1898 Results for “” in Knowledge Center

Knowledge Center | Report

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
Knowledge Center | Tool

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
Knowledge Center | Tool

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
Knowledge Center | Article

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
Knowledge Center | Passages Issue Briefs

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
Knowledge Center | Report

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
Knowledge Center | Tool

Common Decision-making Dilemmas
June 10, 2021 | Ann Shulman
This is an excerpt from Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy. Do any of these common decision-making dilemmas sound familiar to you or your family foundation board? One board member, often a founder or parent, wields more influence than the others, but the influence is not explicitly acknowledged; Board members go along with a vote just to get the decision over Read More
Knowledge Center | Tool

Decision Making when Founders are Present
June 9, 2021 | Ann Shulman
This is an excerpt from Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy. Founders accustomed to making their own decisions in a business setting may bring unilateral decision-making to the foundation, often using it inappropriately. Founders may think of the foundation as “theirs” and feel impatient with or dismissive of group decision-making. At the same time, they genuinely want family members to Read More
Knowledge Center

Persevering through Crisis: The State of Nonprofits
June 8, 2021 | Center for Effective Philanthropy
Based on a national survey of nonprofit leaders conducted in February 2021, Persevering through Crisis: The State of Nonprofits sheds light on how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted nonprofits, how funders have stepped up, and how foundations have been more flexible, responsive, and communicative with grantees—but less so with grantee organizations led by women or serving certain communities of color. Findings are Read More
Knowledge Center | Article

The Dawn of System Leadership
June 4, 2021
Complex social problems require a unique type of leader: the system leader, individuals who catalyze collective leadership. Co-authored by Peter Senge, Hal Hamilton, and John Kania, this article illustrates the core capabilities required for system leadership through the stories of successful practitioners. Top Takeaways System leaders are not singular heroic figures but those who facilitate the conditions within which others can make Read More

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