Juliet Valdinger, MSc.’s Post

So important to understand how the non profit world needs an overhaul.

Quite an interesting read, different perspectives and further food for thought. Also read the article this is based on ‘just trust us’ a critique of trust based philanthropy. It’s important to understand how these guys think to create a balanced view, but my opinion has not really changed. In my opinion, as grant makers and philanthropists, it's crucial for us to place our trust in the individuals who are at the core of giving, embracing inclusivity and adaptability - but it’s not a free for all as this critique suggests it could be. Knowing your communities is paramount and when we understand this, we should not only trust, but support with the necessary diligences, build upon the relationship, and celebrate the success.

Very insightful article. A couple of specific points I note: "Philanthropy can foster self-determination through peer-driven change that encourages individual success while neutralizing destructive and racist social narratives that impede progress." And, "We must support people in finding their own solutions, boosting their sense of agency, and supporting them in building their own communities." I invite your thoughts. #communityleddevelopment #bettertogether #selfdetermination

In my seminal work "Philanthropy in Bosnia and Herzegovina" I raised a question: Strategic or humanitarian philanthropy? Wrong question. Right question: Strategic or empowering philanthropy? Shorter answer: Empowering. Longer answer: Philanthropy is love for the human(kind). This implies focusing on the people, not programs. It also implies respecting the autonomy and dignity of nonprofits' beneficiaries. Instead of paternlizing, philanthropists should empowering people in need. More about the argument in the link below.

'Strategic philanthropy' is a bit of a catch phrase which encompasses top-down approaches to philanthropy that can impose solutions on communities instead of empowering community self-determination. This is a well researched article on the shortcomings of so-called strategic approaches to philanthropy: "philanthropists’ most effective role might not be to devise solutions to societal problems but rather to underwrite an open-ended process for change"... https://lnkd.in/g53yXWhN Philanthropy New Zealand, Community Foundations Australia, The Global Fund for Community Foundations #communityfoundations #philanthropy #communityselfdetermination

#wealthmanagers #financialadvisors if you are interested in advancing your game with philanthropic conversations, the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Designation from the The American College of Financial Services is for you. The virtual mid-Atlantic study group starts soon for this https://lnkd.in/gMyTnkSU. Message me or Beth Harper Briglia, CPA, CAP if you are interested in learning more. Read more about current trends with your future clients. #philanthropy

Appreciating Michael Scutari/Inside Philanthropy for this interview of long-time advocate of equitable philanthropic practices, Vu Le. Vu makes it a point to introduce James Lovell's term "equity offset" to highlight that Native-led organizations get less than .05% of all philanthropic giving. President Biden's historic formal apology and November being Native American Heritage month will be reduced to mere "equity offsets" if we don't change our giving patterns drastically and ensure Native-led organizations receive the resources they ask for to do the work only they can. "Equity offset is a term my friend James Lovell coined. It’s like carbon offset, where people and companies pay some money to do things like plant trees to offset environmental harms. I’m not completely against it; planting trees is great. The challenge is when these activities make people complacent so they don’t take other necessary actions.  With equity offset, it’s similar. People will do things like have book clubs or attend DEI workshops, put out an equity statement, etc. These things are good to do, but often, they are the only things that are done.  For example, in the U.S., less than half a percent of philanthropic dollars go to Native-led organizations. But every year in October, foundations will put out statements acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day, as if this statement will make up for the lack of funding that should go to Native communities. Equity is reflected in the budget, and right now, 90% of funding goes to white-led organizations. If you believe in equity, then analyze where you’re investing and increase funds to marginalized communities."

Over the last two decades, "strategic philanthropy," a business-like approach to philanthropic giving, has been criticized. This, along with the pandemic and racial justice movements, led to increased calls to shift grant/funding decisions to community partners. In this piece for Proximate, an MSC fiscally sponsored project, the authors define trust-based philanthropy (TBP) as an attempt to "address power imbalances between foundations and nonprofits ... rooted in a set of values that advance equity, shift power, and build mutually accountable relationships," and offer a thoughtful critique of those attempting to discredit TBP. Click the link below for more! https://lnkd.in/d97QE8jQ

Vu Le, the influential voice behind "Nonprofit AF," shares his candid views on the strengths and shortcomings of the philanthropic sector. Inside Philanthropy’s latest article dives into Le’s perspectives on what’s working, what’s not, and how funders can better support nonprofits and communities. Mike Scutari Reports: Le’s critique of traditional philanthropy and how it can improve Insights on achieving equity and sustainability in funding How funders can build more meaningful, community-centered relationships Tagging Crappy Funding Practices Related IP Resources: Donor Brief: Trust-Based Philanthropy - https://lnkd.in/dbkp9-VH Explainer: What is General Operating Support? - https://lnkd.in/dDRbZzcv Report: Philanthropy, Social Justice, and Shifting Power - https://lnkd.in/dgta448S #VuLe #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #NonprofitSupport #EquityInFunding #SystemicChange #CommunityNeeds #PhilanthropyCritique #HonestConversations #CollaborativeEfforts #Philanthropy #NonprofitAF #SocialImpact #InsidePhilanthropy #EquitableGiving #CommunitySupport #NonprofitSector

If you work in the philanthropic sector, you're probably familiar with "Philanthro-speak." But what do foundations actually mean when they quote their 990s or say they support the people on the "frontlines"? In Ann Searight Christiano and my new article in The Conversation US, we discuss the importance of clarity in philanthropy's storytelling based on the Council on Foundations and the Center for Public Interest Communications new report "Philanthropy's New Voice." #Philanthropy #Storytelling #PublicInterestCommunications #StrategicCommunications #SocialChange