MetLife’s Post

As part of our series to share the perspectives of our NFP Partners, we would like to share insights by Frances Pace, Director of Fundholder and Community Engagement, at Oakville Community Foundation.    Question: Why are collaborative, innovative projects, such as the Life Skills Project, so important for community development? Answer: The Oakville Community Foundation's Strategic Plan is aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals with a Mission "to build Community through Philanthropy" and a Vision of "A Community Where No one is Left Behind". To that end, we incorporate the following values in our work: responsive leadership; solutions-driven (i.e., we will conduct collaborative research to identify community needs and related solutions); integrity; equity; and lastly collaboration. We recognize the enhanced benefits to all when we collaborate and contribute to creating solutions and we will encourage collaboration to build lasting partnerships, reduce duplication and bridge gaps in the funding and delivery of identified needed services for our community.    #sheridanresearch #collegeinnovation #nserc #homelessness 

At V&FT, we believe that building relationships with foster youth is the key to making a lasting impact. 📊Data is important, but it's the human connections that truly change lives. Read our latest blog post, "More Spades, Less Charts: The Real Impact of Relationship Building," and see why putting people first makes all the difference. #FosterYouth #CommunityBuilding #nonprofitwork https://lnkd.in/gwYJQwYA

In partnership with The Foundation for Social Connection , with support from the Einhorn Collaborative, we're excited to release a Request for Applications, inviting communities to join a cohort learning experience focused on using our Action Guide for Building Socially Connected Communities (https://lnkd.in/e9G_2qfV).   We are seeking applications from U.S.-based nonprofits and local governments interested in using the Action Guide to foster social connectedness. Planning efforts should engage community residents, local government, nonprofits, and businesses. More information about this program, eligibility, and the application can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eqYkxnRs. The application deadline is April 5th.    Selected communities will receive a $7,500 stipend, technical assistance, and cohort-based support to implement initiatives aligned with the Guide's steps, including community assessments, coalition building, and program implementation.  Apply here: https://lnkd.in/exWdAmfj If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to Morgan Marler at morgan@social-connection.org. #RFA #socialconnection #fundingopportunity #communities

📖 The PhiLanthropic Year - Volume 5 Case Studies : Challenges, Lessons and Implications of Collecting Social Identity Data in the Social and Community Services Sector By Isabel Cascante, Director of Research, Public Policy and Evaluation & Umair Majid, Manager of Research, Public Policy and Evaluation at United Way Greater Toronto « When implemented well, social identity data (SID) can help agencies understand who is – and who is not – accessing services, highlight service gaps and disparities, and ensure programs are appropriately designed for those in need of the services. » 👉 Read full article here : https://ow.ly/QB1l50Sj3OQ

🚨 Attention Community Leaders & Organizations! The Center for American Progress has released an essential guide for navigating U.S. Department of Justice grants. This invaluable resource breaks down the application process, providing tips for advancing community safety and justice initiatives. Whether you're a local government, academic institution, or community organization, this guide is for you. Dive into the details and empower your community projects with the necessary funding. Visit the link below for full guide: https://lnkd.in/gzT-N7m9 #CommunitySafety #JusticeGrants #CAPGuide #FundingOpportunities

if you know of a social aid program that’s more effective than GUARANTEED INCOME at honoring people’s dignity, agency, and right to SELF-DETERMINATION, please let me know in the comments…👀 i recently had the pleasure of working with ThirdSpace Action Lab and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to connect the dots between ANTI-RACIST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT and UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME. in short, guaranteed income works and i would love to see institutional philanthropy (and our government) invest more into making it a reality. check out more of my thoughts (4 min read) at https://lnkd.in/geFhKhKX

The "Ladder of Participation" is a framework that always fires people up in my Inclusive Planning and Responsive Strategy workshop - this brilliant tool draws on the Ladder and deepens, updates, and details the different ways communities can have power (or not) in decision making. Such a great way to think about how organizations can shift power and decision making to those most impacted.

Carefully crafted grantmaking strategies are at the heart of a private foundation's efforts—whether fostering community development, sponsoring education, or supporting sustainability. These strategies ensure effective resource allocation and meaningful change while embodying the foundation's mission. To optimize impact and comply with tax laws, it's important for foundations to thoughtfully develop and refine their approaches. #PrivateFoundations #Grantmaking

Together We Thrive Durham Community Foundation's first Vital Signs® report offers an in-depth understanding of Durham Region, emphasizing its unique dynamics and rapid changes, especially in the post-pandemic world. This comprehensive report highlights the region's resilience amid significant challenges, such as fast paced population growth (Durham’s population growth rate of 7.9 percent between 2016 and 2021 outpaced Canada – and the G7), housing crises, food insecurity, mental health issues, and the impacts of intimate partner violence and the opioid crisis. It acknowledges the struggles faced by the community but also points out the growth and opportunities that arise from these challenges. The Foundation's year-long research, in collaboration with the nonprofit sector, provides valuable insights into these developments, offering a detailed picture of the community's changing landscape. It serves not just as a reflection of current conditions but also as a call to action, urging community members to engage actively in shaping their future. By highlighting both the successes and areas needing improvement, the report invites individuals, including philanthropists, business leaders, and government representatives, to contribute to the region's continued strength. The message is clear: through understanding, reflection, and active participation, every individual has the power to make a meaningful difference in our community. Download the report at https://lnkd.in/g_UYG-7i

How can we contribute to equitable development in our communities? 🛠️ Whether it's supporting local businesses, advocating for fair housing policies, or volunteering for community projects, every small action leads to big changes. Let's take steps together towards a more inclusive and equitable Kansas City with these five focused and impactful tips for contributing to equitable development in in our community: 1: Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about the local history, including the impacts of systemic discrimination, and share this knowledge to raise awareness within your community. 2: Support Local Businesses: Make a conscious effort to support minority-owned businesses, which strengthens the local economy and promotes diversity. 3: Engage in Community Planning: Participate in community forums and planning meetings to ensure development projects meet the needs of all community members, particularly marginalized groups. 4: Advocate for Fair Housing Policies: Stay informed and support laws and regulations that promote fairness in housing, fighting against discrimination and promoting affordable housing solutions. 5: Volunteer and Support Nonprofits: Contribute your time or resources to organizations working towards community development, affordable housing, and education, to directly impact local equitable growth. These focused actions can create significant positive changes in your community, fostering an environment where equitable development is not just a goal but a reality. #EquityInAction #RealEstateTips