Links FROM GIRLFRIENDS
From time to time, ninety-nine girlfriends members send us links to thoughtful articles about social change, philanthropy, community issues and the collective giving community. Find these links below.
2020
Find these links over on our Blog Archive. We will soon be migrating all the content on this page over to the Blog where these resources will be more easily searchable by topic. Thanks!
2019
December, 2019
Read about trends in giving in our state. This report is from the Oregon Community Foundation. Find out about trends over the past two decades regarding who gives, how Oregon nonprofits get funding, and what’s changing in local philanthropy.
And as the end of year brings lots of “top 10” stories of the decade, here’s one about the”Twelve trends of 2019: taking responsibility” for our collective future” from the editors of the Nonprofit Quarterly. The headlines tell a tale; the links in each of the trends paragraphs provide reading that can keep you warm on a cold night and move you into more intentional philanthropy in the year ahead. Have fun!
From one of our grantmaker colleagues, Jess Beason, NW Health Foundation, October 2019
“Our Next 20; New Perspectives on Oregon’s Fiscal Future and What We Can Do About It” presents the data about how Oregon’s public funding model is being challenged. “Oregon cities, counties, schools and other public services face meaningful budget shortfalls in 2022. It’s not a one-time problem. It’s the beginning of 20 years of steady fiscal stress. Now is the time to open a conversation that can bring everyoneto the table — because these outcomes are not inevitable.” Read this report from ECO Northwest and North Star Civic Foundation to better understand the impact of public funding shortfalls on our communities around the state.
From former member Amy Varga, September, 2019
In honor of our upcoming workshop series on leadership and management, we are sharing an article from local nonprofit consultant Amy Varga about leadership. Fun reading, and good tips! “Four Questions to Ask Yourself as a Leader” by Claire Lew.
From Deborah Edward, July, 2019
Participatory grantmaking is taking a front seat in the world of philanthropy. It’s an important trend that makes sure that the people “to be helped” are consulted and are active in the “helping.” Check out this article. “Moving Beyond Feedback: The Promise of Participatory Grantmaking” from the Nonprofit Quarterly.
From Michelle Hynes, June, 2019
I subscribe to an Aspen Institute e-news called "five best ideas of the day." Here's one that's relevant to our ongoing learning about housing and homelessness. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/five-strategies-help-americas-renters
If you want to subscribe to this e-news feed from a noted nonprofit leader, click here: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/ideas/
From Topic Talk Forum on Homelessness - Panelist resources and more, May, 2019
On May 154, 2019 a sold-out crowd explored causes, effects, and solutions to the homeless crisis in our community and our country. Check our Oregon and Regional Issues Page for links to resources shared by panelists. Advocacy about affordable housing and housing first solutions, was a prominent theme at the forum. Theresa Deibele from Meyer Memorial Trust sent along a list of housing advocacy groups that members can connect with to learn more and do more in this effort.
From Erin Zollenkopf, April, 2019
Last week Caitlin Baggott Davis from North Star Civic Foundation and Emily Evans at the Women’s Foundation of Oregon presented information about the fiscal challenges facing the state of Oregon. According to the analysis by Eco Northwest, our cities, counties, schools and public services will be facing critical budget shortfalls in the next 20 years. A lot to take in. Here’s the report: “Our Next Twenty Years”.
From Tammy Wilhoite, March 2019
Links to resources from the Implicit Bias Workshop can be found here.
From Dara Westing, March 2019
Cool article and video from a Lilly School of Philanthropy study on gender, race and philanthropy. Who is a Philanthropist? This new research report provides videos of women who are active in making contributions. This is a great follow up to the NAO report below about women of color in the nonprofit sector.
From Abby Farber, March 2019
The Nonprofit Association of Oregon has been sharing a report from the Building Movement Project of women of color in the nonprofit sector. This report reveals that women of color encounter systemic obstacles to their advancement over and above the barriers faced by white women and men of color. Education and training are not the solution—women of color with high levels of education are more likely to be in administrative roles and are more likely to report frustrations about inadequate and inequitable salaries. BMP’s call to action focuses on systems change, organizational change, and individual support for women of color in the sector. Check out the report !
From Deborah E, February 2019
In March we’ll begin our series of workshops on civic engagement. Nonprofit board service is a meaningful (and fun!) opportunity for civic engagement. Blue Avocado is a good resource about being on a nonprofit board. Its tagline is “Practical • Provocative • Fun • Food for Thought for Nonprofits. Check out some of the short posts about all things nonprofit - lots of tips and tools for a new or experienced board member. If you are interested in learning more about nonprofit boards, check out our member education events!
From Laura MIdgely, who chairs our national network of women’s collective giving groups, January 2019
Giving Compass is a national aggregator of information about trends in philanthropy and the social sector - showcasing articles, tools, opportunities from a variety of resources. Want to know more about how “participatory grantmaking builds community power?” or find tools for collective giving to share with others interested in starting their own giving circle? subscribe to Giving Compass’ weekly e-news!
2018
From Michelle H at year end, 2018
Reflecting on More than a Decade of Philanthropy by Sampriti Ganguli is a nice (short!) year-end/decade-end compendium about trends in philanthropy - observing growth in strategic philanthropy, focus on equity, support for collaborative ventures and advocacy, use of fiscal sponsors, and the “coming age of impact investing”. All trends we have noticed this year as we studied the field and our local giving priorities.
From Halle, Abby and Debbie H, December, 2018
Winter reading? A few recommendations to learn more about philanthropy from members and friends:
“Decolonizing Wealth: Indigenous Wisdom to Heal Divides and Restore Balance.” by Edgar Villaneuva, a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.. He looks at US philanthropy from the perspective of and argues that giving practices of the wealthy and foundations perpetuate a colonial mind-set. There’s a New York Times interview with him which Halle thought was very interesting!
Just Giving: Why Philanthropy Is Failing Democracy and How It Can Do Better by Rob Reich, a Professor of Political Science at Stanford University. Reich’s book explores how tax laws have influenced philanthropy in ways that undermine democracy. Abby and Debbie Hill think it’s a good read - and it’s on audiobooks!
Just Mercy, a memoir about justice and incarceration by Bryan Stevenson, who was co-founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama. This book was suggested by speakers at the WCGN Conference in Philadelphia last month.
Got a book you think others might want to read (or listen to?) - send ideas to deborah.edward@gmail.com!
From Deborah, November, 2018
The Oregon Community Foundation has published a new report about our region’s homelessness: “HOMELESSNESS IN THE PORTLAND REGION: A Review of Trends, Causes, and the Outlook Ahead.’ Read their research and recommendations. In addition there’s new research out about the collective giving movement from the Collective Giving Research Group at Indiana University. They found in their first report that found that “giving circle members give more money and time, give more strategically, are more engaged in civic and political activities, and have philanthropic networks that are more diverse in terms of race, religion, and socioeconomic status than do non-members.” Their two new reports focus on how giving circles connect with community foundations, and how the membership of the circles in becoming increasingly diverse.
OCF also published a new report on the state of giving “details the amount of charitable contributions reported by Oregon’s nonprofits, in addition to the trends in individual giving as reported by Oregonians themselves.” Click here for that report.
Fun stuff to read as we look at our growth, our membership, and our increasing connections with other area grantmakers!
From Deborah, Heidi S and Eileen, October, 2018
The three of us attended Women's Collective Giving Grantmaking Network (WCGN) Conference in Philadelphia this month. Lots of great tips about the nuts & bolts in collective giving, and some inspiring presentations and conversations about community leadership, philanthropy, and our growing field. Click here for the summary report. If you want to get a sense of the details covered in sessions about membership recruitment, diversity, equity and inclusion, social communication, leadership, etc. check out the power point slide presentations from the various sessions and/or ask any of the three of us for more details.
From Sharon Wynde, Sept, 2018
I listened to NPR's Steven Inskeep's interview of columnist and author Anand Giridharadas about his recent book [Winners Take All]. I found it to be thought provoking.
NOTE: Giridharadas' book about the role of wealthy philanthropists in influencing social policy was also covered in a recent New Yorker article by Elizabeth Kolbert. Entitled "Gospels of Giving for the New Guilded Age" , it questions whether "today's donors classes are solving social problems or creating new ones."
From Deborah and Marnie, August, 2018
We've been reading "Assessing Impact" from the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and are very taken with how they guide funders to think through strategic philanthropy and then look at what impact has been made with funds provided for a project. They have cool examples related to measuring effectiveness and talk about how evaluation can help you decide whether to give more, to change your giving, or to understand the impact of your work. Check out their illustration on page 16 on levels of assessment. This is a fun, easy article to read as we move into thinking more about our impact.
From Women's Collective Giving Grantmaking Network, July 2018
New article about The Rise of Female Philanthropy and the Three Big Bets They Make in Forbes Magazine this month reminds us all about the power of women's wealth. The article talks about the rise of women's collective giving, and the development of a new philanthropy "ecosystem", as well as the trends to increasing impact investment to provide capital to projects that focus on social good. A nice quick read to remind us about the work we are all about!
From Deborah Edward, June, 2018
The newest Giving USA report is out for contributions in 2017, documenting a record $401 billion in contributions from US individuals, corporations, foundations, and bequests. - a 5% increase from the prior year. See the infographic that summarizes the findings and shows where funds went by focus area.
From Tammy Wilhoite, June, 2018
Two great articles about grantmaking and community impact from the Stanford Social Innovations Review. The first, "Shifting Philanthropy From Charity to Justice", by Burton and Barnes presents questions for grantmakers to ask if we are interested in breaking down institutional obstacles to equality and justic. Philanthropists and philanthropic advisors who champion equality must work to shift from a framework that grounds giving in “charity” to one that grounds giving in “justice".
The second article is about how to understand the value of a given community project, to improve success rather than prove impact. This is a fun read for people interested in understanding how to analyse programs. Check out "Ten Reasons not to Measure Impact and What to Do Instead" by Gugerty and Karlan.
Both these articles are short and bulleted, with lots of food for thought for grantmakers and donors. Have fun!
From Women's Collective Giving Grantmaking Network (WCGN) Conference, May, 2018
Want to learn more about women's collective giving grantmaking? Check out the WCGN website for information and resources. Every 18 months the network of women's collective giving groups assembles to share best practices and get inspired. This year the conference will be Oct 18-21 in Philadelphia. A few of us will be attending. Find out more here!
From the Women's Foundation of Oregon , April, 2018
Some valuable information and calls to action in the "Count Her In" report based on the listening tour that The Women's Foundation of Oregon did around the state in 2017. Check out their concept papers on "Promising Policies for a State that Cant Wait". Also, check out their list of go-to social media sites to "diversify your newsfeed" and expand awareness of issues of race in our society.
From Pam Hayes, March 2018
If you were unable to attend the "Understanding Implicit Bias" workshop this month or would like to explore implicit bias, the book Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race, by Debby Irving, may be for you. It is a thought-provoking account of the author's developing understanding of how she benefited from her upbringing as part of a well-meaning family in a largely white community, and how this and the dominant white culture resulted in unrecognized racial bias.
From Deborah Edward, February, 2018
As a volunteer-led organization, we have many opportunities for collaborative leadership, Read this brief article "Five Elements of Collective Leadership" from the Nonprofit Quarterly about Collective Leadership. Where do you see our strengths and challenges?
And on another note, about our grantmaking - there's a very funny article posted on Vu Le's blog Nonprofit AF on February 19, 2018. "Answers on grant proposals if nonprofits were brutally honest with funders."
From the Women's Collective Giving Grantmakers Network, January, 2018
"The Landscape of Giving Circles/Collective Giving Groups in the US." Detailed overview of the data about giving circle demographics, structures, focus, and activities. The giving circle movement is growing - number of circles tripled in the past 10 years. Find out what are the trends in who's joining, what's been funded. https://www.givingtuesday.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/Giving-Circles-Research-Full-Report-WEB.pdf
2017
From Deborah Edward, December, 2017
"Catalyzing Community Well-Being Indicators". A great article in the Nonprofit Quarterly that presents a wheel of indicators of community well-being and suggests ways that nonprofits can align their work and measurement with these big picture measures. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/2017/12/07/vital-signs-community-wellbeing/
From Michelle Hynes, October, 2017
"Should you agitate, innovate or orchestrate?" A framework you can use to understand the roles you can play in advocating for social change from the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Sept 2017. Leanr different styles regarding leadership, power, communication.
From Paula Liang of Jacksonville Women's Giving Alliance & the Women's Collective Giving Network, September 2017
Register for any of their upcoming webinars the second Tuesday of the month at 9 am Pacific time - October is all about research on women's giving by Fidelity Charitable. November is “If Only We Knew Then What We Know Now!” Lessons Learned During Organizational Growth Stages by network members. .
From Tammy Wilhoite, September 2017
Great article in the Harvard Business Review on "Audacious Philanthropy" by Bridgespan with case studies about how the nonprofit/foundation world took leadership in creating big social change advances such as libraries, polio vaccines, car seats for kids, 9-1-1 emergency services and school lunches. Inspiring!!
Also, if you did not attend the Wiser Giving workshop Sept 6th and want to take the explore more about your own philanthropic priorities, go to this link and take the quiz!
From Deborah Edward, June, 2017
Check out the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF) Research Program:
TOP INDICATORS REPORT: The Oregon Community Foundation partners with Oregon State University’s Rural Studies Program and Extension Service to conduct this study, which tracks longitudinal indicators of Oregon’s economy, people, communities, and environment.
OREGON PHILANTHROPY: "Giving In Oregon" is a 2016 OCF report on philanthropy in Oregon. FInd out who gives, where and to what projects. This is an annual report. In addition, the national report by Giving USA has been published. $390 billion in giving is a new high! The report explains changes by sector and by source of funds. Download their summary.
From Serena Cruz, Virginia Garcia Foundation, April, 2017
Virginia Garcia presents the 9th Annual Health Care Symposium, Women & Children First: A town hall discussion about the future of health care for women and children in Oregon -- Thursday, April 20th at the OHSU Collaborative Life Sciences Building as we gather to discuss this very important topic on the future of health care in Oregon. The event begins at 5pm with a social hour that includes beer, wine and appetizers. The town hall will begin at 6pm with a welcome address from Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. The panel includes key individuals from organizations like Planned Parenthood, the Oregon Latino Health Coalition and Causa. For tickets and more information, please go to: http://virginiagarcia.org/women&childrenfirst/
From Grantmakers March, 2017
Check out the Regional Equity Atlas to find out what's happening in our community to address social issues.
From Halle Sadle, February, 2017
How about getting girlfriends together to attend the Library's annual community reading event March 9, 7:30-9:30 at the Schnitzer Concert Hall?
This year's Everybody Reads selection is Evicted:Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond. Literary Arts will present a lecture by Desmond as the culminating event of the 15th annual Everybody Reads. Through the lives of eight low-income families, Evicted sheds light on the complex issues surrounding housing and its link to poverty.
For more information check https://literary-arts.org/event/everybody-reads-2017/ . For group tickets, contact https://literary-arts.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Desmond-Group-Order-Form_Update.pdf
From Michelle Hynes, January, 2017
In the Stanford Social Innovation Review January 2017 issue Dorian Burton and Brian Barnes say we need a new framework for giving to address America's economic, social, and political inequalities. They provide seven key questions about how philanthropists invest in community. Read "Shifting Philanthropy from Charity to Justice".
2016
From Deborah Edward, November, 2016
Vu Le writes the blog Nonprofits with Balls which chronicles the "fun and frustrations of nonprofit work". He was in Portland speaking with foundations and nonprofits this week. His blog is a terrific read - lots of learning and laughter. I'm subscribing!
From Michelle Hynes October, 2016
This episode of Freakonomics Radio (In Praise of Incrementalism) is a sobering reminder of how social change is a very gradual drawn-out process from the civil rights movement to gay rights, despite the popular view of how rapidly marriage equality came about.