The narrative about philanthropy being about charity needs to change. People need to become aware that we are investing in our own futures and in our own collective prosperity.
Essay Archives
There has never been a more powerful moment to reimagine our entire industry. First, we need to face the facts.
What will shake enough people from the dream that any of this is working for anyone, so that we gain the momentum to build the frameworks that can take us into a different future?
Finding our way together: Joining the CCF Movement through the roles of the Social Change Ecosystem
But what if those of us in the CCF movement identified and owned our roles on the Social Change Ecosystem Map? What if we worked together — wherever we are with whatever resources we have to give — and trusted others in our movement community to take up space? The possibilities of change make me feel absolutely euphoric.
It’s time allies step up by stepping back
…in this moment, the student suddenly felt, with no reservation, empowered to teach on a subject – a subject he himself has said that he is still learning. This is white privilege in its truest form.
Where do we go from here? Introducing the Social Change Ecosystem as a framework for Community-Centric Fundraising
If we know that we cannot — and should not — be everything to everyone, how will we get our communities what they need while preserving our energy for the long fight ahead? Now is the time to radically reimagine what could be when we embrace our role in the Social Change Ecosystem.
The catalyzing synergy of anger and hope
…what’s gotten me out of bed and into a posture of action is when I can both acknowledge and grieve for what’s at stake, and hold tight to what’s possible. In these types of conditions, to hope is to resist.
If we have to work to support our families, work should support our families: a call for Paid Family Leave across the sector
…as of March 2023, only 27% of civilian workers had access to paid family leave through their employer. Among the lowest-paid people, that number shrinks to just 6%. Cue the mom rage.
How are we living our CCF value of courage in this moment?
I ask all of us to reflect on that value of courage and consider: How are we living up to our value of courage in this space, context, and moment? And how are we falling short of living up to our value of courage in this space, context, and moment?
Keep your “love is love” and other platitudes: 5 things individuals, organizations, and foundations can do this Pride month
This year, I don’t want to see a single “ally” say “love is love,” or “love wins,” or “all you need is love,” or any other trite, pointless, platitude. (I never want to see these, but especially not this year.)
The exhausting art of making others comfortable
When we lean into discomfort with open hearts and curious minds, we become more capable of seeing the full humanity in others—and in doing so, we become better advocates, better allies, and better people.
The purge and the purpose: Saying goodbye to those abandoning justice in nonprofit work
Regarding the folks softening their language, prioritizing their comfort, and claiming a sudden reduction in risk capacity—let them go. One of the more nefarious dangers to justice movements is precisely the white moderate. And this sector has a tendency to reward and celebrate them.
World-building at world’s end: Our responsibility at the precipice of catastrophe
Here we are fragile, but not yet broken. Here we are rallying in defiance. Here we are with our ancestor’s breath fresh in our lungs. We are at this moment together. We are facing this moment with eyes wide open. It is now that we summon the screams in our chest. It is now that those sounds must create anew.