The McConnell Foundation’s Post

🚨 Research note of the WEEK! 🚨 Faith-based Fundraising and Engagement in Post-Communist Czech Republic 📄 In the Czech Republic, religiosity is decreasing, and distrust in church institutions is on the rise. Despite this, volunteerism and revenue have consistently increased for Caritas Czech Republic’s primary fundraising initiative. This study explores religiosity and trust in the church in the context of fundraising and volunteerism for faith-based organizations in post-communist Czech Republic. Caritas Czech Republic’s door-to-door Three Kings Collection (TKC) fundraiser communicates a religious message yet has increased volunteerism and revenues annually. One reason for success may be that Czech society can distinguish between institutional church distrust and the social services Caritas provides. For Caritas, fundraising is part of a larger mission to connect society. ✒Author(s): Jakub Dostál - College of Polytechnics, Jihlava | Vladimír Hyánek – Masaryk University 📝 The Research note is written by Peter Stemp from La Salle Foundation. 🔔 More research notes! These and more research notes are published on our website: https://lnkd.in/e5uuPydM 💡 Do you want to become a practitioner expert? For more information and to sign up: https://lnkd.in/gE8J5Dck 👉 Follow us on LinkedIn to get regular insights from research on philanthropy in Europe. #faithbasedphilanthropy #religiosity #civicengagement #volunteering #philanthropy #faith #religion #church #fundraising #engegement #CzechRepublic

It somehow feels wrong to write about something that I don’t fully understand myself. But somehow it also feels wrong to write about the crises of the world without mentioning the Middle East conflict and the people suffering there. My take on this is to give you two suggestions for the day: 💡 Read or listen to something that educates you on what is going on right now. Today, I chose the Daily: https://lnkd.in/dfQv5n9n 💜 Make a donation to an organization or a scheme that you believe do make a difference. I chose this: https://lnkd.in/dNsPB2yK I think a part of this problem, at least for me, is that it’s impossible to read about what’s going out with without losing faith in humanity. But I also notice that if I do something that might contribue at the same time, like donating money, it makes me feel a bit less hopeless.

Such an important conversation to join - “We must find new ways to deliver aid that prioritize safety, security, and direct impact. This is not just a logistical challenge but a moral one, requiring a committed re-evaluation of how philanthropy interacts with the most vulnerable populations in times of crisis. … And there is another, more sensitive, consideration we have to address as a sector: At what point do we insist that philanthropy cannot remain neutral if it is going to properly carry out its “duty of care” when it comes to humanitarian aid? When do we dispense with the platitudes and confront the idea that, in some cases, we have to take a moral stand to do our jobs effectively?”

Powerful, important reading…

Today, September 30, marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The day honours the Indigenous children who never returned home and the Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Public commemoration of the tragic and painful history and ongoing impacts of residential schools is a vital component of the reconciliation process. iDREAM is committed to answering the call-to-action for healing and understanding. As a non-profit organization, iDream empowers #Indigenous as well as Black and People of Colour as traditionally underserved communities, to amplify their voice through Media. “For Indigenous Peoples, today is all about honouring and healing. For Canadians, this day should be used to learn about and confront the Truth, so that we can begin to further Reconciliation with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people of Canada. It’s a responsibility for all Canadians.” Jef Combdon 🪶, iDREAM - Inclusivity, Diversity, Racial Equity Award in Media board member - Director of Indigenous Relations To learn more, visit https://idreamadream.ca/ #orangeshirtday #everychildmatters #truthandreconciliation

At the end of every tunnel, there is light. The narrative about the polycrisis, when viewed through this prism, proves that there is still scope for resilience. The six features of the polycrisis outline key risk areas in India’s development trajectory, and how philanthropy and civil society can help address them. Read the report to learn more about the features of the polycrisis: https://lnkd.in/d8uvTxgd  #Polycrisis #India #CatalyticPhilanthropy #RaysOfLight #Philanthropy

In July 2023, several Muslim Philanthropy professionals began an ambitious project: to engage, support, advocate, and lead with – and for – Muslims in Philanthropy. To do this, we listened first. Muslim funders, leaders, teams, and practitioners we consulted all over Canada expressed the following challenges and needs: - Worries about losing status - Experiencing getting audited regularly - A desire for more capacity-building - A desire for connections - Difficulty fundraising - A desire to establish a best practice - Concerns about Islamophobia - Difficulties in the ways we work and are compensated - A self-described “scarcity mentality”, and more. Through many conversations, it became clear that we need to surface what works and what does not in Muslim Philanthropy. We need resources on Muslim Philanthropy, collaboration, and new and better ways of working tailored to the current moment and our unique cultural and community-driven needs. We need a Muslim Philanthropy Network. https://lnkd.in/ebk4Uwtn

Towards a New #Philanthropy: How do we build together from the demand for an end to genocide towards a collective call for the safety, dignity, and freedom of the Palestinian people? #Funders4Palestine https://lnkd.in/gp7cfpVq

This form of charity typically consists of staple food items, such as wheat, barley, dates, or their equivalent monetary value, which is distributed among the needy. By providing essential sustenance to those in need, Sadqa-e-Fitr embodies the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and generosity that defines Ramadan and Eid. In addition to its spiritual benefits, Sadqa-e-Fitr fosters social cohesion and empathy within communities. It reminds us of our shared responsibility towards the less fortunate and encourages us to actively contribute to the welfare of others, especially during times of celebration and abundance. As we prepare to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, let us not forget the significance of Sadqa-e-Fitr and the profound impact it can have on the lives of those in need. Let us embrace this tradition with open hearts and open hands, spreading joy, kindness, and blessings to all. Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating, may this special occasion be filled with love, peace, and blessings for all humanity.https://https://lnkd.in/e6_cZap4

Today, we honor Juneteenth, a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and the ongoing fight for equality. Juneteenth, observed on June 19th, 1865, is a powerful reminder of the strength and determination within marginalized communities. Our Afghan community understands the importance of this day, coming forth as a community that shares a rich history of resilience and a quest for freedom. Highlighting events like Juneteenth is crucial as it reminds us of the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead. By spotlighting these significant moments in history, we recognize the injustices that have been overcome and those that persist today. It is a call to action for continued solidarity, understanding, and advocacy. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we encourage reflection on the importance of supporting and uplifting all marginalized communities,. Our collective commitment to justice and equality paves the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to live freely and with dignity. With love, AOA #Juneteenth #FreedomDay #Resilience #AfghanRefugees #CommunitySupport #CulturalHeritage #Solidarity #JusticeForAll #Unity #Nonprofits #OregonNonprofit