Categories for Opinion

What We Need to Advance Economic Equity, One Year Into COVID-19

Our staff members weigh in on what the economy needs now (from funders to policymakers), one year into the pandemic. he COVID-19 pandemic brought big lessons and big losses early on in the shutdown and have continued to a year in for individuals, families, communities, and businesses. In this unique year, we’ve learned how to…

Read More

Shifting Power to Communities in Grant Funding

For all the attention paid to diversity in board and executive leadership, and in who receives grants, another fundamental area of racial justice in the funding world is ripe for exploration: Who has decision making power over where capital flows?

Read More

The Siege on the U.S. Capitol Was White Supremacy in Action

We denounce the violent attack on the U.S. Capitol building and law enforcement’s response to it. It incensed us, as it was not only an insurgency against our democratic process but a clear demonstration of white supremacy in action. We’ve collectively and individually experienced unprecedented moments ad nauseam over the past year: a pandemic, economic…

Read More

Beyond the Holiday Hustle: How Philanthropy Can Move More Money, Now

On meeting the moment that we’re in. We’re asking to #MoveMoneyNow. It’s hard to overstate how much was and continues to be at stake this year. Nine months in, most Americans are still battling the direct and indirect consequences of COVID-19. Even with the promising news of a vaccine, we are still heading into“the most…

Read More

Prioritizing Wellbeing

Reflections, practices, and acceptances of the circumstances we face. I recognize the irony that as I sit here writing this, my own sense of well-being feels pretty low. I am exhausted. Many of us are. In this moment, I’m reminded of a conversation I was in with members of our leadership team. As a mom…

Read More

The system was built to break black people

But we refuse to be broken. Instead, we build. To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious, is to be in a rage almost all the time. So the first part of the problem is how to control the rage so that it won’t destroy you. Part of the rage is…

Read More

Who is bearing your burden of exposure to COVID-19?

Remembering the local grocers, delivery people, first responders, bus drivers, and others who can’t afford social distancing. We knew COVID-19 would reach us eventually. For many knowledge workers with the privilege of a flexible work location, the virus has meant working from home, stalking the re-stock schedule at Trader Joes and Costco, and adjusting to…

Read More