A. Ahmad Berry’s Post

Philanthropy works to increase opportunity, especially to those historically excluded. The lawsuit against Fearless Fund is an attack on the rights of philanthropic organizations to give in line with their values, as protected under the First Amendment. Attempts to restrict the values-driven work of philanthropy impact so much great work happening around the country and in our region. This would have great consequences for initiatives like the grant we provided to revitalize small-town grocery access for rural residents in North Dakota. Read the op-ed by leaders of Council on Foundations and Independent Sector: https://bit.ly/3TVbFmy Read more about the creation of the Rural Access Distribution (RAD) cooperative, a 2020 Community Innovation grantee: https://bit.ly/408VK4O

In our new report, the Council – in partnership with Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement (PACE) and New Pluralists – surveyed 133 foundations and conducted 43 in-depth interviews with philanthropic leaders to examine how organizations are counteracting polarization in their communities. Download the full report: https://hubs.ly/Q02Rvl3f0

What stories of philanthropy inspire you? Explore our freshly unveiled History of US Philanthropy Timeline: History of US Philanthropy Timeline | Learning to Give https://lnkd.in/gFtnvQif

From this new Council on Foundations "Coming Together, Not Apart" report: "Division in the United States is certainly not a recent development, but for the past 15 years or so, the U.S. has seemed seized by a novel strain of discord. Particularly since the 2016 election, headlines about toxic polarization— defined here as an “us vs. them” partisan mindset and contempt for political outgroups—have been published ad nauseum. The dynamics of this polarization have been linked to the backsliding of American democracy, as well as a steep rise in political violence. While the connection between toxic polarization and these phenomena may be indirect, there appears to be something unique to the political, media, and societal systems of the United States that is causing toxic polarization to play out in these ways. "From 2016 to 2020, philanthropy invested $9.4 billion to promote democracy, more than twice the total from the previous five years, and philanthropic initiatives aimed at fostering belonging and social cohesion proliferated. "In an October 2023 survey commissioned by the Walton Family Foundation, more than 8 in 10 said they worry about how divided our society is becoming. But they are not resigned to division: Almost 9 in 10 (88%) also said people need to be willing to work together with those holding different beliefs, 2 out of 3 said we can overcome big challenges together if we try, and 8 in 10 said it’s important to listen to people with different opinions." #division #socialcohesion #communitybuilding #pluralism #interfaith #hatecrime #polarization #conflicttransformation #democracy #belonging #inclusion

Have you read the Johnson Center's 11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2024 yet? The three trends I found most interesting: 1) A Wake-Up Call for Investing in the South, 2) Affordable Housing is a National Crisis with a Distinct Local Impact, 3) The Artificial Intelligence Revolution Arrives in Philanthropy. What trends are catching your eye and imagination? #innovation #philanthropymatters #socialimpact

As a seasoned fundraiser with extensive experience in philanthropy, I would like to emphasize the critical lessons from the recent setbacks at FAMU, as discussed by Marybeth Gasman. Due diligence in philanthropy isn’t just a procedural step; it’s a cornerstone of sustainable and ethical fundraising. It’s essential to rigorously vet donors and understand their motivations to align their interests with the core values and mission of the institution. This approach safeguards the organization’s integrity and ensures that the philanthropic relationships we build are transparent and mutually beneficial. As we navigate these complex dynamics, we must remain vigilant in our commitment to due diligence to uphold the trust placed in us by our community and stakeholders. This article is a potent reminder of the vigilance required in all philanthropic engagements.

Philanthropy is alive and well today, and we still see various reasons people feel propelled to give. Let’s look at some of the basics of philanthropy.✅ Philanthropy 101: The Basics of Giving https://lnkd.in/dVx2S9bj

To mark the 9th and final episode of our Beyond Business Ownership webinar series for 2023, we’re ending our journey on the rewarding topic of philanthropy. Our expert speakers explain the importance of understanding your motivations for giving, how to start your philanthropic journey and the questions you should ask yourself along the way. Here are the key takeaways from the session, or you can watch the full episode here: https://grp.hsbc/6049XSl75 #WealthManagement #PrivateBanking #BusinessExit #Philanthropy

Are you planning on incorporating community involvement or philanthropy into your wealth management strategy? Women often prioritize philanthropy and community involvement in their wealth planning. If this sounds like you, creating a plan that includes charitable giving and community support will align with your personal values and create a lasting impact. #Philanthropy #CommunityInvolvement #GivingBack

Which came first—the campaign or the case? Campaigns play a crucial role in elevating giving and program performance for organizations. Philanthropy without campaigning is akin to training for a marathon but never running the race. However, the traditional approach of waiting for a fully articulated strategic plan before constructing a case can lead to missed opportunities. Instead, adopting an organic approach, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy of unity between form and function can lead to more effective campaigning. Check out this piece from Accordant's Heather Wiley Starankovic, CFRE, CAP, and John Donovan to learn more: https://ow.ly/eZou50Svki2 #healthcare #philanthropy #campaign #caseforsupport