RDLF News: Issue 12

Leaders of Color Collective

On February 29th, over 40 nonprofit leaders of color convened at Chicago Art Department in Pilsen for a kick-off celebration to share space, build community, and discuss what the future of the nonprofit world could look like. The Leaders of Color Collective is an initiative to provide executives and senior staff of color with a community, support, and access to resources in order to maximize personal potential and actualize their organizations’ missions.

Leaders spoke about how philanthropic funding practices take away from the actual work, and how organizations are often forced to act with a “scarcity mindset”. They agreed that they don’t want to maintain the status quo, and that perhaps change could be possible when organizations act together. What it would mean to act together, and with what goals, is something that they hope to explore in future events.

Attendees have also shared that they don’t want this to be the only event. There were ideas circulating about meeting quarterly, doing round table and panel discussions, and creating shared resources. There have been enough convenings that felt like empty talk—the hope is that this initiative can bring a shared and continuing vision to fruition.?

While supported by the RDLF, the Leaders of Color Collective is not restricted to current grantees and partners. It is open to all nonprofit leaders of color in the Chicago area. If you’re interested in learning more or participating in future events, please reach out to jessica(at)logafdn(dot)org.

Read the complete article here.

Our Partners in the News

• The Chicago Reader speaks with the leaders of Free Street Theater about outgrowing their old home and looking forward to their new space. In addition to using the space for rehearsals and performances, Free Street plans to share the space with community partners and environmental organizations.
• Onward House provides feedback on the migrant crisis in WBEZ and WTTW Latino Voices, saying that ?by closing the doors on local organizations that want to help, the city is missing an opportunity to empower people and have a more welcoming environment across shelters.
• LaTanya Jackson Wilson, vice president of advocacy at the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, discusses the possible repercussions of eliminating the state grocery tax on?WTTW News.

Upcoming Opportunities

40th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival

The Chicago Latino Film Festival, produced by the International Latino Cultural Center, offers Chicago film lovers from all walks of life the opportunity to view films that might otherwise be inaccessible because they have yet to secure a distributor or streaming deal. Its programming reflects recent trends in Iberoamerican cinema, from films that have become a sensation in the international festival circuit or were box-office hits in their country of origin or have yet to be released theatrically.?

This year, from April 11th to 22nd, 50 features and 35 shorts will screen at three locations: Landmark Century Center, Davis Theater, and Instituto Cervantes. Read more about the films and how to buy tickets here.

There is also a volunteer opportunity for people who want to get involved, meet new people, and discover the latest in Latino cinema. The next volunteer meeting is on March 25th at 6pm. Sign up here.

Embarc's Variety Spectacular

Embarc is hosting their 14th Annual Variety Spectacular on May 16th. This year, the event will be a celebration of community. Business leaders, philanthropists, city officials, arts enthusiasts, educators, and thought leaders are all welcome. Guests can expect unique experiences with local businesses (last year included tarot readers, custom merch stations, origami, and more), live music and dancing, delicious food from Boka, and opportunities to connect with others working to support communities across Chicago. Here is a video of last year's celebration.

Every sip, laugh, and bid contribute to helping young people learn through experiences across the city. Early bird tickets are available now.?Register here.

Funding Opportunities

• The Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Center for Business Journalism provides experienced journalists with grants up to $15,000 and the editorial support needed to produce deeply reported enterprise and investigative stories that delve into critical economic, financial or business issues across a wide array of subjects. The deadline to apply for Spring 2024 Fellowships is March 31, 2024.?
• The Build, Amplify, Support, Empower (BASE) Prevention Program is funding programs to establish or expand substance use prevention programming geared toward youth and emerging adults throughout Illinois.?Non-profit, for-profit, and tax-exempt organizations throughout Illinois, particularly in areas disproportionately affected by the opioid crisis Illinois, are encouraged to apply. Applications are due April 24, 2024 at 3pm.
• The Performing Arts Technologies Lab is both a grant and a support system designed to expand access to and nurture new methods for creating, sharing and experiencing the performing arts. The Doris Duke Foundation is looking for innovative ideas in jazz, contemporary dance and theater that make use of new digital tools and production methods. The application deadline is May 6, 2024.

Webinars

AUYO: AMPT Up Your Government Funding Readiness - March 26, 10am

• In this, free online workshop by AMPT Chicago, Dana Britto will go over assessing the most common risks and costs tied to government funding relative to other revenue sources, and building ongoing practices and frameworks for monitoring and maximizing government funding.

How to Create a Community-Centered Fundraising Model in a Digital World - March 26, 1pm

• In this webinar by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, you’ll explore how the donor vortex has paved the way for the re-emergence of community-led, community-driven fundraising.?

The Art of Employee Wellness: Enriching Belonging for Managers and Employees - April 17, 12pm

• Join 2nd Story for their first Lunch & Learn Series to hear about concrete ways you can help create a sense of belonging in your workplace + insights on how to use stories to do it.

Job Openings

• Communities in Schools of Chicago:?Fundamental Needs Partnership Specialist
• Sahan Journal:?Executive Director
• CommunityHealth: Development Associate
• Investigative Project on Race and Equity:?Training Coordinator

What We're Reading

In New Zealand, Ikea hogs land, jeopardizing native ecosystems

• Disclose : "Since 2021, the Swedish multinational has bought more than 23,000 hectares of land in New Zealand to plant pine trees. It aims to increase its furniture production while pledging to offset its CO2 emissions. But Maori communities Disclose has spoken to say this is greenwashing."

How community questions shaped El Tímpano’s Guía de Recursos

• El Tímpano : "We’re thrilled to launch El Tímpano’s Guía de Recursos — a resource guide shaped by thousands of community questions and our team’s five years of experience answering them."

Breaking Camp: Lawmakers Take Aim at Homeless Encampments on State Land

• Oklahoma Watch : “Bills intended to keep people like Valerie, who are experiencing homelessness, from sleeping on state-owned lands, are making their way through the 2024 Oklahoma Legislative Session.”

How Developing Nations Battered by Climate Change Are Crushed by Debt From International Lenders

• Inside Climate News : "A new UN report describes the interplay between natural disasters made worse by climate change, compounding debt and the resulting inability to fund social welfare programs."

Election Manipulation and Armed Conflict in 2023 Lead to Decline in ‘Global Freedom’— Freedom House

• Global Investigative Journalism Network : "Its key finding is that in 2023, global freedom declined for the 18th consecutive year. Election manipulation, warfare, and attacks on pluralism were the key drivers of this result.?"

We'd like to hear from you!

Thanks for reading! We have an open call for content from our partners to highlight the brilliant work they're doing in the community. If you are a current grantee or partner with The Reva and David Logan Foundation and you would like to contribute to our next newsletter, please reach out to Sabrina Boggs, Communications Coordinator at sabrina(at)loganfdn(dot)org. Please note that we will not share fundraising campaigns.

In addition, we are frequently reposting our grantees on our social media, so make sure to follow us and tag us in your posts! Links to our socials are below.

See you next time!

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