Weekly Reads—January 24, 2025

Enjoy PEAK’s weekly roundup of timely insights from the grantmaking community and beyond.

If you are looking for ways to support those suffering losses and displacement in Los Angeles due to the devastating wildfires, the LA City Government and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) have each compiled a list of ways to provide aid. It’s crucial to recognize that equitable disaster relief requires early investment in long-term recovery and resilience efforts. As CDP states: “Communities need sustained support to rebuild—not just homes but lives and infrastructure. History has shown us that the most vulnerable communities are left behind without early investments in recovery.”

“We bear the responsibility to ensure AI adoption is equitable, ethical, and inclusive… At this crossroads, AI can become a tool to advance equity—or another obstacle for marginalized communities. Philanthropy is uniquely positioned to lead thoughtfully, ensuring an AI-powered future that uplifts everyone.” [more]
Rachel M. Kimber, Full Circle Impact Solutions, for Candid

“By reimagining a field free from perfectionism, we are able to engage with humility and curiosity. Adapting to more accessible and inclusive ways of doing routine activities takes thoughtful intention. Being creative takes risks and invites experimentation. Rather than “we don’t do disability” consider that disability is already present in your funding, and the magnitude of powerful opportunities that this offers to all fairness, justice, and equity centered strategies.” [more]
Sandy Ho, Disability & Philanthropy Forum

“As your organization moves further into creating a more inclusive environment, think about each aspect of your organization with a lens of disability inclusion. … Do not expect people who have disclosed a disability to shoulder this weight alone. People with disabilities are often looked to lead internal and external efforts focused on disability. While respecting their expertise, organizations need to engage the entire organization on the journey to disability inclusion.” [more]
Cara Binder-Kopchick, National Center for Family Philanthropy