ActionFunder’s Post

If there was ever a time to support the grassroots, it's now. Over the last few days we have seen the power of community at large.  I’ve been inspired by my good city Bristol, and humbled by action across the country to support and protect others against division ❤️ As a result of the election, a spotlight on 'Community' to maintain a fair society is right up the agenda.  But let us not forget the small financial hole in public finances. Government income for small charities fell by 38% under the previous government.  Any new Government cannot fill that gap alone. We are increasingly hearing from organisations responding to the new political landscape - businesses, local authorities, foundations - who want a new way of giving.  Something with efficiency, less time-draining spreadsheets and renewed connection to those they support and the stories they tell.    In tandem, we are seeing community demand increase. We are getting wonderful feedback on the simplicity we provide by opening up funding opportunities for small charities.  One application on ActionFunder means reaching multiple funders, significantly cutting admin & fundraising time for groups. #Grantgiving absolutely has to be robust and tightly risk managed to the benefit of all.  But this means it can also be slow and frustrating for grantors and grantees alike. By utilising the best bits of technology we can remove the latter but not lose the former.  So, I’m here to campaign on the platform of No More Spreadsheets in grant giving! More power instead to mutually beneficial connection and the stories that unfold. #community #CommunityInvestment #TechForGoodUK #businessforgood #socialhousing #responsiblebusiness #Innovation #SocialImpact #ESG

Nonprofit Sector Finding 1: Demand is Increasing Faster than Resources! A staggering 78% of nonprofits are facing heightened demand for their services, yet many operate on net zero budgets. With over 75% having only six months or less of cash on hand, the pressure is mounting! Economic instability and rising social needs are driving this demand, but funding is struggling to keep pace. This gap means that unexpected expenses could have severe impacts on their operations. Let’s support our nonprofits as they strive to meet our community’s needs! Read the full survey here: https://hubs.ly/Q02RJPnx0 #NonprofitStruggles #SupportLocal #CommunityFirst

Ever feel like your initiative is only treating the symptoms of a complex social problem, rather than finding the cure? You’re not alone. Parliament has partnered with dozens of nonprofits, government agencies, funders and community orgs to help them create true, lasting change that reaches down to the root of the issue. See how that experience can be put to work for you: https://lnkd.in/gWkqCAbe #DataManagement #DateCollection #DataInsights #DataRoadmaps #DataAnalysis #DataModeling #CollectiveIntelligence

#MyWhy #Nonprofits and #smallbusinesses are already addressing some of our community's hairiest problems. The next question is, "How can public funds be used to help the helpers build towards sustainability?" The Direct Care Worker project highlighted in my last post is one of a series of responses that my agency is activating to do just this: leverage public dollars to not only provide quality services but also to reinforce #economicgrowth & #communitytransformation -- Support healthy small businesses -- Create opportunities for nonprofits to activate mission-aligned, fee-generating social enterprises = Transform the life trajectories of generations AND Support older adults to #ageinplace . This is one of a series of models you will continue to see coming from #alleghenycounty #AreaAgencyOnAging #dhs #dhsagingservices

What if you could easily align your funding strategy with the REAL needs of your communities?💡 Introducing ActionFunder's Local Needs Analysis - a nifty fund design tool for funders who want to put their money where it matters most. How it works: ✍ Input your funding criteria and see instantly the community projects in need of funding 📌 See non-profits active locally, the types of projects they’re running, their funding needs and the projects’ estimated beneficiaries.  💰Adjust your fund according to location, focus area, types of beneficiaries, and grant size  ✅ Refine your fund criteria to better fit the need of the community. No more guesswork. Just data-driven decisions that maximise your community impact. Get in touch to see how ActionFunder can help you create MORE community impact in LESS time: https://lnkd.in/enBb_R6h #CommunityInvestment #CommunityFunding #SocialValue

DEI - Solutions Commissioners and funders :- 💬 **The same story repeats: watching those with no genuine community engagement get huge contracts, while small charities are called upon to connect with the very communities they've built over many years.** It's frustrating and demoralising to see this trend more and more . Those who have put in the time and effort to build trust and relationships within their communities deserve recognition and fair opportunities. 1. **Advocate for Policy Change**: Push for contract award criteria that prioritise proven community engagement and long-term impact. 2. **Raise Awareness**: Share success stories of small charities and their contributions through media and public speaking. 3. **Build Coalitions**: Form alliances with other small charities to amplify our collective voice. 4. **Seek Support**: Engage with local government officials, influencers, and the public to support fair contract awarding practices. 5. **Transparency and Accountability**: Encourage transparency in the awarding process and hold decision-makers accountable for their choices. By taking these steps, we can work towards a more equitable system that recognises and rewards genuine community engagement. Let's ensure those who truly understand and serve their communities get the opportunities they deserve. Alternatively, large organisation’s that secure these contracts due to their income should share and subcontract with small organisations. Don’t just include them in bids or applications—develop a plan to support small organisations in actually delivering the work. 💪 #Generousleadership #SCA #DEIKent #CommunityEngagement #CharityWork #FairContracts #GrassrootsEfforts ---

Sigh.... The author says "DAF Sponsors Aren’t All Created Equal" but then goes on to treat all non-local sponsors the same. She continues the tired "community foundation vs. national sponsor" idea, not acknowledging that the #donoradvisedfunds sector is far more varied. DAFs connected to financial firms vary in their business models and cultures, and there are many national/international DAFs with even more diverse goals and models (ImpactAssets, Endaoment, Dechomai, CharityVest, AEF, DonorsTrust - this list goes on). Even #communityfoundations vary in their perspectives on #DAFs and their business models' dependencies on DAFs. Please do better, people. https://lnkd.in/e-d2Wd6N

The pandemic's impact continues to reverberate through the nonprofit housing sector. As rental arrears and operational costs surge, affordable housers are facing unprecedented challenges in fulfilling their mission. Corey McDonald’s report, “Affordable Housers Face Deepening Rental Arrears and Ballooning Expenses,” provides a detailed examination of these issues. The audio version, narrated by John Ludas, offers additional insights. Explore the report and consider how nonprofits can adapt and thrive in these evolving conditions. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3WOX77A #Shelterforce #AudioArticle #AffordableHousing #NonprofitDevelopers #Spotify

The pandemic's impact continues to reverberate through the nonprofit housing sector. As rental arrears and operational costs surge, affordable housers are facing unprecedented challenges in fulfilling their mission. Corey McDonald’s report, “Affordable Housers Face Deepening Rental Arrears and Ballooning Expenses,” provides a detailed examination of these issues. The audio version, narrated by John Ludas, offers additional insights. Explore the report and consider how nonprofits can adapt and thrive in these evolving conditions. Listen here: https://bit.ly/3WOX77A #Shelterforce #AudioArticle #AffordableHousing #NonprofitDevelopers #Spotify

Thought provoking and inspiring morning learning more about the potential of data and AI to support our work and increase impact. A human centered approach is key as it is in all our work.