Gender Justice’s Post

If you have not yet, stop what you are doing and check out this insightful piece by Marsha Davis What Is the Courageous Giving Framework? The Courageous Giving Framework™ is a philanthropic strategy that donors and their advisors can employ to ensure they are working with social justice movements to build a just, multiracial democracy. It calls for funders to be as ruthlessly strategic as our opposition and shift from a defensive posture to an offensive one. https://lnkd.in/eeRhSbJh

In our politically charged environment, nonprofits are seeing a decline in policy advocacy. A recent study indicates a 31% drop in nonprofit engagement over two decades, partly due to misconceptions about their role in politics. Many nonprofits are unaware of their legal right to lobby, limiting their impact on vital discussions. In 2000, over half of public charities knew they could engage in legislative matters; today, only 32% are aware. Supporting informed, lawful nonprofit advocacy is essential for a healthier democracy. Here's why:

Your nonprofit needs more than just a pitch. You need to create a Unique Value Proposition. Learn how to create one for free. https://lnkd.in/gCfne8bH Tell your nonprofit friends.

Your nonprofit needs more than just a pitch. You need to create a Unique Value Proposition. Learn how to create one for free. https://lnkd.in/gGDn-WBM Tell your nonprofit friends.

"In 2020, organizers and funders in California came together to collaborate and share ideas on how to increase 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) dollars in the state. As the public health crisis around the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and activists across the country brought the ongoing fight against racial justice to the forefront, it became clear that there was a deep need and desire for investments in power building to advance structural reforms. From these conversations, the idea for PIVOT (Powerful Innovations for Voter Organizing and Transformation) was born. PIVOT is a unique collaboration because organizers and funders work together on the front end to best understand where funders can allocate resources to uplift organizations working to build political power, advance racial justice, and bring about structural change. This week, the initiative announced funding for 14 regional and statewide organizations, coalitions, and networks doing such work. Each group will receive between $250,000 and $1 million." My latest for Nonprofit Quarterly: https://lnkd.in/gedbvypK

It's time to be ruthlessly strategic in our philanthropic support of movements to build a just democracy. This political moment calls for a comprehensive philanthropic strategy that protects marginalized communities from physical and political attacks while building the economic, cultural, and political power we need to create a future where we all can thrive. I designed the Courageous Giving Framework to guide funding institutions and individual donors as they respond to the rise of fascism. Love and compassion, plus strategy and infrastructure, will build the world that we all deserve. #philanthropy #nonprofits #trustbasedphilanthropy #socialjusticephilanthropy https://lnkd.in/eERV-cBv

“Nonprofits today are less aware of the advocacy and lobbying activities they are legally allowed to do compared to 20 years ago. … [N]onprofits can and should consider policy advocacy as one strategic approach to advancing their mission and values. As a first step, nonprofits and those who work with them should be more aware of their legal rights to engage in policy issues and nonpartisan voter engagement. We also encourage nonprofits to join collaborative groups and associations of nonprofits with similar interests, invest in DEI activities, and promote nonpartisan voter engagement. By doing so, nonprofits can increase their mission impact, promote equity, increase civic participation, contribute to democracy, and drive changes in their communities that align with their values.” The Retreat of Influence: Exploring the Decline of Nonprofit Advocacy and Public Engagement

NEW BLOG ALERT!!! Read about how justice-focused organizations used external funding to improve internal processes. "As funders think about ways to invest in nonprofits and nonprofits think about ways to improve their performance, considering how funds can be used to strengthen organizational development will be key." #philanthropy #nonprofitorganization #nonprofit #justice #organizationaldevelopment https://lnkd.in/gagJvbmP

"In a situation that’s dynamic and complex, one of the challenges for communications is creating coherence,” says Sean Gibbons, CEO of The Communications Network, a membership organization for foundations and other nonprofits. It may be best to say nothing if the issue isn’t core to your mission or adding important depth to the conversation, he says. The reaction by donors to the Israel-Hamas War may serve as a watermark for nonprofit communication strategy. Research shows that while trust in institutions is generally declining, nonprofits are held in high esteem compared with other institutions and could slide in rankings if their public statements draw criticism. “Communication is a core strategic tool,” Gibbons says. “You have to think about how you deploy that resource. You have to be very judicious about when you use your voice.” He adds: “There’s no one-size-fits-all guidance that you can offer,” but it is important to be in conversation with supporters and think through the goal of any public statement. For most nonprofits, it makes sense to issue a statement when a current event is related to its core mission. “Always remember when you’re communicating: How can we be most effective and most useful in service of our mission?” Gibbons says.

Nonprofits play a key role in getting people engaged in community and civic life. Nonpartisan voter engagement is an important part of that role. Nonprofit VOTE Nonprofit Quarterly Council on Foundations