Philanthropy Ohio has an established custom to publish parting thoughts from retiring members. As I conclude 25 years of work at the George Gund Foundation on September 3, it is now my turn to say goodbye.
Though Philanthropy Ohio gives out the Philanthropy Awards every year, 2020 was a year unlike any other. Funders truly stepped up to help their communities; pivoted, innovated and collaborated with others and embedded diversity, equity and inclusion in their work like never before. This year, we want to celebrate those funders and elevate their stories of impact.
Foundations and other funders are a driving force for system-wide social change. As philanthropists, we support mission-driven organizations in their efforts to change lives.
Philanthropy Ohio is embarking on a new pilot project to help our funder members and their grantees have a bigger impact in the community. The virtual Nonprofit Summer Learning Series that we developed will provide nonprofit organizations across the state with expert-led presentations to build their capacity and achieve goals.
Access to justice, and access to a lawyer in particular, is universally good for our communities. Many funders in Ohio see the value in civil legal services as well. In fact, 43 Philanthropy Ohio members gave to legal aid in 2020, a remarkable show of support.
Philanthropy Ohio and many of its members are calling upon the Ohio Senate to address the ways Ohio schools are funded. The following is the testimony we submitted May 17 to the Senate Finance Committee, laying out our key principles and asks related to school funding.
In the second part of this 2-part blog series by our member Catchafire, read how a commitment to DEI and specifically racial equity and justice could impact their work, primarily as viewed through the lenses of nonprofits, volunteers and grantmakers.
When we can share our cares and concerns along with our joys and hopes, we can see one another’s humanity and perhaps find a common ground regardless of our political and social views. So how do we set a place at the table for our work in philanthropy to be inclusive of all voices?
Read how our member Catchafire launched its internal DEI work to better serve the community in this guest blog post by Gerard McGeary, senior director of strategic partnerships at Catchafire.
Philanthropy Ohio launched a Racial Equity Capacity Assessment for members and Ohio foundations to gain valuable insight individually and collectively on the journey to promote racial equity. Registration is open now through April 23 to sign your organization up to participate.
