So You Want to Hire an Equity Consultant: A Guide for Leaders and Organizations
This guide, developed by Equity in the Center, is filled with practical tips and tools on how to identity and hire an equity consultant. Read More
Building a Better RFP: A Guide to Assist Your Search for an Investment Advisor
June 14, 2021 | J.P. Morgan
This guide from J.P. Morgan describes steps for creating an RFP and selecting the right investment manager. Read More
Collective Impact
June 11, 2021
No single organization has the ability to solve any major social problem at scale by itself. Collective impact is a powerful new approach to cross-sector collaboration that is achieving measurable effects on major social issues. This article is also available in Spanish. Top Takeaways There are many examples of coordinated cross-sector collective impact efforts—including Strive, the Elizabeth River Project, Shape Up Somerville, and Read More
Facilitating Intentional Group Learning
June 11, 2021
For organizations to be successful, individuals need opportunities to share data, as well as their knowledge and experiences, with others. Facilitated, intentional group activities create the ideal environment for reflection and dialogue that lead to new insights and understandings. From quick 20-minute activities to multi-hour gatherings, this guide provides detailed instructions on how to conduct high-energy, inclusive, and productive experiences. Read More
Evaluating Complexity
June 11, 2021
While evaluation has traditionally focused on assessing programmatic impact according to pre-determined indicators, a new approach is needed for evaluating complex initiatives, as well as initiatives operating in complex environments where progress is not linear, predictable, or controllable. Nine propositions can help evaluators navigate the unique characteristics of complex systems, improve their evaluation practice, and better serve the needs of the social Read More
Engaging Boards and Trustees in Strategic Learning
June 11, 2021
Effecting social change in a rapidly changing political environment and an increasingly interconnected world requires foundations to adopt a learning orientation. Without continuous learning, grantmakers—and thus boards and trustees—are unaware about what is working where, with whom, and why, as well as what changes or refinements are needed in order to achieve the grantmakers’ desired results. Researched and written in Read More
Systems Thinking Toolkit
June 11, 2021
Systems thinking allows individuals and organizations to understand the complex relationships and contexts surrounding social issues in order to best influence and navigate the system. We have identified several tools that are helpful in this practice, whether you are looking to understand an issue and its system, create a plan for action, or learn and refine as you go. This Read More
How can 21st century collaboration enable greater social impact?
June 10, 2021 | Debi Blizard, Zoe True
As philanthropists lean into global challenges like climate change and economic inequality, it is easy to see that no one person or organization can shift the tide on these issues by themselves. To move the needle on these complex problems we must understand how to work together better, both externally with our partners as well as internally across groups and Read More
Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy
June 10, 2021 | Ann Shulman
This Passages Issue Brief examines the kinds of decisions that family foundations often face and sets out practical, easy-to-apply guidelines for ensuring that the foundation’s decision-making methods vary appropriately, as conditions and circumstances change. It includes factors to consider when selecting a decision-making method, guidance on how to communicate clearly, simple tools to help make good decisions, and short case Read More
Accelerating Impact at the Intersections of Environment, Health, and Development
June 10, 2021 | Panorama Global
This report calls on funders to see these global challenges with a new and improved intersectional lens – and more importantly – to fund intersectional solutions. The report outlines eight practical actions that funders can take to move towards more integrated forms of cross-sectoral funding in the areas of environment, health, and development. Read More
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