The Rundown - The Ties That Bind - April 14, 2023
As American Society becomes more polarized, there is an effort to find and reinforce the ties that bind philanthropy together.
We live in a world filled with diverse opinions, ideas, and beliefs on everything from the significant to the mundane. Philanthropy is no exception. Donors and philanthropic organizations may have different approaches, priorities, and strategies in their giving, and that is something the philanthropic profession recognizes. It is a true sense one of the hidden fundamental rights we enjoy in this country — the freedom to give.
In a thought-provoking article titled "We Disagree on Many Things, but We Speak with One Voice in Support of Philanthropic Pluralism," that you can find here, the authors highlight the importance of philanthropic pluralism and advocate for embracing diversity in philanthropic approaches.
The authors argue that philanthropic pluralism, the idea that multiple perspectives and approaches to philanthropy should coexist, is a fundamental principle of a healthy and vibrant civil society — and they are certainly correct. They acknowledge that philanthropy is not a monolithic entity, but a complex landscape with a wide range of actors, including foundations, individual donors, corporations, and nonprofits, each with their unique perspectives, strategies, and priorities. Embracing this diversity, the authors argue, fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptability, and ultimately leads to more effective and sustainable solutions to social problems.
One key argument presented in the article is that philanthropic pluralism encourages experimentation and risk-taking. Donors and organizations with different perspectives and approaches can try out different strategies and learn from both successes and failures. This experimentation can lead to the discovery of innovative approaches and solutions to social challenges. For example, some donors may focus on systemic change through policy advocacy, while others may prioritize grassroots community organizing or direct service provision. By allowing for diverse strategies, philanthropic pluralism promotes a healthy and dynamic philanthropic ecosystem that can adapt to changing social needs and contexts.
Furthermore, the authors emphasize that philanthropic pluralism promotes inclusivity and engagement. Donors with diverse perspectives and approaches can engage with different communities, cultures, and perspectives, and build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. This engagement can foster collaboration, partnership, and collective impact, as donors learn from and collaborate with different stakeholders. Inclusivity and engagement can also ensure that philanthropic efforts are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the communities they seek to serve, rather than imposing top-down solutions that seem all too good at chasing outputs, but rarely creating positive outcomes.
Another key argument made in the article is that philanthropic pluralism promotes accountability and transparency. With diverse perspectives and approaches, donors and grantees alike are held accountable by different stakeholders, partners, and the communities they serve. This accountability can foster responsible and ethical philanthropic practices, ensuring that donors are transparent in their decision-making, and open to feedback and learning. In addition, the authors argue that philanthropic pluralism promotes healthy competition, as donors with different approaches strive to demonstrate the effectiveness of their strategies and outcomes. This competition can drive excellence and innovation in the philanthropic sector.
However, it is important to acknowledge that philanthropic pluralism is not without challenges. The authors acknowledge that diverse perspectives may lead to differences in opinion, conflicts, and tensions. Donors and organizations may have different priorities, ideologies, and values, and finding common ground may be difficult. Moreover, some donors may have more resources and influence than others, which can create power imbalances in philanthropic decision-making. In addition, there may be concerns about the accountability and effectiveness of philanthropic efforts, as diverse strategies may vary in their impact and outcomes.
The authors put foward five foundational principles to help circumvent destructive disagreements. This principles are worth sharing:
We recognize and affirm the right and prerogative of foundations and philanthropists to take programmatic or public stances in accordance with their best judgment. And while it is appropriate for any donor to question or challenge another’s views, we should not question the underlying legitimacy of any foundation or philanthropist holding a particular view.
We behave as if the foundations and individual donors who take stances with which we disagree are also committed to the betterment of society. We assume that those involved in philanthropy have the best intentions, even if they take a different approach.
When we challenge another’s views or activities, we focus on substantive arguments and invite response. While disagreements may be profound — even fundamental — we believe that public debates should rely on reason and open conversation. We discourage practices such as personal or ad hominem attacks because we regard them as unhelpful to productively advancing knowledge within a pluralistic society.
We seek to approach disagreements with respect. Respect does not imply acceptance of a view or even commitment to a common resolution. It does recognize our common dignity. We take seriously the questions that some might raise about our perspectives, public positions, and programs. We believe critique of what we do is an opportunity for us all to learn.
We reject efforts by anyone to circumscribe or proscribe the programmatic prerogatives of donors or their foundations, so long as the exercise of those prerogatives conforms with the law.
In conclusion, philanthropic pluralism is a vital aspect of a healthy and vibrant civil society. Embracing diversity in philanthropic approaches encourages experimentation, inclusivity, engagement, accountability, and transparency. It fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptability, and promotes responsible and ethical philanthropic practices. While challenges may exist, philanthropic pluralism offers an opportunity for donors and organizations to work collaboratively.
The Weekly Notebook
A quick rundown of what I am seeing and hearing in the nonprofit world….
Now Hiring!
I have a nonprofit in Sidney, Ohio that has reached out to me looking for a new Executive Director. I can tell you that this a very strong organization that needs leadership that has strong entrepreneurial and staff management skills. If you have any interest, please drop me a line at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk!
Also, the local CASA/GAL agency in Troy, Ohio is looking for a new staff member as well. It’s a great agency with solid leadership. If you have interest, please let me know by sending an email to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and I will share what I know.
The Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving Miami and Shelby Counties in Ohio is looking to a hire a Community Development Director. This looks like a great posiiton for anyone interested in helping build communities and affordable housing. The position is located in the growing community of Troy, Ohio. You can look at the listing here. Applications are due April 15, 2023.
Another organization in Troy, Ohio is also hiring. Troy Main Street, which is the major downtown development non-profit in the community, is looking for their next Executive Director. You can learn more about the position from their website at www.troymainstreet.org and scroll down to the “jobs” tab.
What Can We Work on Together?
Did you know that Pinnacle Strategies works individually with nonprofit and public sector leaders to help them solve problems, achieve goals and gain confidence in their roles?
Why?
Because, this work is hard and it’s often a lonely road. Our nonprofit and public sector leaders need people that they can talk to to get solid advice and encouragement to do the work that is in front of them. If you feel that this can be of value to you, or a member of your team, please reach out to pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com and let’s talk.
Ready to Learn Something New?
One of the prettiest cities in the Midwest is Indianapolis and travelling there can open a perfect opportunity to sharpen your skills and meet new professionals in the field. I would encourage you to look at some of the offerings of The Fund Raising School at the Lilly School of Philanthropy at Indiana University’s campus in Indianapolis. The professional development school has great programming both on-line and in-person both in Indianapolis and at other sites across the country. Take a look at their course offerings here!
Online Learning Options from Texas A&M Announced
If travelling for professional development isn’t in the cards (or the budget), the Center for Nonprofits at Texas A&M University has some great offerings! I recently enrolled in one of their certificate programs and really enjoyed the online format and the online discussions that were developed. It was time and money well spent and I would highly recommend this program, especially for early or mid-career professionals. The next session begins in early February and you can learn more here!
Other Ways to Connect
Our coaching practice has openings and it has been a blast working with nonprofit leaders all across the country! If you are interested in working with me to get your nonprofit organization on a track to achieve the big missions you have, please reach out to me at pinnaclestrategiesltd@gmail.com.
Here are some other ways you can keep in contact with Pinnacle Strategies!
Check us out on our LinkedIn Page
Check us out on the Celebrating Leadership Facebook Page.
Want to help support this newsletter?
I hope you have found value in this newsletter. If you have found it valuable and want to help, the best thing you can do is “hit the heart”! By liking this post, you help other people interact with it. Also, sharing and commenting is very helpful as well. Thank you.