David Fukuzawa

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the need for a "whole-of-society approach" to advancing social connection. We've tried to heed that call in our work at Einhorn Collaborative, supporting a broader range of efforts that engage actors across sectors. That includes: Projects like Team Up to enlist large national civic organizations with a presence in local communities to help people build connection across difference through service. Research groups like Building H to measure the impact of products on consumers’ health and urge companies to do better to improve social connection and other health outcomes. Initiatives like Human Connections AI to bring together social connection experts with technologists to puzzle through how AI companions can be designed to enhance and not degrade human relationships. Another project that has helped us explore a facet of the whole-of-society approach is the Connective Tissue Framework, which puts forward a range of recommendations for how government – especially at the local level – can create the structural conditions and everyday opportunities for people to experience healthy connection. I've learned a lot from Sam Pressler, lead author of Connective Tissue. In this piece, I asked Sam to share more about the story behind the framework and a few highlights. https://lnkd.in/esayJU3b

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For anyone beginning a new strategic initiative or strategic planning process, this article is a wonderful resource. Congrats to Marilyn Darling and Veena Pankaj for the recently published "Seeding Impact: Shifting from Orchestration to Emergence." Full article at https://lnkd.in/eHD6QMcm #impact #strategy #strategicplanning #emergentlearning #systemschange

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Whilst its hard to see that any progress has been made, to the contrary - it looks like 0 progress made and everything got worse, with recent years breaking through the 1.5C targets. We mustn't give up hope that the many initiatives that have been kicked off as a result of these agreements, have prevented worse things from happening... too optimistic? maybe But working in the sustainability and SDG space has never been more exciting, with many people sharing that a just transition to a more sustainable, de-growth and circular economy is, ...possible. The questions is how fast, to prevent worse things from happening (Climate Catastrophy, Ecological Collapse, ...the list is getting longer). Currently the ANNUAL financing gap to the 2030 SDGs is (according to UN estimates), around $4 trillion. This is the same as Germany's or Japan's Gross Domestic Product. This is a staggering number and concept that the money missing to achieve the SDGs is the same as the monetary value of ALL finished goods and services made in Germany or Japan on an annual basis. And yet, the world economy is worth around $100 Trillion, so $4 trillion = 4%. That ...almost...sounds doable? too optimistic? maybe When it comes to asset managers, total discretionary assets under management (AUM) of the 500 biggest managers amounted to USD 113.7 trillion at the end of 2022, down by 13.7% from the end of 2021. The largest, BlackRock, manages $10 trillion and the next biggest 2, Vanguard ($9 trillion) and Fidelity ($4 trillion). Surely, investing into solutions on a planet that is actually liveable with resources being consumed at a sustainable pace is what its at? Otherwise, what will be managed in 20 or 30 years?

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This recent piece by FSG argues that foundations committed to systems change need to take an ecosystem approach guided by the principles of trust based philanthropy to inform strategy development, program implementation, and learning and evaluation. This reorientation takes funders from positioning themselves as central to positioning themselves as one component of an ecosystem. This results in, among other things: Strategy development moving from being developed internally to being co-created with ecosystem partners; Strategy implementation expanding beyond siloed grantmaking for organizations to support for collaboratives and community-led solutions; and Learning and evaluation expanding beyond grant-level outcomes and accountability with proscribed outcomes to co-developing systems level outcomes and learning. The authors provide helpful examples and frameworks for each stage of the strategy lifecycle. For those of you who fund in systems change, what resonates with you?

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The Far Side of Fundraising Tip of the Week Transactional fundraising leads to high rates of donor loss. Most organizations lose 4 out of 5 first-time donors. The more rapidly and impersonally we secure support, the more we sub-optimize giving potential and the more rapidly donors depart. High rates of donor attrition, coupled with the continue contraction of giving households, spell long-term disaster for most nonprofits. Don't follow the transactional lemmings as they plunged into the sea. Adopt sustainable practices. You may be in the minority but you will help your organization survive and eventually thrive. This one requires that you closely to see who stands out in adopting sustainable practices.

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Important new report from First Nations Development Institute, led by the indefatigable Mike Roberts, that shows the poor inclusion of Native people on foundation boards. Shocking stat: "The report notes that 93% of America’s largest foundations do not have any Native American representation on their board of directors." Link to the report in the comments.

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Flagging this call for articles, creative writing, and art from the Nonprofit Quarterly Magazine on "A Social Justice Lens for Health Innovation" - Deadline is September 30th. "Our upcoming issue will delve into how technological innovations have, at times, exacerbated and deepened health inequities. Importantly, it will also discuss the significant potential of these innovations to enhance health and wellbeing when applied effectively and responsibly. We are seeking articles written by movement leaders and practitioners in the field that lay out the current state of health innovations, concerns of those working in the field of health, and visions for a socially just, ethical, and responsible direction forward. We also welcome creative approaches to these topics. Questions we would like you to consider: How can we use innovation as a tool to advance resilience, justice, and love? How can we ensure that technological innovations, which are often framed as good for humankind, are not in fact being used to further racist, sexist, capitalist, and/or authoritarian agendas?" https://lnkd.in/eviTX37c

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Evaluators are critical thinkers, who ask (and try to answer) the trickiest questions. I am excited to see more opportunities for Evaluators in #socialfinance, and am so glad this Social Finance primer is helping to connect the dots.

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Transforming the way social sector data flows: Learn how nonprofit data repositories can reduce repetitive stress injuries for nonprofits and improve grantmaking activities. Discover how data providers, nonprofits, and funders can collaborate to collect only what is needed, protect nonprofits' rights to their data, and support trust-based philanthropy. Join the conversation with experts from #PEAK2024, PEAK Grantmaking, Impact Genome Registry™, Roots & Wings Foundation, Candid, and Charity Navigator. https://lnkd.in/eB-Ee-RW

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Lead poisoning remains a critical public health issue, affecting countless children and communities. Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) is tackling this challenge head-on with the launch of a major new initiative as part of its “Big Bets” program. Our latest article on Inside Philanthropy explores how RPA aims to reduce lead exposure and protect vulnerable populations through strategic funding and partnerships. Paul Karon Reports: The rationale behind RPA’s focus on lead poisoning as a primary health concern How the “Big Bets” program is structured to tackle pressing issues with significant, targeted funding The anticipated impact on public health and community well-being through this initiative Tagging Latanya Mapp USAID UNICEF Open Philanthropy Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Good Ventures #Philanthropy #PublicHealth #LeadPoisoning #RockefellerPhilanthropy #BigBets #InsidePhilanthropy #SocialImpact #HealthEquity #EnvironmentalJustice

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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 contact@kingdomworksgiving.org www.kingdomworksgiving.org #grantwriter #grantwriting #nonprofitconsulting

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Revisit key findings and explore strategies for flexible #funding ahead of tomorrow's #webinar on Operationalizing Locally Led Development! We'll be “flipping the script” on outdated funding models, and delving into practical solutions and strategies for local and national CSOs to exercise autonomy with funders. 👉 LINK: https://lnkd.in/e_QfMXkp Can't make it tomorrow? No worries! You can still save your spot for next month's #webinar! The future of development hinges on self-sustaining #local actors and #flexible resources. Let's build it together! 🌍 P.S. Our report also explores: 🔹 The increasing demand for flexible funding mechanisms from donors. 🔹 The crucial intermediary role INGOs play in advocating for flexibility. 🔹 Emerging funding models like program income, crowdfunding, and pooled funding. Download it for free here: https://lnkd.in/ebXEz-U6

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As a foundation focused on change-making and grantmaking, McKnight Foundation seek to deploy our assets, resources, and leadership to advance our highest expression of mission, which is when equity and climate intersect, clearly aimed at creating the future that we desire and deserve. One way we do this is by using our investment capital for good. Appreciate the shoutout in this piece published by the World Economic Forum. https://lnkd.in/gUt2nD8P

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HAPPENING TODAY AT 2 PM ET: Sign up for NTIA's webinar that will discuss the next stage in the Digital Equity Act grant programs and how states, local governments, tribal entities, and other stakeholders can reduce barriers to digital equity in their communities: https://lnkd.in/gd744hEK. #digitalequity #internetforall

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Philanthropy has an excellent opportunity to make significant headway toward breaking the intergenerational cycle of violence and reducing violence against children. Until we as a sector adopt strategies that address the structural violence and inequities that drive and feed individual behavior, our goal to end this harm will be incomplete. While it is essential to change responses to individuals who commit violence against children or are at risk of doing so, violence is never only about individual factors; it is also systemic and historical. Ignite Philanthropy: Inspiring the End to Violence Against Girls and Boys has an approach to ending violence against children that is awakening a global movement to tackle the structural drivers that lead to violence against children and the system changes that must take place to dismantle them. For this reason, I am pleased to announce that I have joined Ignite Philanthropy's Advisory Board. I am excited to team up with and support the leadership of Ignite's CEO, Don Cipriani, and his fantastic team in the journey ahead. I am also looking forward to working with and learning from my fantastic comrades on the board: Chandre Gould, Sohini Bhattacharya, Dipak Naker, and Elda Moreno. See Board Announcement: https://lnkd.in/gKXuFt9V #endviolenceagainstchildren #accountablephilantrhopy #connectingthedots #survivorsadvocacy #genderequality #visionandaction #youthparticipation #MovementBuilding

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For colleagues in the impact investing space - please complete this brief survey from Sorenson Impact on convenings -- what works, what doesn't, etc. #impinv

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In this new piece in Nonprofit Quarterly, Ford's Ghada Abdel Tawab and Otto Saki, and Sally Roever of WIEGO - Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing explores the critical nexus of civic space and worker rights in the Global South. It's a must-read for anyone interested in philanthropy's role in supporting workers' movements to preserve and expand civic space. At the Ford Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action and the importance of protecting the rights of workers to organize and advocate for themselves and their communities. This article highlights the challenges faced by civil society organizations and labor movements in the Global South and how philanthropy can step up to fuel worker movements to drive positive change.

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