Amy Grat

"Orticio argues that, given children’s natural skepticism and early exposure to the internet’s boundless misinformation, it is crucial for adults to teach them practical fact-checking skills. Instead of attempting to completely sanitize their online environment, he said adults should focus on equipping children with tools to critically assess the information they encounter." A great piece by Jason Pohl on equipping kids to fact check what they hear and learn. (We should probaly be equipping some adults with this too!) https://lnkd.in/eJnJpwte

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Curious about how AI is transforming nonprofit work? Orr Group's latest article dives into AI usage disclosure and its implications. Discover the steps you can take to ensure transparency and ethical AI practices in your organization. Read more now.

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Nonprofit space report release. Join the Community Spaces Network team for the release of their State of Sector Shared Spaces report. Thurs 9/18 11A Pacific. Register through the link. Free. Since 2011, the Community Spaces Network, formerly the Nonprofit Centers Network, has conducted the State of the Shared Space Sector survey to assess the impact of these spaces in the United States and Canada. The survey captures the tenant and community benefits, best practices, and innovations happening in these spaces every day. This particular edition of the survey felt especially critical, post-pandemic. Over the last few years, nonprofit shared spaces, like commercial work spaces more broadly, have weathered enormous shifts in the way people think about and use workspace. This report underscores the resilience and creativity within the sector, showcasing that even during periods of transition, nonprofit shared space leaders consistently prioritize their ultimate goal: creating vibrant and stable spaces that benefit both their nonprofit tenants and the broader community. https://lnkd.in/gXWQSpua #sharedspace #nonprofitcenters #communityhub #hubs #nonprofitrealesate #spre #socialpurposerealestate

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Building coalitions is an effective way to advance a cause, but maximizing their impact is a different story. Luckily, Denny Civic Solutions has got you covered! Check out our latest one pager on the coalition work we do to help you get the most out of your efforts. Power in numbers, right? #coalitions #impact Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eH2QNG27

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We have assembled more than 25 sessions including plenaries, #workshops and panels: o #HealthEquity Plenary: Advancing the Latino Health Agenda through Inclusive Excellence o #EducationEquity Plenary: Bridging the Gap: Strategies to Retain Latino/e Educators and Elevate Student Success o Fireside Chat Plenary: “#YoungVoices in Philly” o Community and #EconomicDevelopment Plenary o Closing Plenary: A Call to Action – Building Power Rally: #LatinoNation2024 o Emerging Latino Communities in Rural Areas o Pennsylvania's Report Card on Education of Latinos: Progreso y Oportunidades o #ViolencePrevention for Black and Brown Youth: Yo Soy Porque Nosotros Somos o Lo que se ve *sí* se pregunta: How to support your #LGBTQ+ peers and loved ones o Beyond just the #Spanish Language o Caring for Our Communities by Connecting Health and Social Care o More Seats at the Table: #Gerrymandering, Redistricting and Political Power o Sharing the Power Pie: How Communities of Color can work together to get their Fair Share o The importance of caring for the #mentalhealth of Latino #immigrants o Understanding and Addressing #Dementia Disparities in the Hispanic/Latino Community o Voices in Media: Amplifying Underrepresented Narratives and Shaping Social Change o Working with the #FederalGovernment and ways in which the Latino voice is important as we advocate for Federal issues o #WorkforceDevelopment o Creating Accessible and Inclusive Environments to Better Serve Latino/Hispanics o Navegando Juntes: Creating Innovative Models for Community Engaged Research and More Equitable Latinx Postsecondary Readiness o Roberto Lugo’s #Art: Calling me back to my roots, my home, mi comunidad y mi corazón o From cultural competence to diversity, equity, and inclusion: Implications for public health practitioners o We can do training in leadership and business. o #BilingualEducation - An Equity Endeavor - Why Everyone Should Embrace It Be part of an important session focused on data, impact and school programming that supports EVERY LEARNER 🚨REGISTER TODAY 👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/eWJYhM5q #conference #convention #summit #institute #professionaldevelopment #dei #diversity #equity #belonging #inclusion #latinos #hispanics #pennsylvania

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Our current Waking Giants institutional client portfolio includes primarily BIPOC + LGTBQI leaders in aero space tech innovation, reproductive health, educational literacy spaces, and religious diversity. They range from small non-profit, volunteer powered organizations and multi-billion dollar, for-profit companies. We also have a few individual, one one one clients that we support through executive coaching, capacity development around a specific skill set, and social impact strategy. Over the last 6 months our team at Waking Giants, together with our institutional and individual clients, have: Submitted over $35 million dollars in grants to support programs ranging from aerospace innovation bringing internet to Indigenous communities to BIPOC focused doula training programs to a TX-based summer camp protecting and prioritizing GLTBQI kids and staff. We collaborated with a SF-based client on a case study laying out the possibilities for cultural transformation through restorative justice programs being led. by a local ATX DA’s office to keep young people out of the carceral system. We supported a West Texas based client through their 501 c4 filing so that they can expand their reproductive justice work in these uncertain times. These are some of the high points of the paid work that enables our company, Waking Giants, to grow and scale. Thanks for trusting us with your impact, y'all. We are so humbled. https://lnkd.in/gjG7xChf

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 28, 2024 Statement from Northwest Housing Alternatives on U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling on Grants Pass v. Johnson PORTLAND, ORE. - Today Board Vice Chair Kelsey Heilman and Executive Director Trell Anderson of Northwest Housing Alternatives, an affordable housing nonprofit in the Pacific Northwest, issued the following media statement on today’s U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the Oregon case of Grants Pass v. Johnson on the rights of people who are experiencing unsheltered homelessness to sleep in public spaces: “Northwest Housing Alternatives is deeply troubled to learn that the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of targeting and systemically punishing people experiencing homelessness. Everyone deserves a safe place to sleep at night. We know in our collective conscience that there are not enough shelters or affordable housing options in our region—and across the country. If any one of us had a family member experience homelessness, we would want them to be treated with dignity and support, not taken to jail. The U.S. Supreme Court just made it more treacherous than ever before to be an unhoused member of our country. This ruling will needlessly criminalize and dehumanize women, seniors, Veterans, the LGBTQIA+ community, and people of color who experience homelessness at disproportionate rates. Children could be separated from their parents for just being a homeless family. The ruling allows for local communities to make decisions that not only impact individuals, but also local systems such as public health, law enforcement, and the courts—already overburdened. Instead of reinforcing an upstream approach to tackling the economic issues of homelessness, the ruling allows local communities to shun responsibility.    The ruling just made the nonprofit mission-focused work of Northwest Housing Alternatives that much more important in supporting families experiencing homelessness and providing opportunity through housing. Fortunately in Oregon, lawmakers had the foresight and compassion to enact state law that protect families from the harshest impacts of the ruling.” ### About Northwest Housing Alternatives Founded in 1982, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) is a leading not-for-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon. Our mission is to create opportunity through housing. To that end, NHA develops, builds, and manages rental housing designed for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes including families, Veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. Media Contact: 📰 Ariane L. Ariane@lechevallierstrategies.com 971-201-1214

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Part 2! Of my interview with Ludovic Blain, ED of California Donor Table. This one right here is chock full of hard earned reflections. Almost every paragraph Ludovic takes on some important topic in the world of social justice philanthropy, donor organizing and electoral power building, pointing us away from any simplistic analysis and towards a more complex understanding. I hope we can use his boldness to inspire (and agitate) all of us to think and act more rigorously about this work many of us do. I'd love to hear your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/gyFeRzji Quotes to pique your interest... "If unions and progressive elected officials, both of whom are elected (and funded) by large bases, are not amongst the folk we are listening to and following, philanthropy won’t succeed." "The Left is really good at opposition but our power building gets weak the closer it comes to power wielding." "In many ways, the individual donors are less stuffy than many of the biggest foundation boards. And it can be a little bit clearer how to get individual donors to grapple with their privilege, compared to getting the top 2 or 3 levels of a foundation to do so." "What we really need is wealthy donors who understand the medium and long term strategies. We need donors to understand that we invest in places that we are absolutely going to lose for the next two, 4 or 6 years...So the questions become, are we losing forward?" "We have a lot of wealthy white folks who are not really accountable to anybody, so they can literally fund whatever they want (for good and bad). Many wealthy people of color are in a different situation. Their wealth might be mostly due to their income, so they’re accountable and dependent on the wealthier person who’s paying them...it's a weird thing where we have sets of white folks who are more able to be ideologically bold with their wealth, & are motivated because maybe they don’t like their grand-parent who made the wealth in an oppressive way. They are able to do both the right thing (take a progressive stand) & also do the rebelling thing at the same time. A win-win for them! Whereas for the people of color w wealth, they’re often new money, so it's their kids who might be the leftist rebel, but the money hasn’t passed to them yet." "Most (wealthy) donors are white and the country is becoming more and more majority people of color. And more political contestation isn't just between white folks and people of color anymore, it’s also amongst people of color. More and more, doing this work requires racial understanding 501, if not 701. Creating multiracial coalitions that we need to win is going to continue to be very complicated and uncomfortable for everyone, including people of color. I think people should expect messiness, lack of clear ways forward, and very few kumbaya meetings. Almost every step will be hard. Worth it, but almost drudgery. We are making this road by walking."

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As Hurricane Beryl crashes into the Texas coast, we're reminded that while the immediate impacts are dire, the long term consequences can be equally disastrous. In this piece, Michael T. Pugh and I argue that with more intense storms coming our way, we need to ensure that the most vulnerable communities - often the first hit and last to recover - are fortified for a changing climate future. In #WhatsPossible, some of the leading voices on climate and community development come together as one to show a roadmap for a cleaner, healthier, more resilient future for our frontline communities. Now more than ever, corporations, community groups, policymakers, financial institutions and climate advocates have an opportunity to combine financial resources and local expertise in ways that advance a just energy transition.

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Think your org can't be successful in a #capitalcampaign because you don't have a fancy, well-established "Major Gifts Program"? Think again. Check out the elements needed for a successful campaign--of any size. #greatergood #fundraising #nonprofitleadership #nonprofits

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A board of Directors plays an essential role in any organization’s…   ✅ Leadership ✅ Finances ✅ Sustainability   But NONPROFIT boards differ from for profit boards In their   ✳️ Structures ✳️Roles ✳️Objectives   Today I’m diving into the 5 key differences between nonprofit and for-profit boards. #501c3nonprofits #nonprofitCFO #fractionalCFO https://lnkd.in/gy5suW8b

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Who will be the superpowers of philanthropy in the next 25 years? Who will have the capacity and resources to influence social, economic, and political arenas? The answer is women. Historically, women have always played crucial roles in philanthropy. Early social service work was seen as “women’s work.” Female philanthropy started with parochial institutions, where nuns, deaconesses, and women of all faiths offered comfort to the marginalized in their communities. Now, with women holding more than half of private wealth in the U.S. and the capacity to influence global change, their impact is poised to grow exponentially. Despite progress, support for women's and girls' organizations remains low, receiving just 1.8% of charitable giving. However, women are stepping up to fill this gap, often giving broadly, holistically, and collectively. They focus on aligning their passion with their resources, working collaboratively, and demanding transparency about the impact of their contributions. Women’s philanthropy offers vast opportunities: from supporting traditional nonprofits to becoming angel investors and engaging in impact investing. In my role as a philanthropic advisor, I work to help women donors align their values with their charitable giving, grow their confidence and celebrate their achievements. #PhilanthropyConcierge #WDM2024 #WomensPhilanthropy #WomenInLeadership https://lnkd.in/gSZhsadi

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Is the grant funding process truly fair? Let’s discuss. Grant funding is critical for not-for-profits. But is the process fair? Recently, the 5𝘁𝗵 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮 introduced a new RFP process. We redacted the names of both the volunteer grant reviewers and the applying organizations. The intention? To make the process more objective and fair. But here’s the issue: Do these measures actually ensure unbiased evaluations? I’ve seen the data. One organization received a score of 26 from one member, while another organization received 65 from two other members—on nearly identical applications. How can we explain such a wide gap in scores? When you dig deeper, the discrepancies become even more concerning, especially for small and minority-led organizations. These organizations often don’t have the resources to challenge scores or funding decisions. They face: 𝗕𝗶𝗮𝘀: Hidden within layers of bureaucracy. 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: For calling out discrepancies. 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀: In scoring that don’t reflect the true impact of their work. This system was designed to help, not hinder.  But when such large scoring gaps appear, it begs the question: Is the process truly impartial? Many small organizations rely on grant funding to continue their vital work. And yet, they’re left with little room to appeal decisions or voice concerns. We need to start a conversation about this. Here’s what we need to consider: 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: How can we ensure the process is transparent from start to finish? 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: How do we provide legal and financial support to smaller organizations? 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: How can we make sure scoring criteria are applied uniformly across the board? Organizations that raise concerns about scoring discrepancies shouldn’t be penalized. Instead, they should be supported in their efforts to create change. 𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁: A fair and equitable process benefits everyone. What do you think? We redacted the names of the organizations to their reputations as they had no decision making of the fairness or lack thereof of this process. How can we ensure small and minority-led organizations aren’t left out? I’m eager to hear your thoughts. Let’s work together to make this system better for everyone. Rod Love, CEO of CSG Tech Solutions President of Florida Economic Consortium #nonprofit #nonprofits #nonprofitleadership

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𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝑻𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝑵𝒐𝒏𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒇𝒊𝒕 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈: 𝑳𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑱𝒐𝒅𝒚 𝑳𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒏-𝑱𝒐𝒉𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑼𝒏𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 What if nonprofits had the same flexibility as the world’s most innovative entrepreneurs? Imagine a world where mission-driven organizations could leverage unrestricted funding to address root causes, build infrastructure, and truly innovate. Social Current's President and CEO, Jody Levison-Johnson’s article, 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘗𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳, captures this critical tension: we ask nonprofits to solve society’s most complex challenges while tying their hands with rigid funding restrictions. This isn’t just an academic debate. It’s a reality I’ve witnessed firsthand in my work in the nonprofit sector. Time and again, I’ve seen organizations forced to cobble together funding to meet urgent community needs—straining to cover salaries, operating costs, or invest in tools that would amplify their impact. Unlike their for-profit counterparts, nonprofits are often denied the opportunity to innovate, adapt, and grow because funding streams are too prescriptive. The film 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭e, which my company, Empreinte Consulting LLC ., had the privilege to help screen and discuss in Rochester, builds on these points with striking clarity. Dan Pallotta, the film’s creator, challenges us to rethink the outdated narratives about nonprofit funding. As 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 points out, we cannot expect transformational impact while demanding “bare minimum” operating costs or undervaluing the talent of nonprofit professionals. Levison-Johnson’s article echoes these truths. As she notes, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott and her organization, Yield Giving, has disrupted traditional funding models by providing unrestricted support to nonprofits like Akin. This approach has allowed organizations to scale their impact and align their resources with community needs—a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we trust nonprofits to lead. The dialogue sparked by 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 and thought leaders like Levison-Johnson is long overdue. We must shift the narrative from nonprofits needing external oversight to recognizing their expertise, community connections, and innovative potential. Funders, policymakers, and society must unite to embrace this change, investing in nonprofits with the same faith we extend to startups and corporations. If you’re in the nonprofit world or care about social change, I encourage you to read this article and watch 𝘜𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. Together, let’s advocate for the flexibility, trust, and resources nonprofits need to not just survive—but thrive. Check out the article in the The NonProfit Times here: https://lnkd.in/gBFsWAxE

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“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” These powerful words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us that while progress towards inclusion, equity, and justice may take time, it is possible—if we take action. I'm truly honored to stand alongside modern-day civil rights champions like Janet Murguía of UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS), MARC MORIAL of the National Urban League, and Thomas A. Saenz of MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as we discussed what’s at stake in the upcoming presidential election. Our conversation highlighted the crucial role of coalitions and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in shaping a fairer future for all. But progress doesn’t happen by itself—we must act now to shape the future we want to see. Here's where we start: 1️⃣ Educate yourself and your community about key issues 2️⃣ Engage with leaders and organizations working on the front lines of change—collaboration is key to building lasting impact 3️⃣ Vote—because every election matters in bending that arc toward justice What steps are you taking to push for progress? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the momentum going! #DEI #CivilRights #Election2024 #StandForJustice #InclusionMatters #JuntosAvanzamos

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Here is a discussion/debate I moderated with Chris Arnade and Bryan Caplan  in on material and social poverty in the United States. It was part of the 2022 PovertyCure Summit -- and is still relevant and worth listening to. We discuss - and they debate - a number of issues including:Economic Opportunity - Lack of Opportunity Education Drug use Suicide Meaning Tension between personal responsibility & environmental / social impact Values of place, race, community, family, religion The importance of strong, functional families Arnade on a “libertarian hellscape” Anthony B. Bradley on Incarceration and the Criminal Justice System The problems with the current educational system Housing & close proximity to jobs - the importance of more construction / remodeling in and around poor neighborhoods Drug Legalization The connection between law and morality Education as a source of class division Alternatives ways of making a living that does not require college Breaking away from the “one size fits all” educational system Religion and and the importance of faith beyond a “crutch” Dignity of Work Globalization Do you need to move to get out of poverty? https://lnkd.in/ggrSfFez

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I remember when I was a major gifts officer at United Way of Greater Los Angeles in 2016. My goals were to raise over $2.1M and bring in 20 new major donors. No marketing budget, no ads -- I just had to go get 20 new donors. Of course, there was a pool of mid-level donors, and that was a pipeline. It was stressful, to say the least. Where am I supposed to get 20 brand-new donors? Ever felt like that? I worked a ton. 60+ hours a week on average. Nights and weekends. This is the reality and expectation for a lot of nonprofit roles. My schedule was 3-4 days a week in donor meetings: Coffee. Lunch. Afternoon coffee. Happy hour. Dinner. All in person!! No Zoom! I exceeded my goals. Raised $2.5M and $800,000 in new revenue in one year. 25 new major donors. It wasn't sustainable. [NOTE: I freaking loved that job and it was when I realized how much I love major gifts. So, I am 1000% grateful.] That's why this strategy changed my life: Get enthusiastic, influential donors to host intimate gatherings in their homes and they pay for the whole damn thing, handle all the logistics, and I just show up, meet people and connect. It changed everything. I went from the hustle-and-grind way of working to doing less and raising more. If that sounds like something you're ready for, come get your whole life together at my next training. lol ​Events That Don't Suck is my 2-hour live training happening on July 23 10am-12noon PST. I'm sharing my entire playbook and done-for-you tools to bring in new donors who are mission-aligned and a dream to have in your community. ​ Tickets are only $197 and you can bring up to 3 folks on your team. ​ The price will go up on Monday, July 22 to $247. Don't wait until the last minute. ​ ​Sign up right here: julieordonez.com/training

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