"Balancing Purpose, Process, and Pressure: Insights from Seasoned Philanthropists"

The nonprofit sector is demonstrating remarkable adaptability in the face of challenges, as shown in BDO's latest report. Leaders are reimagining missions, investing in tech, and forming strategic partnerships to foster growth. A must-read for every nonprofit professional navigating today’s landscape. https://ow.ly/1rWz50X9KqW

🎥 Teaser: How to Write a Winning Grant Proposal On October 9, I had the pleasure of leading a full-day professional seminar hosted by the City of Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation Department at Shadelands Auditorium. The session brought together nonprofit leaders, healthcare administrators, and public sector professionals for an intensive exploration of the full grant development process — from concept and funder alignment to proposal design, logic modeling, budgeting, and evaluation. This short preview offers a glimpse into the day’s discussions and the framework introduced in Grantcraft: The Practitioner’s Guide to Strategic Funding for Public Service, Healthcare, and the Nonprofit Sector. A longer replay of the seminar will be available soon. #GrantWriting #LeadershipDevelopment #PublicService #HealthcareLeadership #NonprofitStrategy #FraserLeadershipGroup #Grantcraft #ProfessionalTraining #EthicalLeadership Vannessa Cendejas, MSW Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation

From 36 Question Sets to One Streamlined Experience The David and Lucile Packard Foundation partnered with Grantbook to turn a long wish list into a clear, phased roadmap anchored in collaboration, community feedback, and operational clarity. The result? Less friction. More flexibility. Greater impact. Impact: ✅ 36 question sets consolidated into 1 flexible proposal  ✅ 15 hours saved per grantee on reporting and proposals  ✅ 19% reduction in time from submission to approval More grantee partners are securing flexible funds or greater funding for indirect costs that support their financial resilience Learn how we did it: https://lnkd.in/gzkPiuSW #Grantmaking #Philanthropy #OperationalExcellence #ProcessRedesign #GranteeCentricity #Grantbook

I have had the privilege of partnering with the Siemer Institute over the last four years. It has been inspiring to see how they have expanded their network and and increased housing stability for more than 43,000 families across the U.S. That number alone is powerful, but what really stands out to me is how they’ve done it: ✅ Strengthening partnerships ✅ Improving equity in grantmaking ✅ Streamlining grant reporting processes To learn more about how the Siemer Institute's success, check out their case study. https://lnkd.in/giVVNkR6 #SocialImpact #HousingStability #SiemerInstitute #SureImpact #EquityInAction #InspiredLeadership

The outcomes from a recent cocreation hosted by Systems Innovation on Rethinking Philanthropy with Systems Thinking, flick through the slides to see the key takeaways. Learn more about the Si Social Hub on our site here: https://lnkd.in/eU25zite

In this episode of Return On Impact, Derek Holmes, Vice President of Contract Administration & Contractor Diversity at Harris Health, shares how the organization is opening doors for businesses seeking contracting opportunities within the public sector. He also dives into the importance of building trust as a nonprofit, emphasizing that true partnership begins with showing up, initiating connections, and creating consistent engagement with the community. Watch this insightful clip from Return On Impact “The Upstart Spirit” to learn how institutions like Harris Health are fostering equitable access and strengthening Houston’s business ecosystem. Series Hosts: Nicole Handy & Michael Morris Thank you to our sponsor The Hive Houston. Stream this full episode on Patreon, Spotify, and YouTube. #TheUpstartSpirit #ReturnOnImpact #GHBC90 #PurposeInAction #SupplierDiversity #ContractOpportunities #HarrisHealth #CommunityTrust #BlackBusinessExcellence #WhereBlackBusinessesGrow

What if “grant readiness” isn’t something a single organization achieves alone? What if we looked at grant readiness as collective? This “flip the sector Friday,” I’m asking: What would it look like? Collective readiness. Maybe it’s measured in alignment or connectedness? State partners, technical experts, industry voices, community advocates, nonprofits, and anchor institutions each have a clear role to play, ensuring that when opportunities arise, there is clarity around both opportunity and capacity. This idea popped into my head on a recent call where a client was talking with a couple of partners. The conversation kept circling back to one truth: for the really big, innovative grants, you don’t just need a good idea; you need the right table of people around it. Readiness is sometimes less about ticking off all the boxes and more about partnerships. Maybe less “we’ve got it all figured out,” more “we know who to call when we don’t.” And this may be especially true for organizations that are smaller or more niche. If you’re leading or writing for a community-based organization right now and you know what you are doing is innovative and cutting-edge, hear this: You are likely more ready than you think, especially when you’re willing to invite others to help you bring your ideas to life.

Today, United Way leaders and staff from across Ohio are gathered for the 2025 United Way ALICE Policy Summit. This event brings together legislators, Governor DeWine, business leaders, and nonprofit partners to focus on policies that help working families achieve financial stability. 📷 Leaders and staff from United Ways across Ohio gathered together to support the ALICE workforce—those living paycheck to paycheck and still not able to make ends meet—and build pathways to lasting stability for all Ohio households. #ALICESummitOH #WorkingFamiliesMatter #UnitedForALICE

Nonprofit pros: Is your organization audit-ready? Learn how a proactive approach can drive organizational excellence and long-term success via BDO: https://bdousa.com/3KRoY4M

Leading a foundation right now means making critical choices: How do you center your community’s voice without putting vulnerable people at greater risk? How do you navigate deep divisions while staying true to your mission? If you’re feeling the weight of these questions, you’re not alone. Foundation leaders across the country are asking for new strategies to listen meaningfully, act thoughtfully, and protect the communities they serve. That’s why we’ve created the Listening in this Moment: A Guide for Funders, designed to equip you with both practical insights and hands-on tools. The Guide, launching later this month, offers clear answers to funders’ top listening questions alongside real-world examples you can adapt in your own work. Sign up to receive a preview copy of the guide: https://bit.ly/LITMGuide