Reflections on Judging Impact: From Yield Giving to Elevate Prize to Pivotal?
In 2023, I had the honor of serving on the evaluation panel for Yield Giving, part of MacKenzie Scott's philanthropic efforts. This experience transformed my understanding of how large-scale giving can truly drive community impact. Through this process, I became deeply connected with the Mirror Tool created by Chicago Beyond, which emphasizes self-reflection in philanthropy. The tool urges funders to question, as it says, “We must ask ourselves not only who we are serving but also how we are showing up in these relationships.” This powerful reflection challenged my approach, pushing me to evaluate not just the impact of the funds but the relationships we build in the process.
These insights directly shaped my judging role with the Elevate Prize Foundation in 2024, where the emphasis on “making good famous” aligned perfectly with my belief in scaling deep rather than wide. As a judge, I focused on evaluating leaders who were not just solving problems but reshaping systems, particularly in how they engaged communities and embraced innovation. It became clear that true impact comes not just from programs but from authentic, sustained relationships.
Glen Galaich’s work in The Philanthropic Paradox resonates deeply with me, particularly his statement, “Philanthropy’s greatest opportunity lies in letting go of permanence and instead embracing the humanity of the moment.” His perspective reminds me of the need to prioritize the urgent, community-driven efforts over maintaining the status quo in philanthropic institutions.
I am incredibly grateful for the leadership of those I have worked with through these transformative opportunities—Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change; Muhsin Hassan, Senior Awards Director at Lever for Change; Liz Dozier, Founder of Chicago Beyond; Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of The Elevate Prize Foundation; and Glen Galaich, CEO of the Stupski Foundation. Their commitment to fostering change has inspired me and will continue to influence how I approach leadership and impact in the years ahead.
I help systems change funders and grantmakers achieve sustainable Impact #Africa II BMW Responsible Leader II Gender Lens Investing, Economic Justice, Social Entrepreneurship, Ecosystem Building, Philanthropy
2 周Great to see these institutions being intentional about adding diverse voices to decision making, advisory and evaluation roles. Weaving deep relationships and solutions based on a focus on systems and root-cause, interdisciplinary and intersectional approaches to working collaboratively - these are the practices we need to drive systemic change. Thanks for this piece. Nasra Ismail
Culture is power. It’s everywhere, from the media we consume to the clothes we wear. It has the power to inspire others and make world-changing impact. So why aren’t more changemakers at its center?
3 周Well said- I love the distillation of impact as relational and impermanent. We worry far too much about the future in my opinion at the great expense of the now. Thank you for being part of the Elevate family and helping us continuously evaluate our own evolving positionality.
Peabody & Emmy Award-Winning Media Leader | Digital & Broadcast Content Innovator | Impact Storytelling & Philanthropy Specialist.
4 周Nasra Ismail, thank you for this insight! It has always resonated with me how effective philanthropy is best served viewed as a relationship, an exchange in humanity for social change, rather than a one-way hand out predicated on one party controlling, judging or mistrusting the other. There are incredible, real people and organizations creating real solutions to our very real communal problems, who, when supported appropriately and wholly, shine and help us all. Accountability is obviously important but so is trust in a two-way relationship. This philosophy of philanthropy is actively practiced by The Elevate Prize Foundation, Lever for Change and Pivotal Ventures and I've been happy and proud to witness this shift over the years in my commitment to providing real support for changemakers as well as increased visibility in my role as Senior Producer for the global campaign CNN Heroes. Having had the privilege to meet and work with leaders in this growing space, I am deeply encouraged for the future of philanthropy.
Chief Program Officer at The Elevate Prize Foundation
1 个月Love this quote Nasra, “Philanthropy’s greatest opportunity lies in letting go of permanence and instead embracing the humanity of the moment.” So grateful to have you and all of your brilliance supporting our efforts!
Philanthropy | Strategy | International Development
1 个月Thank you for sharing your insightful reflections on the various judging processes you've supported. It's been a pleasure working with you and a privilege to have your expertise on our evaluation panels at Lever for Change