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Every September and October, I spend a lot of time in synagogue. The Jewish holidays Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are a time of intense reflection for Jews about where we’ve fallen short as human beings, and how we can lead more ethical, fulfilling lives in the next...
“Public policy” is commonly defined as the system of laws, regulatory measures, courses of action and funding priorities for a given issue. Influencing public policy through education, advocacy and network activation is an ongoing process at the local, state and...
At the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, our current work is focused on a long-term audacious goal to increase the rate of high school graduates who are ready for college and career from 50 to 80 percent by 2030. In terms of attribution, we can claim to have made a...
How would you feel about going sock-less for a week when you hadn’t planned your wardrobe for that situation? In July I attended the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers’ annual conference in San Diego, representing Associated Grant Makers, an association of...
In the United States, Canada is perhaps best known for being a source of cold weather and red-coated policemen. But in the foundation field, we can paint a picture that is a little more nuanced. The foundation sector in Canada is small (certainly compared to south of...
Community foundations today operate in an environment that is dramatically different from the one in which many of their current practices and structures were developed. After all, back when the Cleveland Foundation was first established in 1914, the U.S. telephone...
“Wait for that wisest of all counselors, Time.” ~ Pericles In a recent press conference, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen indicated that the data on inflation was on the “high side.” Then, she emphasized her belief that the data is “noisy” and that inflation remains...
When we developed the Opportunity Index in 2011 with our social science research partner, Measure of America, we asked ourselves a lot of questions. As a data-driven organization, we understand the power – and limitations – of research. So we weren’t surprised when...
If philanthropy is going to be successful in tackling the great challenges in society, we need to start by changing the culture within our organizations. As philanthropists, we work to promote the common good. And as the face of America continues to change, embracing...
All foundations, schools and universities seek to help people do what they otherwise might not be able to do. Great educators and educational settings create conditions for inspiration, growth and achievement. Great foundations can and should do the same for their...