Weekly Reads—January 31, 2025

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

“As philanthropy, we must not look backward and try to make sense of something that may not have meaning for us. We must instead be present with community and not allow ourselves to surrender in advance. We must resist the urge to be right and as Maurice Mitchell of the Working Families Party recently said at the 2024 Facing Race Conference: “You don’t fight misinformation with better information. You fight with solidarity and organizing.” [more]
Amanda Andere, Funders Together to End Homelessness

“At RWJF, we will continue to defend and advance fundamental American values of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the urgency this moment requires. This includes steps such as increasing our investments in efforts to diversify the healthcare professions, as well as supporting legal, communications, and organizing efforts alongside leaders in the field. These actions will improve the health of us all.” [more]
Rich Besser, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

“[W]e need to declare and repeat over and over again the value of nonprofit workers, volunteers, and activists. The value we provide to our democracy, our economy, our communities, and society. We need to be confident in our own value proposition as a rightful part of this country. So prepare, yes, to defend your own organization. But also be prepared to stand up and speak out and fight back on behalf of the nonprofit sector and the First Amendment rights that we represent and make real for the American people.” [more]
Rusty Stahl, Fund the People

“We will need the voices of many in this work. A collective strategy is essential — individual organizations can’t tackle current challenges alone. Strong coalitions, open communication, and shared resources and knowledge are critical. This is a time to stretch our collaborative muscle, to use the tools we have at our disposal, and to organize effectively. Where we’re at as a sector is a question of how we marshal our collective resources and coalesce around a shared vision for civil society. It’s about partnership, connection, and collaboration. Together, we can reimagine the role of civil society and chart a bold path forward.” [more]
Dr. Akilah Watkins, Independent Sector