4 Strategies On Key Nonprofit Issues

From senior editor Drew Lindsay: As the election nears, it increasingly fills space — in the media, in our conversations, in our psyche. It’s like a semitruck in the rear-view mirror that looms larger and larger until it’s all you see.?

The Commons this week features two essays that put this moment in a broader — and more hopeful — perspective.

The first bright light: A survey commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation shows that Americans are more united than we think — particularly on key issues for nonprofits. Stephanie Cornell , the foundation’s executive director, offers four strategies for grant makers and nonprofits to build unity on this common ground, offering examples from Walton’s work on such issues as clean water and career training for young people.

“We can’t predict exactly what lies ahead for our nation," Cornell writes. "But I know this: Now is the time for philanthropy and nonprofits to lead.”

Read about the survey and the foundation’s strategies in her essay.

When the ‘Other Side’ Wins

In our second essay, Evan Feinberg of Stand Together warns that while the outcome of the election feels existential, Americans won’t see the change they yearn for regardless of who wins. With national politics paralyzed by? toxic polarization, he says, funders have an opportunity to bring about change locally by investing in efforts to recruit and connect people who want to do good. Writes Feinberg:

“Our collective solutions quickly add up to something far bigger, better, and more resilient than today’s high-stakes politics.”

Read Feinberg’s essay and his recommendations for programs that connect volunteers, donors, and others worried about issues like child poverty and homelessness.

What Words Will Matter After the Election

Amy McIsaac has led a five-year project to study how some of the most common words in nonprofit communications land with the public. A key finding to consider in what will likely be tense moments next week: Seemingly wholesome and positive words that philanthropy and nonprofits use can stoke division.

Amy — managing director of learning and experimentation with Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) — joined The Commons in Conversation to discuss her findings and offer advice to nonprofits about how to get their message across and bring people together after the election.?

You can watch our discussion on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s YouTube channel or on LinkedIn with free registration. And here's an interview transcript .

The Future of Efforts to Strengthen Democracy

Democracy Fund president Joe Goldman joins Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer on Wednesday, November 13, at 12:30 p.m. ET to discuss his work with dozens of funders to ensure nonprofits on the front lines — including advocacy organizations and journalism outlets — have the resources they need to meet the challenges ahead. And they’ll explore what issues must rise to the fore now that ballots have been cast.??

?? Join the conversation! The event is free on LinkedIn. ?? Registration is required .

Advice From The Commons

Here are some stories from The Commons that may help you navigate what seem like inevitable tensions in the coming days.?

• What to Say on November 6 and How to Say It
• Can Your Group Stay Neutral on Controversial Topics? 5 Things to Know
• Advice to Keep Tough Conversations Civil

Of the Moment

• Most Americans feel little sense of belonging. That means they join in community events and activities less frequently and feel less generous, according to a new report from GivingTuesday . The report introduces a? “civic intent” index that includes an individual’s attitudes toward helping others and their expressions of generosity.
• Progressive nonprofits working on issues at play in this election — including immigrant rights, abortion rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion — are facing funding cuts or threats to their reputation, offices, or personnel, according to a new report from the Building Movement Project . In response, some groups are changing their program language, including shifting away from race-explicit terms. ( Ben Gose wrote about nonprofits leaders hit by polarization for The Commons.)
• Former Wired editor Gideon Lichfield predicts in his Substack Futurepolis that victory by former President Donald Trump would give new energy to citizen assemblies and other experiments in civic participation outside of elections. “There’s already a vibrant ecosystem of local democracy efforts and it will have incentives to grow under a Trump presidency.” ( George Anders wrote about a citizen assembly in Bend, Ore., for The Commons.)