FSG

Philanthropy is embodying a powerful shift: ?From being at the center of social change efforts ?? To working in close partnership with the broader ecosystem of stakeholders necessary to sustain lasting change. In our latest piece, Chris Carlson, Neyat D., John Harper, and Fay Hanleybrown describe how funders are increasingly acting as a facilitator, connector, and learner in a larger ecosystem of actors working to create lasting, systems-level change. They share rich examples and stories from many funders in our community including: Natrona Collective Health Trust, Texoma Health Foundation, Houston Endowment, Danville Regional Foundation, Greater Washington Community Foundation, The California Endowment, Headwaters Foundation, and the Katz Amsterdam Foundation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eV6CmbsA #philanthropy #foundation #socialimpact #strategy

We are at a critical crossroads, with the opportunity to build a more inclusive, multiracial democracy where all people, especially those from historically marginalized communities, feel represented. Companies are increasingly recognizing both the fragility of this moment and the pivotal role they can play in shaping a more equitable future. But where can they get started? And what can be done without being seen as taking sides? As part of FSG’s inclusive democracy series, FSG Managing Director Noa Gafni writes on three nonpartisan ways that companies can support the democratic process: 1?? Promote civic discourse 2?? Combat misinformation 3?? Encourage voter engagement Read more: https://lnkd.in/eZgcVB-h

Welcome, Mansi Garg! ??

With September in full swing, many of our corporate social impact partners are deep in reflection, evaluating the past year’s initiatives, and preparing for the upcoming year. To support corporate social impact leaders, we've compiled a list of helpful reflection questions to help guide the planning process. These include questions like: ?What have you learned since your last strategy refresh? ?Where have you adhered to or adjusted your strategy, and why? ?Have these shifts led you closer to or further from your vision and mission? Read more: https://lnkd.in/eTqn7UFH

Last week, the Fearless Fund case involving a grant program for Black women entrepreneurs reached a settlement, avoiding a potential Supreme Court challenge to race-conscious grantmaking. ICYMI: Collective Impact Forum leaders co-authored this important op-ed explaining why the Fearless Fund ruling highlights the need for philanthropy to to double down on supporting multisector place-based partnerships. Thank you to Inside Philanthropy for sharing this important piece by FSG’s Jennifer Splansky Juster and Aspen Forum For Community Solutions (AFCS) Cindy Santos, and Monique Miles. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eKdB3dat

We're proud to share that the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) recommends companies adopt the CRE Alliance’s Business Standards for the 21st Century Leadership?to advance racial and economic equity.??? The Corporate Racial Equity Alliance (CRE Alliance) is a joint initiative led by PolicyLink, FSG, and JUST Capital, and last week, the CBC released a new report, What Good Looks Like: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In the report, the CRE Alliance was referenced for our work that includes broad stakeholder engagement and extensive research focused on the key levers for corporations to meaningfully advance greater economic inclusion for all. The report showcases strong support for DEI among Fortune 500 companies and recommends that all corporations adopt the CRE Alliance’s Business Standards for 21st Century Leadership. Learn more about the Business Standards for 21st Century Leadership: https://lnkd.in/gvrvFCkt Read the report: https://lnkd.in/gcepqh62

The FSG team had such a fantastic time at #ACCP2024 this week! ?? Some of the highlights from Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals annual conference: ?? Connecting with so many like-minded corporate social impact leaders at the FSG booth and at conference ?? FSG Managing Directors Lakshmi Iyer?and Nikhil Bumb?led a packed learning lab with Kirstie Sims, Group Director, Center for Racial Equity and Retail Opportunity, Walmart.org?and Alexander Díaz, Head of AI for Social Good, Google.org?on pushing the frontiers of impact with corporate philanthropy as a think tank ??FSG Chief People & Culture Officer and Managing Director Bobbi Silten spoke powerfully on what it means to lead with purpose at every stage of your career Thank you to #ACCP2024 for hosting this amazing gathering of corporate social impact leaders!??

With just under 8 weeks until the U.S. presidential election, we are witnessing an exciting surge of civic energy and engagement. ?? FSG is committed to building a truly inclusive, multiracial democracy as a cornerstone to advancing equitable systems change. Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear reflections from FSG leaders about how our clients and partners are advancing this new vision of democracy and equitable systems change. As we count down to the final days of this election cycle, how do we help ensure this short-term burst of energy leads to lasting change? FSG CEO John Harper kicks off our inclusive democracy blog series with these reflections on why inclusive civic infrastructure matters. Read more: https://lnkd.in/em5PQeF3

Join FSG and leaders from AARP, Bristol Myers Squibb, Merck, and Sanofi for this important conversation on Oct 1 ?? Corporate changemakers are grappling with how to transform their social impact commitments into action, and many are encountering interference within their companies that can slow down progress and reduce impact. We believe that corporate changemakers need renewed frameworks, tools and community. Join us on Oct 1 from 12-1PM ET for an interactive discussion on how to navigate this moment. Panelists: ?Bobbi Silten, Chief of People & Culture and Managing Director, FSG? ?Diana Blankman Roberts, Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Sanofi US; President, Sanofi Cares N.A.? ?Josette Gbemudu, Executive Director, U.S. Health Equity, Merck? ?Nikhil Bumb, Managing Director, FSG ?Patricia Mae Doykos, PhD, Executive Director for Health Equity, Bristol Myers Squibb ?Reema Jweied-Guegel, Enterprise Strategic Partnerships Director, AARP Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eYhPuzSj

We have been thrilled to partner with St. David's Foundation on their 2024-2030 strategic plan, Pathways to Health Equity. As a rapidly growing organization, St. David’s Foundation engaged FSG to develop a strategic plan to better operate as a unified organization and harness foundation-wide resources to achieve greater impact in Central Texas. Their new strategy that unifies the organization towards a shared mission to advance health equity in Central Texas through investment and action. “We needed a strategic planning partner who would actively listen and guide us with deep knowledge of philanthropy and health equity,” said Dr. Edward Burger, President and CEO, St. David’s Foundation. “FSG’s skills as an intentional facilitator provided the ability for our team to have meaningful and vulnerable conversations about our biggest organizational challenges.” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eRdth4bf