Center for Effective Philanthropy

At Equal Opportunity Schools, a surprise big gift from MacKenzie Scott meant the organization could build out its superpower: data. With hundreds of thousands of annual survey responses comprising its most valuable asset - student-level data - the organization was able to build a state-of-the-art system to pursue its mission: ensuring that every student has the opportunity to explore their potential through rigorous coursework. Click through to learn more about their story ?? ? For the full story - and seven other organizations' experiences receiving Scott gifts - read CEP's "Transformative Gifts," authored by Lowell Weiss. Find it here ?? #transformativegifts #transformation #storytelling #nonprofits #philanthropy #giving #biggifts

NEW on the CEP blog: As DEI initiatives face rollbacks and funding for marginalized communities dries up, Vanessa R. McDowell-Atlas calls on funders to shift from supporting "moments" to sustaining "movements." The sector needs committed "sacrificers," not just allies, she writes. Read her post ?? https://lnkd.in/ehDuAbqf #philanthropy #socialimpact #socialjustice #funding #funders #movements

The actions funders take - or don't take - in this moment speak volumes, and they're crucial for the continued strength of the social sector. We've written about funders needing to rethink assumptions, and find their voices, and act. More and more are, which provide inspiration and guides for all of us. My Center for Effective Philanthropy colleagues, Phil Buchanan, Molly Heidemann, and I tried to capture some of those here. If you're looking for a template of how to respond, these organizations and actions provide a good place to start.

"[W]e’re seeing a growing number of funders taking steps to confront the challenging realities." NEW on the CEP blog, Phil Buchanan, Molly Heidemann, and Kevin Bolduc take stock of funder actions in the wake of the new administration's broad attacks on civil society, sharing examples of how funders are stepping up payout levels, streamlining processes, and supporting their nonprofit partners right now. Read their post here ?? https://lnkd.in/ePECrdpu #funders #crisis #nonprofits #funding #philanthropy #support #listening #challengingtimes

In CEP's recent webinar, VP of Research Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. shares how flexible, unrestricted funding impacts a nonprofit leader's ability to plan and lead their organization, based on her own experience. ?? You can watch the full webinar, which includes both data from CEP's recent report, "Breaking the Mold," and insight from Smith Arrillaga and others, here ?? https://lnkd.in/eeyQc34U #giving #philanthropy #leaderhsip #leaders #nonprofits #funding #transformational #givingbig #biggifts

We're so excited for this upcoming TALK with Orr Group! Join us to hear from CEP's Elisha Smith Arrillaga, Ph.D. in conversation with Amanda Nelson on the transformational effects of MacKenzie Scott large, unrestricted gifts, the subject of CEP's recently-released report. Register ?? Read the report here ?? https://lnkd.in/ezNPmzcY

NEW on the CEP blog, Jehan V. of William and Flora Hewlett Foundation makes a case, grounded in historical precedent, that right now "is once again a chance for funders to choose to structure our funding in ways that nonprofits say work better for them. Above all, that means we should be providing more multiyear, flexible funding." Read her post ?? https://lnkd.in/e_TQrYXJ #blog #newblog #read #reading #philanthropy #funding #crisis #solutions #nonprofits #giving

"We need to start with an acknowledgment that we’re in a very different situation than many thought we would be in just a few months ago. Then — and only then — can we effectively plot the next steps." NEW on the CEP blog, Phil Buchanan parses the assumptions that some U.S. foundations and key philanthropic infrastructure organizations are working under in this "Trump 2.0" era - and why those assumptions need to be reexamined. Read it here ?? https://lnkd.in/eET8KtSr #blog #newblog #reading #nonprofits #philanthropy #socialimpact #socialsector?#funders #challengingtimes #politics #politicalclimate

For KABOOM!, a large, unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott came just in time, helping them navigate a historic moment of challenge - COVID-19. Under the leadership of CEO Lysa Ratliff, it led to lasting transformation for the organization and the communities they work with. Read more about their story ? For the full story - and seven other organizations' experiences receiving Scott gifts, read CEP's "Transformative Gifts," authored by Lowell Weiss. Find it here ?? https://lnkd.in/drVWsAHy #transformativegifts #transformation #storytelling #nonprofits #philanthropy #giving #biggifts

NEW on the CEP blog, Tamieka Atkins of ProGeorgia looks back on how funder support poised her organization for success in 2020, and what's needed from funders, particularly for Black women-led organizations, right now. Read it here ?? https://lnkd.in/eGS-SRwg #blog #newblog #read #reading #voters #leaders #leadership #blackleadership #philanthropy #funders #nonprofits #socialimpact #socialsector?