Michelle Nunn

Managing a program includes managing internal and external evaluations—writing the RFP, hiring the team, collaboratively designing the evaluation & using the data. If you’re a program manager & looking for guidance on this process check out the Program Manager’s Guide to Evaluation. #nonprofit #evaluation #capacitybuilding #programmanager

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Calling all nonprofit professionals, community service leaders, and development practitioners in resilience, violence prevention, and peacebuilding! Our 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 on the 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 is just around the corner!

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We were so excited to see these two key papers come out from USAID last week - on #CostEffectiveness overall and #DirectMonetaryTransfers aka #Cash. Worth listening to Isobel Coleman's speech which is linked below. I really think USAID are taking a brave step here. With global #humanitarian needs growing, #development gains at risk from #climate and #conflict - and aid budgets under pressure - a focus on the most effective, evidence-based types of programming is absolutely the right thing to do. Plus of course, direct #cash also shifts #power, and gives people #choice and #dignity.

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How can foundations and grantmakers be more intentional about sharing power with communities directly affected by systemic racism and health inequity? A new @RWJF case study provides a behind-the-scenes look at our $5 million participatory grantmaking initiative, Building Local Alignment. Review how we worked to cede decision making control to outside experts and what lessons have emerged for our foundation and other funders as we seek to advance equity. Check it out today! #CommunityPower #EquityInAction #ParticipatoryGrantmaking https://bit.ly/3YdySRr

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I am still reading the Heritage Foundation's "Mandate for Leadership," which provides guidance to the Trump transition team should Dear Leader win in November. A copy of the strategy can be found at https://lnkd.in/eUdAZ8-b. The USAID section of the transition strategy is covered on pages 253 - 279. The primary focus is on addressing progressive policies in our foreign assistance program regarding climate change, Diversity, Equality, Inclusion (DEI), gender, and international religious freedom. Streamlining procurement and localizing the partner base are key components of the strategy. The way forward is highlighted on page 262: "In December 2018, USAID launched its first Acquisition and Assistance Strategy to streamline procurement processes; introduce innovation into its programming; and diversify its partner base away from large, expensive, and partisan implementers. The strategy counted on local NGOs, including faith-based entities already on the ground, to provide the agency with less costly and more effective alternatives to the aid giants. The strategy also prioritized global partnerships with the private sector—corporations, investors, diasporas, and private philanthropies—the source of real capital investment, innovation, and efficiencies that can maximize the impact of taxpayer dollars. Under the Biden Administration, despite rhetoric to the contrary, the aid industrial complex has recaptured the agency and stifled further reforms." That last sentence captured my attention. I didn't realize how much progress the Trump administration had made to move USAID away from the "aid industrial base." Of course, I didn't realize the change because there hasn't been one. The annual top-ten list of contractors receiving the bulk of USAID contract funding is largely the same. Please take a look at the list below with sources for the information listed for each year. Much like in the movie Casablanca, we have the usual suspects. Devex does the heavy lifting on these annual "Top Ten" contractor reports. Miguel Antonio Tamonan at Devex, @migueldevex, deserves a ton of credit for his work on them. The next step would be to analyze the funding over time to see the differences. I did look at the reporting for 2023; $6.8 billion in acquisition resources went to contractors, with $6.5 billion to U.S.-based companies; of this total, fifty percent went to the top ten contractors. As far as I can tell, not much has changed between administrations. I didn't analyze progress under the current localization strategy, but you can get an idea of it on the USAID OAA website, which lists annual progress reports for the last nine years. See https://lnkd.in/ewuFWPZJ.

🏗️Sustainable Development Spotlight! Last week, I kicked off a six-week series spotlighting practitioners and community leaders working in equitable and sustainable development. These testimonials, gathered by the International Society for Urban Health (ISUH) team, feature inspiring stories from around the globe of changemakers working to build healthy spaces, improve infrastructure, and drive health equity. Check out our latest spotlight–it might even spark an idea for your community! Vibrant public spaces are essential for ensuring the social, physical, and economic wellbeing of residents. When designed as attractive, welcoming gathering places for people of all ages, these spaces can foster social interactions, support the local economy, improve resident health, and more. Drawing on examples from Bogotá, Colombia, Gil (Guillermo) Penalosa Penalosa of 8 80 Cities shares about the power of building equitable and inclusive spaces, like parks and public facilities, and how these spaces can transform urban areas. Learn more about equitable city planning and explore other stories on community-led health equity initiatives: https://lnkd.in/eZsuT9bf

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It's time to shift our perspectives for transformative impact. 💥 The Black Funding Principles call on donors to adopt a social justice lens in funding decisions. Partnering with a philanthropic advisor can help to leverage this principle to tackle the root causes of inequity and drive long-lasting change. 💡 🌀 Embracing this principle means looking beyond surface-level solutions. It’s about understanding and addressing the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality. By funding with a social justice lens, we pave the way for comprehensive, transformative change that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Adopting a social justice lens is pivotal in reshaping the narrative and impact of our funding. Committing to this principle is recognizing that a socially just approach is key to breaking the cycles of inequity. 🖤 #BlackPhilanthropy #fundingprinciples

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“Our approach to grants management is simple: every dollar has a purpose, and that purpose is to change lives. By managing resources effectively, we help ensure that the future is bright for the communities we serve.” #GrantsManagement #PurposeDriven #FederalFunding #CommunityImpact #OnPointStrategy

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Timely, important and actionable

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[NEW PODCAST] Trends in direct #fundraising: keeping it real with Erica Waasdorp Erica is President of A Direct Solution and a guru on direct fundraising and especially monthly giving for nonprofits and NGOs. I am on a journey to deepen my understanding of resource mobilization and fundraising - including public fundraising. Erica was the logical person to ask. ﹖How do I know whether my organization has a culture of philanthropy? What do I *see*, when such a culture is in place? (I've seen it lacking in some cases, which makes you wonder where those staff think their salary comes from) A pretty critical question for many social sector orgs that depend significantly on public engagement and fundraising from the broader public.   In this #NGOSoulAndStrategy podcast episode, the arc of my interview with Erica goes something like this: 🎤 How has the field of direct giving by small donors, and monthly giving as a donor practice in particular changed in the last 10-20 years? 🎤 There is much discussion about the need for a shift towards ethical storytelling, with local program participants in the driver's seat, and a focus on local persons' agency. The raison d'etre for this is clear. However, to what extent can we align this with what motivates small donors (at least in traditional fundraising 'markets') to give? And what about fundraising in new middle/high-income countries where public fundraising is growing? 🎤 Is child sponsorship on life support as a fundraising strategy - or not quite? 🎤 At a more practical level, what hurdles do nonprofits need to overcome in persuading donors to shift their practice to monthly giving? Erica, who also happens to be a 'Dutchie' (like myself) and who has lived in the United States for decades (like myself), is keeping it real in our interview! Listen in! Podcast Audio: https://lnkd.in/ebjV2ea3 Podcast Video: https://lnkd.in/esranCYQ   What does your experience with resource mobilization, especially direct public giving, tell you? PS: Misty McLaughlin, another specialist-extraordinaire on resource mobilization, Kim Goldsmith-N'Diaye and I will host two mini-masterclasses as well as two conference sessions on the role of team structures and team operating models in effective nonprofit/NGO fundraising performance at #IFC2024 (International Fundraising Congress, organized by the The Resource Alliance) in October of this year. DM us if you plan to attend and want to learn more about our sessions. #nonprofits #podcast #NGOPodcast #NGOInsights #PodcastInterview #NGOCulture #NonprofitManagement #PodcastDiscussion #NGOStrategies #5OaksConsulting #PodcastEpisode #resourcemobilization #nonprofit #fundraising

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The final Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP Global) Fundraising Effectiveness Project report on #donoractivity for 2023 was released April 7. There is a lot of data to interpret. 📈 📉 📊 💻 Please join us on Thursday April 25 for a conversation with Ben Miller, Chair of FEP, to do a deep dive on the data and discuss ways in which we can improve our proficiency and efficacy. While overall numbers are down, we are optimists, and appreciate the fact that there is an area of brightness and hope in last year's #nonprofitsector : an increase in new #donoracquisition – the first time since 2020! – our challenge for 2024 is to retain those donors! This presents an opportunity to revisit how we thank and engage the donors who improve the quality of the world in which we live. Register via 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eeSmPPS5 Access complete report via 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_SnRgR4 Visionary Philanthropic Consulting, LLC Tim Smith Michael Shippam David Krause Melanie R. Sabelhaus Jason Blumenthal Jelena Spasic Ava Willis-Barksdale Linda C. Coughlin Jon Kevin Gossett, ACFRE #fundraising #philanthropy #industrytrends #dataanalytics

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Excited to share this new blog, which is really a conversation with my friend and colleague Robyn Sneeringer about partnerships, change, and locally led development. All topics that we discuss and debate regularly! EngenderHealth, with the support of Humentum, Charlie Benjamin and Annah Matsika, are moving from words to action on how they partner. During the process, I appreciated watching the teams honestly, vulnerability, internal collaboration, and willingness to grapple with complexity. And I am especially interested in following along as EngenderHealth explores how to operationalize this new partnership framework, finding the balance between standardization and contextualization.

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The local government autonomy is not just a win for fiscal governance and accountability, it is a key to address challenges and needs of grassroots communities by ensuring effective governance at the local level. As someone who traveled across the country most underserved marginalized communities, this new development will significantly help to bridge the inequality gap and improve livelihoods of rural citizens. Through our CAL Project, YAPD4Africa continues to ensure that communities must take ownership of their responsibilities and active participation in decision-making processes. Moreover, we focus on community-based holistic intervention to empower and educate citizens in local communities because majority of our people lack the civic knowledge and access to information about governance processes. Going forward, it is crucial for all of us to shift our commitment towards the activities taking place at the local government level. We must make the local governments work to address challenges and improve lives of our people, which can also help to strengthen our democratic processes for all. ______________ My name is Bili, I am an Active Citizen with a biggest vision to create a world where everyone has the power to shape their lives and communities. #YAPD4Africa #CommunityFirst #CALProjectIntl

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“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” These powerful words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us that while progress towards inclusion, equity, and justice may take time, it is possible—if we take action. I'm truly honored to stand alongside modern-day civil rights champions like Janet Murguía of UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS), MARC MORIAL of the National Urban League, and Thomas A. Saenz of MALDEF - Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, as we discussed what’s at stake in the upcoming presidential election. Our conversation highlighted the crucial role of coalitions and the importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in shaping a fairer future for all. But progress doesn’t happen by itself—we must act now to shape the future we want to see. Here's where we start: 1️⃣ Educate yourself and your community about key issues 2️⃣ Engage with leaders and organizations working on the front lines of change—collaboration is key to building lasting impact 3️⃣ Vote—because every election matters in bending that arc toward justice What steps are you taking to push for progress? Share your thoughts below and let’s keep the momentum going! #DEI #CivilRights #Election2024 #StandForJustice #InclusionMatters #JuntosAvanzamos

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Nonprofits, going to work on a data collection project soon? Then here are some of the most common barriers to inclusive data collection (and how to overcome them). The key to overcoming these barriers comes down to intentionality. By centering your approach on inclusivity and equity, you will not only collect better data—you'll also build deeper trust with your community. #nonprofits #fundraising

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Re-introducing Haven Initiative. Haven Initiative for Women and Children Development and Safety is a registered not-for-profit, humanitarian, and development organization. Our Vision: A society where protection, empowerment, and opportunities are equal for all. Our Mission: Building individuals who champion safety, empowerment, and development for women and children. Thematic Areas: 👉Education for Indigent Children: Enhancing access to quality education. 👉Promotion and Protection of Human Rights: Advocating for justice and equality. 👉Women and Children Safeguarding: Preventing violence, exploitation, abuse, and neglect. 👉Youth Development/Capacity Building: Empowering youth for positive change. 👉Community Engagement and Inclusion: Fostering social cohesion and participation. 👉Policy Advocacy and Development: Influencing policies for transformative impact. #EducationForAll #HumanRights #Safeguarding #YouthEmpowerment #CommunityFirst #PolicyAdvocacy #HumanitarianAid #FreeMedicalCare #NonProfit #DevelopmentOrganization

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Ten years ago when I first entered philanthropy, the Funders Concerned About AIDS (FCAA) Summit was one of the first conferences I attended. Now, I'm honored to be organizing their 2025 Summit, alongside so many wonderful activists and philanthropists, FCAA has always pushed to break the silos that so often interfere in an effective HIV response. It's asking the question: Why do we separate funding and programming for HIV, for human rights, for democracy, for gender justice, for climate resilience, when all of these issues are deeply intertwined? No HIV response will be effective unless there are democratic governments that prevent the gender violence which perpetuates HIV infections in women, adolescent girls, trans people, and the MSM community. No HIV response will be effective when human rights violations and extreme climate events prevent people from accessing prevention and treatment services. The 2025 Summit will happen a month after 2024's mass elections conclude. The conference offers us a place to assess the political reality that will make or break the HIV - and climate, and gender justice, and democratic, and human rights, and, and, and - responses going forward. Please consider helping me build a relevant and transformative conference by submitting a session. And please consider joining me in Washington, D.C. in January 2025 to chart a path forward for the years to come.

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GUIDE | Grantmakers In Aging (GIA) released a new guide, "Care is Fundamental: How Funders Can Accelerate Vital Progress on Caregiving," drawing on interviews with seventeen leaders in philanthropy, including JAHF's Rani Snyder. The new guide shows how people across different sectors are stepping up to promote caregiving strategies, shift societal attitudes, create public-private partnerships and drive change. "Looking back, RAISE was a signal moment," says JAHF's Vice President of Program, Rani Snyder. "Prior to it, there had been no national approach to recognize and support family caregivers." Read more: https://ow.ly/OGiq50Rk4so

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