Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE)

Last week was #CivicLearningWeek, and with all the chaos consuming Washington, it was refreshing to spend a few days in California meeting with PACE members and attending the Civic Learning Week National Forum. Speakers—from retired generals to foundation leaders, from educators to authors—made a spirited case that investing in civic education is vital to reducing toxic polarization, spurring constructive civic engagement, strengthening communities, and ultimately renewing democracy. Upon reflection, our CEO Shannon Green noted that she particularly enjoyed hearing from Governor Spencer Cox of Utah who is pushing to reintroduce civic education into the classroom and advocating for public service as a means to build empathy and bridge the often stark partisan divides in American society. At a time in which #highereducation is facing unprecedented attacks, Governor Cox quipped, "That's one of the mistakes we've made, is to allow politics in many of our classrooms...how do we get politics out and civics in?”Perhaps of greater value, this Forum allowed for space to think beyond the latest news cycle or executive action—a rarity these days. Several participants, especially young civic actors, reminded the audience that we need to be thinking—now—about what kinds of institutions we want to build from the demolition going on right now. How can civic education prepare citizens to be part of a democratic renaissance? As Daniel Stid wrote this week, "The?#civiceducation?field is brimming with promising new developments that can help reboot our constitutional democracy. More far-sighted philanthropy will be key to realizing their potential." Read his full piece here:?https://lnkd.in/emi-Cn4c We're spending a lot of time at PACE thinking about the role we can and should play in galvanizing donors across the civic and education philanthropy spaces to engage in civic education, including through the creation of a community of practice. ?? Interested in learning more or being a part of it? Leave a comment below or send us a message — we'd love to connect!

Last week was #CivicLearningWeek, and with all the chaos consuming Washington, it was refreshing to spend a few days in California meeting with PACE members and attending the Civic Learning Week National Forum. Speakers—from retired generals to foundation leaders, from educators to authors—made a spirited case that investing in civic education is vital to reducing toxic polarization, spurring constructive civic engagement, strengthening communities, and ultimately renewing democracy. Upon reflection, our CEO Shannon Green noted that she particularly enjoyed hearing from Governor Spencer Cox of Utah who is pushing to reintroduce civic education into the classroom and advocating for public service as a means to build empathy and bridge the often stark partisan divides in American society. At a time in which #highereducation is facing unprecedented attacks, Governor Cox quipped, "That's one of the mistakes we've made, is to allow politics in many of our classrooms...how do we get politics out and civics in?”Perhaps of greater value, this Forum allowed for space to think beyond the latest news cycle or executive action—a rarity these days. Several participants, especially young civic actors, reminded the audience that we need to be thinking—now—about what kinds of institutions we want to build from the demolition going on right now. How can civic education prepare citizens to be part of a democratic renaissance? As Daniel Stid wrote this week, "The?#civiceducation?field is brimming with promising new developments that can help reboot our constitutional democracy. More far-sighted philanthropy will be key to realizing their potential." Read his full piece here:?https://lnkd.in/emi-Cn4c We're spending a lot of time at PACE thinking about the role we can and should play in galvanizing donors across the civic and education philanthropy spaces to engage in civic education, including through the creation of a community of practice. ?? Interested in learning more or being a part of it? Leave a comment below or send us a message — we'd love to connect!

How are #nonprofit leaders feeling in this unsettling political climate? The Center for Effective Philanthropy released some daunting new data from the #nonprofit sector from in their new report “Challenging Times: How U.S. Nonprofit Leaders are Experiencing the Political Context.”? Here's a quick look at the findings: ?? 85% of nonprofit leaders cited ways in which the political climate is already negatively affecting their organization’s work ?? 94% believe it is very likely to negatively affect their work in the future What’s driving the concern? ??Leaders most frequently cite the outcome of the 2024 U.S. federal elections and the current administration’s changes in federal government funding as drivers of negative impact. ?? But funders can help…When asked what nonprofits need from #philanthropy in this current moment, leaders asked for: 1?? flexibility 2?? multi-year commitments and connections to other grantees 3?? reassurance that they can count on their funders when they need it most What does your organization need most from funders in this political moment? Read more in the report: https://lnkd.in/ggSACmF2

We're hiring! ?? PACE is seeking a Director of Member Engagement & Network Development to lead our efforts to strengthen relationships across the PACE network and within the democracy philanthropy ecosystem. This role is perfect for a relationship-builder who thrives on connecting people, ideas, and resources to drive meaningful impact. If you're passionate about philanthropy and civic engagement, we’d love to hear from you! Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eds9EhBa #Philanthropy #CivicEngagement #Hiring #DemocracyJob

We are proud to collaborate with the Council on Foundations and New Pluralists on the second of three publications exploring philanthropy's involvement in developing the "heartset, mindset, and skillset" to lead collaboratively across differences. "Coming Together, Not Apart," examines how funders are investing in efforts to navigate conflict and connect across differences. The report features five real-world initiatives and explores the challenges, opportunities, and impact of funding this essential work. In a time of toxic division, this work is more important than ever. Read more about how philanthropy can help build an inclusive democracy where everyone belongs and be sure to check out the spotlight on Buffalo's Resetting the Table initiative: https://lnkd.in/eb_V2XjY #Philanthropy #BridgingDivides #Collaboration

As America settles into a new era of political turmoil, marked by threats to our institutions and civil society, PACE members are reaffirming their commitment to their missions and to their grantees. Read a round-up of statements from PACE members including Freedom Together Foundation, McKnight Foundation, Meyer Memorial Trust, RWJF, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and William Penn Foundation on how they, as leaders in #philanthropy, are responding to this uncertain political moment: https://lnkd.in/etby8yWV

Our new CEO, Shannon Green, had the opportunity to attend the Knight Foundation's #KnightMediaForum last week and, even at a time when fear and isolation feel ever-present, she left the event with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of civic life. Here are our top 3 of moments of inspiration: ?? Former US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy spoke about the “triad of fulfillment”: relationships, service, and purpose. In these chaotic and alienating times, he made a compelling case that investing in building community and engaging in public service and civic life is the antidote to fear, isolation, and despair. ??? The next generation of civic leaders— Richard Young (CivicLex), Hayley Oleksiak (Open Space Sandbox), and Erica Banks (Majestic Tails)—taught us what it means to take action and refuse to wait for an invitation to lead. These leaders are identifying gaps, stepping up, and actively serving the needs of their communities in new and innovative ways. ?? Hollie Russon Gilman, Ph.D. at New America reinforced the promise of citizens’ assemblies—a powerful model for bringing people together to solve pressing challenges. These kinds of co-governance innovations can help rebuild trust between the government and the governed and strengthen community cohesion—more important than ever right now! As Shannon put it: "The energy, ideas, and leadership I saw at the Knight Media Forum remind me why this work matters. Civic life is evolving, and PACE is here to help shape what comes next." ?? Thank you Knight Foundation and Maribel Perez Wadsworth for hosting us! #KnightMediaForum #CivicEngagement #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #CoGovernance #Democracy

We're thrilled to see our work featured as a case study in the Council on Foundations new, hope-giving report, “Coming Together, Not Apart: Inside the Work of Turning Conflict into Collaboration,” produced in partnership with New Pluralists, TogetherUp Institute, and Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE). The report describes how – in the wake of violence and crisis – RTT supported faith and community leaders to work through a long history of political and racial tension and “see each other whole,” then join together to work toward a culture of safety, dignity, and concern for all. “Going toward differences rather than commonalities attracted both conservatives and progressives with strong convictions. We let people know they didn’t have to compromise their values to come into the room. …This is especially compelling to people who are passionate about issues and beginning with real distrust of each other.” ?Melissa Weintraub, Co-CEO, RTT. The full report details a handful of other inspiring projects from bridge-building leaders like StoryCorps and Trust for Public Land, detailing how the work of coming together across our differences is achieved. Check out the full report here: https://hubs.ly/Q0349tm50. Beyond grateful to New Pluralists for their support, and our many incredible partners in Buffalo like Pastor Dan Trippie, Ph.D., Kelly Marie Wofford, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, and Pastor ERIC FARLEY who continue to do the brave work of confronting differences and coming out the other side with deepened relationships and commitment to working together for a better future.

They say America is hopelessly divided. What if they’re wrong? Research from Kristen Soltis Anderson, More in Common, and Todd Rose points to common ground on controversial issues, the country’s priorities, and America’s values — areas where nonprofits and philanthropy can team up and work for change. This terrific video from The Chronicle of Philanthropy digs into the data: https://lnkd.in/ebpzXgv8

Over 127 million people watched #SuperBowlLIX this past weekend — representing a uniquely powerful platform to reach a captive and engaged audience. TheFulcrum.US’s David Nevins offers us a hopeful look at the messages of unity, resilience, and coming together that aired throughout the evening. “I watched the passion and positive impact music, the arts, and celebrities can inspire in this time of political, social media, and internet-driven divisiveness as the power of music and celebrity calls for unity and compassion in our nation.” Read the full piece: https://lnkd.in/eYb2W8GY