Weekly Reads – May 1, 2020

A roundup of timely insight from the grantmaking community and beyond.

“One of the best ways to build power and support systemic change is by funding civic engagement, advocacy and community organizing among communities experiencing inequities.”  [more]
– Lisa Ranghelli, NCRP

“Many corporate funders are going beyond a ‘usual’ disaster response to demonstrate their commitment to the people, causes, and communities they support. If you’re considering similar changes but need to get support from your leadership, these six points can help you build a case to ensure you can be a great partner in this time of crisis.”  [more]
– Yvonne Thomas, Proximity, on Candid blog

“The current situation suggests, powerfully, that it is time for a new and more strategic approach to cash reserves for nonprofits. Many social-services nonprofits have been either dismantled or bailed out this spring. Had they been allowed to create cash reserves over time, the onus would have been on them, as it should be, and they would have had a fighting chance to manage their way out of the situation rather than hoping to be rescued.”  [more]
– Stephanie J. Hull, Girls Inc., and Phil Buchanan, CEP, in The Chronicle of Philanthropy

‘Zoom fatigue’ is taxing the brain. Here’s why that happens: “During an in-person conversation, the brain focuses partly on the words being spoken, but it also derives additional meaning from dozens of non-verbal cues […] For somebody who’s really dependent on those non-verbal cues, it can be a big drain not to have them…”   [more]
– Julia Sklar, NationalGeographic.com