Elizabeth Dawes

When thinking back to my time as a nonprofit CEO, I recall many sleepless nights wrestling with funding challenges. Conversations often focused on writing grants, annual campaigns, and donor engagement, but the results stayed the same. It wasn’t until we started thinking differently that we saw real change. 🚀Imagine a nonprofit and philanthropic world where innovation drives fund development, creating sustainable impact within our organizations, where new ideas are celebrated, and risks are seen as opportunities.  🌟 In my latest Coaching Innovation Blog, Innovating Fund Development for Greater Impact, discover how embracing innovation can transform your organization's approach to funding. ❓How can nonprofits elevate their fund development strategies to create greater impact? 🧠 Cultivate a Culture of Innovation: Encourage an environment where creativity thrives, and risks are part of the growth journey. 🔍 How can you foster a culture of innovation? Reflect on your organization's openness to new ideas and discuss your risk tolerance and risk threshold. 💡 Innovation Pop-ups: Organize regular brainstorming sessions to bring together diverse perspectives and generate innovative new fund development strategies. When we create a culture of innovation that leverages technology and embraces diverse funding sources, we can transform our organizations and the communities we serve. How have you leveraged innovation to support fund development? 🔗 Check out the full article at www.Jordansydnor.com . 

31

We all want to be able to put healthy food on the table for ourselves and our families. But many of us face significant barriers to doing so. This week, Congress is again considering cuts to #SNAP, a policy that is proven to improve food access and reduce poverty. This comes at a time when new research from the Urban Institute shows that current SNAP benefits are not keeping up with rising food costs. The study—funded by RWJF—shares the latest data on the gap between meal costs and SNAP participants’ monthly benefits, a gap that remained high in 2023 despite that year’s cost-of-living adjustment to benefits. It is so important that we look at the numbers and see the reality of families’ experiences on this vital program! https://lnkd.in/ekiVjH7n

50

2 Comments

Alongside many community members and organizations, we were proud to submit a public comment last year supporting the addition of a distinct Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) ethnic category and other updates that would allow for more specific reporting across race/ethnic categories in the U.S. Census and other federal data collection vehicles. These changes have been made official and are important because accurate data collection, disaggregation, and reporting are central to understanding and meeting community needs. More specifically, accurate and detailed public data about our local residents will help us serve our region better for many generations to come. As our partners at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy state, "What this means for communities nationwide is a monumental step forward in visibility and the actionability of public data for more inclusive outcomes." Learn more about these federal data collection updates: https://lnkd.in/gnH9YctR [Link preview description: A Muslim individual wearing a green hijab and glasses sitting at a desk and typing on a white laptop.] #MENA #USCensus #DataCollection #Advocacy #CommunityFoundation #DiversityEquityInclusion

12

We can see 👀 that community-led collaborative funds are emerging as powerful tools for driving equity and justice. These funds 💵 unite diverse stakeholders around shared goals, pooling resources to address complex social challenges. By fostering collaboration among donors, nonprofits, and community leaders, collaborative funds amplify impact and drive meaningful change at scale 💬. Community-led collaborative funds prioritize equity and justice, channeling resources towards systemic solutions💡and underrepresented communities. 🌍 By bringing together a diverse array of perspectives and expertise, these funds amplify grassroots initiatives, promote inclusive decision-making, and dismantle barriers to opportunity. 🙌🏽 🙌🏾 🙌🏿 Through strategic investments in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, community-led collaborative funds drive tangible progress towards a more just and equitable society. How can we leverage these funds to address systemic inequalities and advance social justice? 🌀 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! How do you envision community-led collaborative funds shaping the future of philanthropy? #collaboration #PhilanthropicAdvising

23

4 Comments

🙌🏽Closing the opportunity gap starts by closing the gap between institutions and the residents they hope to serve - bringing people together across difference, unpacking our complex systems, and building innovative collaborations for change. 💡When Bryan Wang, co-founder & CEO of bosWell, joined GenUnity's Spring Health Equity Fellowship, he had the chance to practice this and experience firsthand how the relationships he built led to a deeper understanding of our health systems and the opportunities for him to make a difference. 🙋🏽If you're interested in learning more about Bryan's story or other GenUnity fellows, check out the blog post or sign up for our newsletter using the links in the comments! #opportunitygap #connectivetissue #socialcapital

29

1 Comment

We have a lot of work to do when it comes to health equity across the U.S.             Racial health disparities exist in every state. Even in states with above average healthcare systems for all racial groups, Black and Native Americans are far more likely to die early from preventable deaths than white and Asian Americans. Racial disparities in health are driven by factors inside and outside state health care systems. "The policy choices that federal, state and local leaders have made over many decades have led to economic suppression, unequal educational access, and widespread housing segregation, all of which have contributed in their own ways to worse health outcomes for people of color." Racial health disparities are further perpetuated by less insurance coverage and unequal access to quality primary care. We have a long way to go to achieve health equity — but it is possible. According to the report, we can bridge the gap by ensuring universal, affordable and equitable healthcare coverage; strengthening primary care systems and improving delivery of services; and investing in social services. Let's work together to ensure everyone regardless of race or ethnicity can access their full potential to live long, healthy lives.

18

1 Comment

With most social impact organizations strapped for resources and time, the last-minute grant application dash is something we definitely want to avoid! This blog post written by my Black Fox Global, B Corp teammates, Lisa Heinert, Jennifer Skala Bodio and I takes you through three steps to ensure that you put out well-thought-out and compelling grant applications, everything there is an opportunity. In addition, we scoured through grant application requirements to share a grant readiness checklist of the 25 most frequently solicited documents and content that you should have at hand. https://lnkd.in/dT_-uPcz checklist: https://lnkd.in/dwKhMKNg #fundraisingforsocialimpact #philanthropy #nonprofitfunding #resourcemobilization #resourcemobilisation #grantproposals #grantwriting #nonprofitcomms #nonprofitfundraising

20

1 Comment

Does your company distribute grants? run employee engagement programs? do other social impact work? What about measuring, managing and tracking the effectiveness and impact of its CSR work? The Corporate Measurement & Evaluation Community of Practice is conducting a benchmarking survey to understand the state of M&E across the corporate landscape - who is doing it, how, why and what tools and approaches are being used. If you are directly responsible for measuring and reporting on the impact of your companies CSR work, or you have visibility into it, we'd like to hear from you! https://lnkd.in/gv9Deiwi Please note, We have taken special care in crafting the survey so that we aren’t repeating information that can be found elsewhere. This benchmarking will complement that done by ACCP and CECP.  The responses are 100% confidential and data will only be reported in aggregate.  More information on the Corporate Measurement & Evaluation (M&E) Community of Practice in comments.

17

3 Comments

As we know, without additional information or guidance, many coastal donors tend to fund locally or in geographies they are familiar with. Grateful to Inside Philanthropy for recognizing The Just Trust as one of the key organizations funding and partnering with criminal justice leaders in the South, one of the most under-resourced areas for philanthropy and investment in our issue area. This is how to develop solutions that can work in all 50 states and political contexts. Full article here: https://lnkd.in/g_ky4VKz

9

🎙 Excited to share my recent podcast appearance on The Public Health Millennial ‘s Public Health Careers Podcast with Omari Richins, MPH . I was able to delve into my journey navigating academia and professional life as well as my experience working in and with communities impacted by several social determinants of health. Whether you're considering going to graduate school, pursuing a career in public health, or working as a non-profit professional this episode is for you! It’s packed with insights on fundraising, evaluation, and more. Tune in for some valuable takeaways and inspiration to fuel your own path! #Podcast #PublicHealth #NonProfit #CareerInsights #fundraising #Evaluation

17

3 Comments

“In order to understand the full state of our country’s carceral systems, let alone measure the effects of any legislative or policy reforms we may create or lack, we need accurate and timely disaggregated data.”    Our justice and public health systems intersect. Poor data quality in one system can and does impact our overall health. Learn more about why better prison data is important to achieving equity and justice in a new blog post from @The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.    https://lnkd.in/eyJRY7fC     #PublicHealthData #DataEquity 

16

Part 1 of a four-part series, on why fund, how much should be budgeted, why should donor agencies, funding agencies and corporate social responsibility departments budget for nonprofit board development as part of their annual contribution, and the direct correlation between nonprofit board development and improved social impact.

6

📣 Exciting News from AmeriCorps and a New Beginning for Me! I'm excited to see share that AmeriCorps has announced transformative new rules for the AmeriCorps State and National program, effective October 1, 2024. This change will reduce barriers, expand workforce development opportunities, and enhance programmatic flexibility. Additionally, SheRen Consulting, my newly launched consulting firm, will begin dedicated to helping organizations navigate and leverage these changes for maximum impact starting July 1. Some key changes are: 🔹 Grantee & Subgrantee Match Requirements Modified 🔹 Simplified Match Waiver Criteria 🔹 Job Readiness Waiver Flexibilities 🔹 Removal of Term Limit Barriers To read the full breakdown of the new rule and see how we scored each rule visit SheRen Consulting's page below. With AmeriCorps despite the journey we stay passionate about empowering organizations and individuals through effective national service programs, and I'm excited to embark on this journey with SheRen Consulting. Together, we make a significant difference in our communities. #AmeriCorps #NationalService #CommunityImpact #WorkforceDevelopment #SheRenConsulting #ServiceLeadership #GrantManagement

5

Check your assumptions. Philanthropy does not look the same in every community. Christal Cherry’s post on “What Fundraisers Should Know About Black Philanthropy” in Greater Public’s blog last summer is inspiring: "'The term philanthropy does not fully embrace just how diverse the nature of giving is, in practice. At its core, the practice of philanthropy is rooted in an unspoken contract committed to the collective benefit of the community.' (Muhmmad, 2021) Black people embrace and understand this and have relied on our full spectrum of giving to survive and thrive for centuries. It is time to shift the narrative and see the Black community as individuals who are actively engaged in philanthropy by both supporting and creating solutions to uplift one another. We know the definition of philanthropy extends beyond financial giving."

2

🖤 Today is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. Here is the reality: For every $100 a white household holds, black households hold only $15. This stark disparity underscores the urgent need to address the broader implications of the racial wealth gap, especially when it comes to creating affordable and sustainable care solutions for Black women, mothers, and their families. The racial wealth gap is a serious barrier to accessing quality childcare and eldercare, both of which often come at a premium. Low-paying jobs, held disproportionately by Black families, cannot meet these costs. In the last decade alone, the price of childcare has surged by over 25%, further widening the gap. The impact of this disparity is profound: 🖤 Black women are paid 63 cents for every dollar paid to white, non-Hispanic men, leading to an average loss of nearly $24,110 per year. 🖤 Black families are less likely to have access to employer-sponsored childcare or eldercare benefits. 🖤 Black women are more likely to work in the care economy yet face some of the lowest wages in these sectors. We need structural solutions to close the racial care gap, including: 💵 Fair pay: Ensuring that Black women receive equal pay for equal work. 🇺🇸 Fair policies: Implementing policies that support affordable and accessible childcare and eldercare for all families. 🏣 Fair workplaces: Creating work environments that provide necessary support and benefits for Black women and their families. Addressing these issues is not just about equality but also about justice and economic sustainability. We must work together to ensure that Black women are not left behind in the fight for fair wages and equitable care solutions. Let's commit to taking actionable steps toward closing the racial care gap and ensuring a more equitable future for all. The Care Gap (by Mother Honestly) #BlackWomensEqualPayDay #EqualPay #RacialCareGap #CareEconomy #EquityInCare #FairWorkplaces

10

1 Comment

Ending racism requires a critical race explicit examination of process and outcome. Ending racism saves lives. Great piece on the importance of race-conscious measures for the public to vote on. November 2022, NYC was given this exact opportunity thanks to the NYC Racial Justice Commission. As a result, NYC Commission on Racial Equity was voted into law. NYC Commission on Racial Equity is committed to advancing racial equity in #NYC government operations and increasing community voice in government decision making. RWJF article highlights the importance of advancing racial and health equity through dismantle structural racism.

21

Public services were designed for the 'default white male'. In Public Harms, a new joint report from the Fawcett Society and Black Equity Organisation, the research shows the Black women are so often at the sharpest end of harm due to a system that was not made by us or for us. Reviewing research into policing, education and mental health services, Public Harms draws out key themes that emerge across these services. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ed3H--Qe

38

1 Comment

Please join us for this webinar from The Choice Agenda DATE: Monday, August 5 TIME: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM ET (NYC) Where's the Equity? Including People with Disabilities in HIV Prevention Programming and Research As a movement motivated by health and human rights, the HIV field has collectively been tuning in more than ever to the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion when it comes to HIV prevention programming and research. That said, there seems to be less awareness and effort around the inclusion of people with disabilities in our programs and protocols. Recognizing that "people with disabilities" is an immense group of very diverse people, this webinar will explore the who, what, where and how involved in acknowledging the importance of including people with disabilities, with concrete ideas for where, how, and with whom we can improve our efforts. Speakers: Dr. Hannah Kuper, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Tafadzwa Maseva, Zimbabwe Network for Disability  Brian Minalga, Office of HIV/AIDS Network Coordination (HANC) Sarah Mwikali, Gifted Community Centre Moderators: JD Davids, Strategies for High Impact / Long COVID Justice Patriciah Jeckonia, LVCT Health Register here:  https://lnkd.in/gB8nZ4AJ AVAC JD Davids Brian Minalga Manju Chatani Catherine Verde Hashim Navita Jain (Navita Sahai) #hivresearch #hivprevention #hiv #peoplewithdisabilities #dei #diversity #equity #inclusion #webinar #thechoiceagenda

40

1 Comment

Over-reliance on major donors has led to a decline in overall donor numbers and newly retained donors, causing a significant drop in total donations. By improving donor acquisition and making new supporters feel connected and valued, nonprofits can stabilize and increase their funding, ensuring long-term success and impact. Implementing community-building tactics, empathetic engagement, and personalized thank-yous can effectively boost donor acquisition and retention. #DonorRetention #NonProfit #Fundraising

11

2 Comments