In the winter of 2021-2022, CEP asked leaders from eight foundations to share — in their own words — the most important changes they have made at their foundation since 2020 that they plan to sustain going forward. These funders’ stories, which serve as a companion to CEP’s report Foundations Respond to Crisis: Lasting Change?, explore the many changes that funders have made, across numerous aspects of their work, as well as how they made those changes and why. It is our hope that the stories collected here foster learning and inspire further action.

In addition, these funders’ stories of change are featured in a three-part series on the CEP blog, exploring themes manifest across many – or even all – of the stories shared. Read part one, highlighting how these funders have turned a greater focus toward systemic inequities and racial inequity, here.

We are grateful to these eight foundations for sharing their stories of change:

1. Walter & Elise Haas Fund
2. Health Forward Foundation
3. Lumina Foundation
4. Mary Black Foundation
5. Mortenson Family Foundation
6. Rose Community Foundation
7. Segal Family Foundation
8. Women’s Foundation of Minnesota