Recognizing and Maximizing Black Leadership

Recognizing and Maximizing Black Leadership — Wed, 28 Feb 2018

21 Progress in Seattle is committed to antiracist and equity practices as we work to encourage emerging young leaders to build a more just society. For this Black History month, I would like to bear witness to the black leadership in our region. I want to share about three leaders who are working to end inequality and increase justice.

Deeper than Partnership: A Story for Social Impact Investors

Deeper than Partnership: A Story for Social Impact Investors — Mon, 26 Feb 2018

From cultural giving traditions to tech boom wealth creation, Pacific Northwest philanthropy has forged a reputation for blending collaboration and innovation. A new case study on the Cascadia Foodshed Financing Project (CFFP) identifies the regional food economy as an untapped area for co-investment in Oregon and Washington, then outlines a combination of grantmaking and investment strategies for transformational impact.

The Promise and Challenge of Community Democracy

The Promise and Challenge of Community Democracy — Mon, 26 Feb 2018

Philanthropy and other potential change-making institutions have grappled with implementing place-based initiatives and funding community-transformative systems. In our new report, The Promise and Challenge of Community Democracy, we detail how successes share one key attribute: they are led by, and realized in collaboration with, the people directly involved and affected.

Monthly Reflection: Hibernating or Gearing Up?

Monthly Reflection: Hibernating or Gearing Up? — Mon, 26 Feb 2018

February is often a time for hibernation and counting down the days to spring—unless you are an avid skier! Having grown up in Savannah, Georgia, I have limited experience with the snow and ice, let alone sports involving them. So, despite lots of inspiration from the Winter Olympics, from the huge gold-medal wins by U.S. Women’s Hockey and Cross-Country (skate sprint) to Jamaica’s first women’s bobsled team, the month of February was a time for our team at Philanthropy Northwest to plan, convene and reflect. Our efforts have yielded results, too!

The Role of Community-Based Participatory Research

The Role of Community-Based Participatory Research — Thu, 15 Feb 2018

To better understand how philanthropic investments could help Latino communities to thrive in Seattle and South King County, WA, the United Way of King County partnered with the University of Washington School of Public Health and El Centro de la Raza to design a research process that would center the voices of those most affected by the issues and help funders hear and learn from them, especially regarding what their funding priorities should be.

Supercharging the Banking Industry, Fulfilling the Dreams of Underserved Youth

Supercharging the Banking Industry, Fulfilling the Dreams of Underserved Youth — Wed, 14 Feb 2018

Many industries struggle with bringing in diverse and young talent into their pipeline, and there is no magic bullet. With more than a decade helping young job-seekers develop banking and financial careers at BankWork$, we have been able to create a solid curriculum and training program -- and build a sustainable road for young people to enter the banking world. Here we share our best learning in workforce development.

Powering Diversity and Equity in Black Arts and Culture

Powering Diversity and Equity in Black Arts and Culture — Tue, 13 Feb 2018

Central District Forum is continuing the legacy that was laid before us, with a mission to provide a platform for provocative arts and ideas that foster awareness of and involvement in Black experiences. I can only imagine how hard it was for the supporters back then to start CD Forum because sustaining the organization in 2018 is challenging work. The good news is that funders throughout the field increasingly agree that it is important to develop a funding practice and structure that includes diversity, equity, inclusion and access.

Q&A: Effective Philanthropy Is Heart Work and Hard Work

Q&A: Effective Philanthropy Is Heart Work and Hard Work — Wed, 07 Feb 2018

In celebration of Black History Month and continued observance of this year’s National Day of Racial Healing, our team sat with Dr. Gail C. Christopher, a former Senior Advisor and Vice President at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and architect of the foundation's Truth, Racial Healing & Transformation (TRHT) framework, to discuss what reflective practices she has used to meet challenges as a philanthropic practitioner.

Because We Said Yes: Our Journey Into Disaster Recovery Philanthropy

Because We Said Yes: Our Journey Into Disaster Recovery Philanthropy — Mon, 29 Jan 2018

At Montana Community Foundation, Inc. (MCF), we have been reflecting on what happens when we say yes—yes to new programs, yes to new ideas and yes to taking big risks. If you had asked us, a statewide community foundation, to discuss disaster philanthropy six months ago, we wouldn’t have had much to say, at least not in the personal meaningful manner we desire. But, things change and they change fast. Fortunately, we said yes.

Q&A: What is the Work of Racial Healing?

Q&A: What is the Work of Racial Healing? — Wed, 17 Jan 2018

In observance of this year's National Day of Racial Healing, our team had the honor and privilege to sit in conversation with Liz Medicine Crow, President and CEO of the First Alaskans Institute and a longtime member of Philanthropy Northwest’s Board of Directors. The following is an excerpt of our dialogue on racial healing, and the ongoing work required for achieving it.