The work we do in philanthropy—and the work of our nonprofit partners—is not immune to the complexities and chaos of a changing world. Amidst a global pandemic, threats to our democracy, and environmental devastation, we are pushed to be hyperproductive problem-solvers. While these tendencies are brought to bear “in the heat of the moment,” they’re limiting over the long-term, especially when strategic thinking and attuned sensitivities are needed. We cultivate the latter by slowing down, stilling our minds, getting in touch with signals from our body, and allowing the resulting data to inform our action. Beneath our professional titles and roles, trust-based philanthropy acknowledges that we are one piece of a longer arc of time and a larger ecosystem, and that sometimes, we have to go slowly if we want to go far.
Trust-based philanthropy encourages us to rethink our notions of traditional philanthropic roles, which tend to prioritize transactions over relationships. In fact, a trust-based approach encourages us to understand our roles as partners working in service of nonprofits and communities. Traditional Philanthropy has institutionalized and perpetuated harmful tropes about funders as experts and nonprofits as needy people who need to be held accountable. This has been perpetuated institutionally through our grantmaking practices, but also in less obvious ways, such as job descriptions, theories of change, program descriptions, and the language we use to describe our work.
Public health infrastructure underpins many important priorities — such as keeping the economy open and children in classrooms.
COVID-19 made starkly visible the disparities in our society.
As we continue to learn more about the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, there are many unanswered questions regarding the broad reach of this decision on higher education and other sectors. Join us to hear from education leaders who are learning and responding to this decision.
On March 19, 2020, Senate Majority Leader McConnell proposed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy has launched the CDP COVID-19 Response Fund to support preparedness, containment, response and recovery activities for those affected and for the responders.
Borealis Philanthropy’s Fund for Trans Generations, Destination Tomorrow’s TRANScend Community Impact Fund, and Third Wave Fund have launched the COVID-19 Collective Fund for Trans Communities to get financial resources to trans-led organizations and transgender, gender nonconforming, and non-bin
Native Hawaiians in Philanthropy provides services and support to native Hawiian communities in Maui and across Hawai’i. This fund will provide food, toiletries, and support services to those impacted, as well a support non-profits as they respond.
The Civic Participation fund addresses the critical issues at stake for a fair and accurate 2020 Census to ensure Latinos are counted. COVID-19 has forced organizations to quickly shift from field operations to remote digital efforts.
The Open Hearts Foundation created an Emergency Relief Fund as part of its grantmaking program to provide grants in support of emerging and growing non-profits on the frontlines who are serving women and children through this pandemic.
Fires in Northern and Southern California are causing deaths and mass evacuations. Philanthropy California is offering funders an up-to-the-minute briefing on the fires, local and state agency responses, and how to aid local efforts and avoid fraud.
Presented in partnership with the California Budget & Policy Center, SCG’s Public Policy Conference is the preeminent convening in our region that brings together hundreds of your peers from the philanthropic and civic sectors to take an in-depth look at the latest policy analysis and research and to prepare for and address key issues impacting our work. At this conference, you will connect with peers and gain powerful ideas and insights to advance your work and lead meaningful change with partners in our sector and beyond.
Since elected, Governor Gavin Newsom and his administration have been committed to driving inclusive, equitable investment throughout California, with a particular focus on the underinvested regions of inland California, from the San Joaquin Valley to the Inland Empire.
With more than 30 new state legislators taking office in Sacramento, a $25 billion budget shortfall projected by the Governor, and the looming threat of recession, 2023 presents significant changes and challenges for those of us in the charitable sector working to support vulnerable Californians throughout the state. Get your bearings for the year to come! Join the California Policy Forum and a slate of in-the-know speakers for an overview of the changing political and economic landscape in our state.
The California Immigrant Resilience Fund provides direct cash assistance to immigrant Californians who are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but are excluded from federal relief and ineligible for state safety-net programs.
This fund will support firefighters and get emergency supplies like food, water, and medicine to people in need. The fund will remain open to provide long-term assistance. As the location and severity of the fires fluctuate, so will our response to ensure aid gets where it is most needed.
Several wildfires have ravaged Northern California over the past few years. United Way of Northern California is accepting donations, offering help and supporting programs to assist with relief and long-term recovery operations.