Weekly Reads—March 7, 2025

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

“Acting as strategic partners, we must trust that our grantees know the best use of resources to develop and execute strategies to bring about systemic change—while also being ready to advise them when they face obstacles. And as with other investments on the 3-, 5-, or 10-year horizons, endowments can and should be evaluated as required.” [more]
Daniel Ash, Field Foundation of Illinois; Sharon Bush, Victoria Foundation; Dr. John H. Jackson, Schott Foundation

“These are difficult days for those of us working to improve health and who value respect; integrity and transparency; collaboration; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is vital that we come together to organize, strategize, collaborate, and communicate. It is also vital that we know what we stand for, and that we stand together and support each other and our partners through whatever comes at us because we know we are more likely to achieve our vision of a healthier future for everyone by working together than apart.” [more]
Cara V. James, PhD, Grantmakers in Health

“In my grants analysis experience, foundations do not commit more multi-year general operating support to marginalized communities in the same way when public pressure goes away. The outpour of support we saw in 2020 was directly driven by the pressure generated by Black-led social movements. … Funders must move beyond focusing on the next crisis, the next big idea, the next moment, and prioritize long-term sustainability.” [more]
Katherine Ponce, National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

“Nonprofits across the United States are experiencing negative impacts from the current political climate. They are seeking greater certainty for their funding (whether from the government or from foundation funders and donors) and express a need for more flexible support and more communication from their funders. As one leader says, ‘The most helpful funders are not just grantmakers — they are partners in social change, willing to stand with organizations like ours as we work to build resilient, engaged, and equitable communities in the face of political uncertainty.’” [more]
The Center for Effective Philanthropy