Weekly Reads—May 12, 2025

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

“We don’t require extensive reporting, we need to meet legal requirements, but beyond that, we’re not overly concerned about how organizations use the money. What matters is that when an organization returns for funding in two years, our community panelists will want to know what’s happening there, particularly who’s benefiting from their services.” [more]
Natasha Friend, Camden Giving, for AI in Philanthropy

“We move further when we move together. Amid tight funding environments, clarity and collaboration—not competition—will define our impact. The funding pot is shrinking, and in some cases, disappearing altogether. But a scarcity mindset won’t serve us. Only united can we advocate louder, grow the pie, and shift resources to where they’re most needed.” [more]
Aapurv Jain, Disability Rights Fund

“Building and sustaining strong and resilient movements requires attending to the full ecosystem and recognizing the valuable role each part of the whole plays in ensuring that the collective continues to operate effectively. This is why we habitually ask our grantee partners: who else do we need to fund in order for your work to be successful?” [more]
Zaineb Mohammed, Kataly Foundation, for The Center for Effective Philanthropy

“This moment requires us to engage in repair and reimagination—work that will include moving beyond the usual tools and frameworks to develop strategies and understand impact.” [more]
Liz Ruedy and Tom Glaisyer, The Democracy Fund, and Rachel Reichenbach, The Oceanic Partners, for Stanford Social Innovation Review