Blog

It’s easy to forget, in a sector where Gateses, Fords, Lillys and Hewletts dominate the discourse, that most institutional philanthropies are small, leanly staffed, little-known foundations. In any given year, roughly a quarter of all U.S.… Read More

In the aftermath of this year’s series of devastating earthquakes in Puerto Rico, local nonprofits across the island are providing crucial services to thousands of affected Puerto Ricans.  Current and former NCRP nonprofit members and coalition partners supporting recovery efforts include Taller Salud, The Center for Popular… Read More

I read with interest the recent NCRP blog post that summarized the “Let Communities Lead” session at last year’s great Upswell convening in Chicago. Because I led a session on rural funder practice at the meeting… Read More

Good things happen when funders shift power to communities. It’s “regenerative.” We “actually get outcomes that work” and “build a groundswell for change.” But it’s hard to “give up power and build trust,” to “learn about… Read More

At the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, we’re delighted to see that more funders are using participatory grantmaking to elevate the voices and leadership of the communities they partner with and serve. Participatory grantmaking helps shift the… Read More

As communities and grassroots organizations across the country continue to fight for equity and justice, many grantmakers and donors are looking for optimal ways to support them. “Now is not the time for business as usual.… Read More