Jos Duncan-Asé

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy talks about the need for a "whole-of-society approach" to advancing social connection. We've tried to heed that call in our work at Einhorn Collaborative, supporting a broader range of efforts that engage actors across sectors. That includes: Projects like Team Up to enlist large national civic organizations with a presence in local communities to help people build connection across difference through service. Research groups like Building H to measure the impact of products on consumers’ health and urge companies to do better to improve social connection and other health outcomes. Initiatives like Human Connections AI to bring together social connection experts with technologists to puzzle through how AI companions can be designed to enhance and not degrade human relationships. Another project that has helped us explore a facet of the whole-of-society approach is the Connective Tissue Framework, which puts forward a range of recommendations for how government – especially at the local level – can create the structural conditions and everyday opportunities for people to experience healthy connection. I've learned a lot from Sam Pressler, lead author of Connective Tissue. In this piece, I asked Sam to share more about the story behind the framework and a few highlights. https://lnkd.in/esayJU3b

94

14 Comments

The Far Side of Fundraising Tip of the Week Transactional fundraising leads to high rates of donor loss. Most organizations lose 4 out of 5 first-time donors. The more rapidly and impersonally we secure support, the more we sub-optimize giving potential and the more rapidly donors depart. High rates of donor attrition, coupled with the continue contraction of giving households, spell long-term disaster for most nonprofits. Don't follow the transactional lemmings as they plunged into the sea. Adopt sustainable practices. You may be in the minority but you will help your organization survive and eventually thrive. This one requires that you closely to see who stands out in adopting sustainable practices.

130

31 Comments

Social justice work is draining and exhausting… Economic Justice work adds additional layers of barriers and obstacles that make it imperative to be intentional about preserving the mental and physical health of our team. We work diligently throughout the year to increase opportunities for asset and wealth building, primarily for Black residents living and working within Allegheny County. Our team counsels hundreds of people a year, many who bring very complicated poverty trauma with them. This is not easy work. I believe that we have one of the best teams in the nonprofit sector because I am intentional about our office culture which includes technical support, professional development, selfcare practices and opportunities to rest for our team. I know it’s unconventional to close an office for the last two weeks of the year but it shouldn’t be. I’ve heard varying opinions and responses about our teams announcement of our end of year shutdown and I stand on our decision. Not only do I stand on it, it might be longer next year. What I do know is that I have a team fully committed to this work, loyal, dedicated and better at what they do because they aren’t burnt out. Our turnover rate is low, losing only three employees in 7 years. So although I know it makes those who have been working within this sometimes broken nonprofit system raise an eyebrow when we promote livable wages and intentional preservation of the HUMANS that are doing this incredibly important work, I would hope that you also see a need for a shift in this culture. Gone are the days of expecting nonprofit employees to do this work in a way that is detrimental to their wellbeing, expecting us to work for poverty wages and wondering why it’s hard to have longevity in this work. It’s time for a change… Oh yeah, the Catapult Greater Pittsburgh office is officially closed for the remainder of 2024; see you in 2025. #catapultgreaterpittsburgh #healthyworkplace #SeeYouIn2025

144

18 Comments

Check out these customizable templates from Realized Worth

9

1 Comment

New York’s nonprofit sector is thriving with billions in private grant funding available each year. But do you know how your organization stacks up in this dynamic funding landscape? Instrumentl has released an exclusive analysis of New York’s grant funding trends (2021–2023) featuring expert insights from our president, Diane H. Leonard, GPC, RST. Our key takeaways from the report? - Median grant sizes suggest most awards are modest — tailor your strategy accordingly. - Target funders with a history of awarding multiple grants to broaden your opportunities. - Rural areas must prioritize collaboration and capacity-building to bridge funding gaps. Read the Report - https://buff.ly/3Z0vvgU #GrantFunding #Nonprofits #NewYork #CapacityBuilding #FundingDeserts

4

Check out the latest episode of The Lily Pod! If you haven’t subscribed to our channels, what are you waiting for?? https://lnkd.in/eNmzd9Ss #catapultgreaterpittsburgh #TheLilyPod #podcast #community #Pittsburgh

7

Lots of newsrooms are turning to philanthropy -- and nonprofit status -- as a way of making their budgets more viable. How's that working out? I'm intrigued by this detailed look at the Baltimore Banner's strategy, with lots of timely, candid insights from CEO Bob Cohn. (Bob and I go way back.) Philanthropic support from Stewart Bainum played a big part in getting the Banner launched, but as Bob tells it, subscription revenue, advertising and events still are likely to make up the majority of the Banner's budget going forward. As Rasheeda Childress reports in The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the Banner also plans to build engaged communities with its smaller and mid-sized donors. One avenue: having donors host small neighborhood events where friends and acquaintances can mingle. Another twist: People who give more than $2,500 are part of the “founding members” group, and get special benefits, such as invitations to events or opportunities to hear about the paper’s work from staff. If you're in the news business -- or if you've considered supporting news organizations -- it would be great to get your thoughts in the comments section below.

11

1 Comment

📢Announcing our newest publication developed in partnership with Julia Coffman: Making Visible Philanthropy’s Hidden and Conflicting Mental Models for Systems Change. The Foundation Review 15th Anniversary Celebration issue includes this new piece where we identify two mental models for systems change that are frequently being used—together, separately, in conflict—in philanthropy: the systems dynamics mental model and the systems emergence mental model. We argue that different systemic problems and inequities require understanding the elements, implications, and applications of each model and that each one should be fit for purpose. I know, I know - it sounds too conceptual and abstract, but actually our focus is making the concepts practical and hands on including through three case studies and a tool to help make your thinking visible. #thefoundationreview #systemsthinking #mentalmodels https://lnkd.in/gtsV-wyP

29

2 Comments

This! Such crucial insight into how we can do better as we think about really embedding the values of inclusive and equal space, where diverse voices can be heard...Thank you Princess Bazley-Bethea for your insights.

3

3 Comments

SING IT! Trust-based philanthropy needs grantee- and community-led measurement: "Too many foundations misinterpret trust-based philanthropy as a reason not to collect performance outcomes from grantees. That’s a missed opportunity. Collaborating on questions of measurement with grantees helps build trust. It shows that foundations are willing to learn from grantees and that we’re invested — more than just financially — in their work. If performance measurement is done well, it should demonstrate that foundations aren’t in the business of breathing over a grantee’s shoulder but that we are passionate about nonprofits that set our standards for what high achievement looks like." https://lnkd.in/eufiP3u5

19

4 Comments

Trust between your nonprofit, the public, and key stakeholders is critical for success. One of the fastest ways to dismantle that trust is by miscommunicating the science that backs your mission or programs. Avoid a PR disaster by mastering the art of science communication! The @coursera "Science Communication" course will teach you the best practices, pros and cons, and approaches to science communication. It will also empower you with the skills to evaluate and combat misinformation. Get started now: https://bit.ly/3WckZU6

Applications are now open for the Vermont Children's Trust Foundation grants program. The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation Grants are for primary prevention programs serving children ages 0-18. These programs strive to reduce the likelihood of juvenile delinquency, truancy, substance abuse, child abuse and other socially destructive behaviors before intervention by authorities, through strength-based activities in a community-based setting.  These programs: *Affirm and promote positive family functioning *Work to positively impact societal forces that affect parents, children and youth *Strive for coordinated and effective youth services, including service to at-risk youth *Promote racial equity and reduction of race disparities. VCTF funding will support proposals that address one of the following State Outcomes: *Vermont’s families are safe, nurturing, stable, and supported. *Vermont’s children and young people achieve their potential. https://lnkd.in/ghhhATc5 The Vermont Children's Trust Foundation also offers quarterly equipment grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations serving Vermont's children. https://lnkd.in/gKEawzNn 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 Want to boost your grant success rate? With the Grant Muse, I offer grant strategy, grant writing, and grant research to help your nonprofit bridge the gap between your mission and the funding needed to achieve it. Let me help you with funding matches that are perfect for your nonprofit’s goals, carefully researched grant opportunities tailored to your mission, and a detailed funding calendar and strategy. You'll get: ✨Hours of research time, saved ✨Costly grant application mistakes, avoided ✨ Confidence that you’re approaching your grantseeking journey in the most effective and efficient way. Get in touch and book a discovery call today! https://lnkd.in/gvbEEDBx

1

1 Comment

There is much to take from this concise and rich piece from Deepak Bhargava. Not surprisingly, this little section stood out to me: "Rational, fact-based arguments aren’t moving politicians or the public. A vast policy and research infrastructure operates on the premise that decision makers use evidence to shape agendas and laws. While some policymakers remain part of the “reality-based community,” their numbers are shrinking. Similarly, rational arguments aren’t gaining purchase with our fellow citizens. The assumption that people weigh evidence about whose policies will most benefit them, for example, is not supported by, well, the evidence." It seemed, prior to the Trump presidency, progressives were finally coming around on this point, with more attention to insights from applied psychology and other disciplines that taught us emotions are the drivers of actions and stories shape emotions - fact-based or not. With the Trump presidency, it seemed we backslid into a fever-pitch defense of facts, attributable to the reality-bending that is a day in the life of Trump. We fell for the trap of fact, where the opposition had no interest in the concept but merely used the frame to shape reality. We brought a knife to a gunfight. Facts are essential, and we should hold truth as a core value and deploy strategies and tactics that win hearts and minds.

17

Public consultations are the cornerstone of community engagement, yet too often they fall short of their intended purpose. Part two of out consultation series is live! Susan O. delves deep into the common pitfalls and challenges that plague traditional consultation methods. 🔄 Repetition of Voices: One of the most glaring issues is the repetition of the same voices in public consultations. This not only limits the diversity of perspectives but also perpetuates existing power dynamics within communities. 🚧 Barriers to Participation: Accessibility barriers, such as language, timing, and format, pose significant challenges for many community members. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensuring equitable participation for all. 💡 Rethinking Engagement Strategies: Traditional consultation methods often fail to adapt to the evolving needs of communities. By embracing innovative engagement strategies and prioritizing inclusivity, we can create more meaningful and impactful consultation processes. At QuakeLab, we're obsessed with getting messy with big problems, and sometimes, the thing we've been doing the same way for a long time, is a big problem looking us dead in the eye. Read the full blog post https://lnkd.in/gDM-kx-e 🌐 #EquityAsATechnicalSkill #CommunityEngagement #PublicConsultation #MunicipalConsultation #Equity

11

1 Comment

Accessibility isn’t just a necessity—it’s a right. Baltimore is taking a monumental step toward inclusivity by investing $44 million in accessible sidewalks and curbs, following a lawsuit from wheelchair users and disability advocates. This initiative will bring essential improvements to infrastructure that has long needed attention, including damaged and narrow sidewalks and noncompliant curb ramps. For too long, these obstacles have forced people with mobility disabilities to choose between safety and independence. Accessible infrastructure opens doors—to opportunity, connection, and the full participation of every community member. #MarylandInfrastructure #InclusiveCommunity #Accessibility #Maryland

7

Sharing this important article from Bernardo Heisler Motta!

2

1 Comment

Love this book from Marissa Grass on #civicengagement - a topic we could use a lot more conversation and resources around! Share this book with a kiddo in your life, let's help them build the future they want.

12

Legislation passed must be policy enacted! At #JusticeNecessary we have resources for schools to ensure you have #periodproducts in your schools Visit us at https://lnkd.in/ejbnSdjp to learn more

12