effective Philanthropy colleagues, Phil Buchanan, Molly Heidemann, and I tried to capture some of those here. If you're looking for a template of how to respond, these organizations and actions provide a good place to start.

"[W]e’re seeing a growing number of funders taking steps to confront the challenging realities." NEW on the CEP blog, Phil Buchanan, Molly Heidemann, and Kevin Bolduc take stock of funder actions in the wake of the new administration's broad attacks on civil society, sharing examples of how funders are stepping up payout levels, streamlining processes, and supporting their nonprofit partners right now. Read their post here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ePECrdpu #funders #crisis #nonprofits #funding #philanthropy #support #listening #challengingtimes