The Bridgespan Group

Contributions

Equitable Philanthropy Case Study: The 1954 Project Approach

Posted on February 17, 2023 by The Bridgespan Group

This piece was originally published by The Bridgespan Group and is re-posted with permission. Founded by philanthropists Liz and Don Thompson of the Cleveland Avenue Foundation for Education (The Cafe) to upend the chronic underinvestment in Black-led organizations, The 1954 Project seeks to radically redesign how philanthropy connects with Black leaders in education. The Thompsons note, ” The 1954 Project… Read More

How Philanthropy Can Support Systems-Change Leaders

Posted on January 14, 2021 by The Bridgespan Group

Success in solving complex social problems frequently hinges on the work of organizations that harmonize the action of myriad actors—often referred to as field catalysts, systems orchestrators, or coalitions. Yet philanthropy too often overlooks them, as they defy traditional due diligence criteria. Breaking through will require philanthropy to reboot how it engages with these pivotal entities as critical catalysts and… Read More

What Are Intended Impact and Theory of Change and How Can Nonprofits Use Them?

Posted on December 4, 2020 by The Bridgespan Group

Strategy is all about getting critical resource decisions right. But developing a clear, effective strategy can be a long process full of difficult tradeoffs. One way to smooth the path is to clarify your nonprofit’s intended impact and theory of change… Read More

Guiding a Giving Response to Anti-Black Injustice

Posted on September 21, 2020 by ABFE: A Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities, The Bridgespan Group

ABFE and The Bridgespan Group offer here a set of six principles, greatly informed by Black movement leaders and funders of Black-led social change, which can guide funders seeking to support racial justice and thriving Black lives in the United States… Read More

Racial Equity and Philanthropy: Disparities in Funding for Leaders of Color Leave Impact on the Table

Posted on June 4, 2020 by Echoing Green, The Bridgespan Group

This research, from Echoing Green and Bridgespan, lays bare the racial disparity in today’s funding environment and argues that population-level impact cannot happen without funding more leaders of color… Read More

Giving While Living: Profiles of Donors and Families

Posted on November 14, 2017 by The Bridgespan Group

Scenario and Contingency Planning in Philanthropy

Posted on May 5, 2016 by The Bridgespan Group

Scenario and contingency planning help nonprofit leaders plan for and react to opportunities and challenges that may arise over a given time frame. They enable nonprofits to ask and answer the question, "What would we do if…?" for a variety of circumstances, taking time to consider strategic implications, identify and weigh options, and agree on trade-offs… Read More

Should I Give Anonymously or Publicly?

Posted on December 8, 2014 by The Bridgespan Group

Whether or not you “go public” with your philanthropy is a matter of strategy and personal style. Ask yourself, given the change you want to see in the world, what’s the right approach? This short issue brief from the GiveSmart website provides a list of considerations for determining how publicly you want to give… Read More