Aubrey Merriman (He/Him/His)

Who is the boss? Board governance and serving at Black women-led organizations: I am so deeply proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the Transgender District in San Francisco. I am humbled and in awe of the leadership and work the District does in the Tenderloin, San Francisco broadly, and nationally in trans advocacy. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable lessons in healthy and grounded board governance that I have learned from my mentors, particularly Armilito J. Pangilinan, CPA, MBA. Guided by policy governance and generative models of running boards, I firmly believe in the transformative power of a healthy board in advancing a mission. As a board member, I place my trust in the wisdom and expertise of the co-executive directors. I have recently come across a toxic narrative that the board is the “boss” of the executive director. While I understand the basis of this conclusion, let’s not get it twisted: I am not anyone’s boss except for the place that pays me to supervise people. As a board, our collective vote guides the executive's actions, and we provide advice on performance, strategic planning, finances, and mission. But this is advice. The true boss is our policy, our collective vote, and the organization’s mission and vision. We are here to support and guide, not to dictate. It is critically important to examine power and assumptions about power, especially when, as with the District, we are working with Black women in executive roles. I am a volunteer; if I fail, I walk away without much impact on my person, but if we fail the executives, it impacts their livelihood, careers, and employees' well-being. They are the leaders of this organization.  Earlier, I mentioned feeling humbled, but Breonna McCree teaches me far more with her leadership than I provide. Alongside her co-executive, Carlo Gómez Arteaga, we learn together. They have an in-depth understanding of their employees, the organization, and their community. It is beneficial to view policy as the guiding force and to support our policy to be more equitable and effective. We, as a board and executive team, collaborate to hold our guiding force (our collective boss)  accountable, ensuring that our actions align with the organization's mission and vision. https://lnkd.in/gZw9U4GD

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This recent piece by FSG argues that foundations committed to systems change need to take an ecosystem approach guided by the principles of trust based philanthropy to inform strategy development, program implementation, and learning and evaluation. This reorientation takes funders from positioning themselves as central to positioning themselves as one component of an ecosystem. This results in, among other things: Strategy development moving from being developed internally to being co-created with ecosystem partners; Strategy implementation expanding beyond siloed grantmaking for organizations to support for collaboratives and community-led solutions; and Learning and evaluation expanding beyond grant-level outcomes and accountability with proscribed outcomes to co-developing systems level outcomes and learning. The authors provide helpful examples and frameworks for each stage of the strategy lifecycle. For those of you who fund in systems change, what resonates with you?

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The benefits of conducting feasibility studies run well beyond establishing the viability of your capital campaign. They have a special way of generating interest and excitement and of capturing important data. You never know what they will produce, but when correctly run, they almost always open unexpected doors. #nonprofitfundraising #nonprofitcapitalcampaign #capitalcampaign #capitalcampaignconsultant

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💡 If you work with non-profits, then it’s no secret that it's getting harder and harder for them to reach their fundraising objectives. As a foundation or fonds de dotation (French endowment fund) a simple way help is to provide multi-year funding.   👇This article from KV Philanthropy Consulting offers a few insights as multi-year vs one-off donations and what impacts they can have for both associations and foundations. Don’t hesitate to let me know what you think! (Vous trouvez également la version française via le lien ci-dessous) #Donation #Multiyear #foundation #fondsdedotation #nonprofit #charity #association #grantmaking #fundraising #philanthropy

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-Danville Public Schools Parent -Habitat for Humanity, Board Member -HeadStart CIC, Board Member -Danville Public Schools Volunteer -Served, Danville Public Schools Parent & Family Engagement Committee -Served, Renaming Committee- Danville Public Schools -KaZelle & Company Inc., Founder & Executive Director Today, I want share my vision for our school board and the future of our education system. As a candidate, I am committed to making a positive impact on our schools and ensuring the best possible educational experience for our students. First and foremost, I am dedicated to increasing parent and community involvement in our schools. It takes a village to raise a child, and I firmly believe that our community plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students. By fostering stronger relationships between parents, educators, and community members, we can create a collaborative and innovative environment that supports our children's growth and development. I will work tirelessly to create opportunities for parents to actively participate in their children's education, whether through volunteering, attending school events, or participating in decision-making processes, while also directly communicating the process how to get this done! As a candidate, I am committed to ensuring that our school board operates with the utmost transparency, making information accessible to all stakeholders. I believe that an informed community is an empowered community. By implementing clear communication channels, regular updates, and open forums, we can foster trust and engage our community in the decision-making processes that affect our schools. I will work diligently to enforce policies that promote accountability at all levels, holding ourselves, as well as our educators, to the highest standards of excellence. The well-being of our students is of utmost importance, and it is essential that we prioritize their mental health. I will advocate for increased resources and programs that address mental health issues, such as counseling services, awareness campaigns, and training for teachers and staff. By creating a supportive and nurturing environment, we can ensure that our students have the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. My focus is not just one, but all 3. In conclusion, I am running for the school board with a clear vision and a commitment to ACTION. By increasing parent and community involvement, promoting transparency and accountability, and supporting mental health initiatives, we can create a school system that prepares our students for a successful future. Together, let us build a stronger education system that provides every child with the opportunities they deserve. One thing I can promise you for sure; I WILL NOT LOSE MY VOICE supporting and advocating for our students AND our families! Thank you for your support and trust in my candidacy. THE VILLAGE STILL WORKS!

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Trust is a verb! People need to be in relationships to foster trust. Therefore, nonprofits need to give the public opportunities to engage with them -- Dr. Akilah Watkins Another great quote from Dr. Watkins: (paraphrased) We need to do a better job as a sector in telling our story...we want to avoid being here in perpetuity. We want to serve individuals today AND solve the systems' problems so individuals don't need our services. Independent Sector Exploring Trust in Nonprofits & Philanthropy webinar. Discussing their recent report on trust and our sector. #nonprofits #Trust https://lnkd.in/gKxfXxnm

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[NEW PODCAST] Trends in direct #fundraising: keeping it real with Erica Waasdorp Erica is President of A Direct Solution and a guru on direct fundraising and especially monthly giving for nonprofits and NGOs. I am on a journey to deepen my understanding of resource mobilization and fundraising - including public fundraising. Erica was the logical person to ask. ﹖How do I know whether my organization has a culture of philanthropy? What do I *see*, when such a culture is in place? (I've seen it lacking in some cases, which makes you wonder where those staff think their salary comes from) A pretty critical question for many social sector orgs that depend significantly on public engagement and fundraising from the broader public.   In this #NGOSoulAndStrategy podcast episode, the arc of my interview with Erica goes something like this: 🎤 How has the field of direct giving by small donors, and monthly giving as a donor practice in particular changed in the last 10-20 years? 🎤 There is much discussion about the need for a shift towards ethical storytelling, with local program participants in the driver's seat, and a focus on local persons' agency. The raison d'etre for this is clear. However, to what extent can we align this with what motivates small donors (at least in traditional fundraising 'markets') to give? And what about fundraising in new middle/high-income countries where public fundraising is growing? 🎤 Is child sponsorship on life support as a fundraising strategy - or not quite? 🎤 At a more practical level, what hurdles do nonprofits need to overcome in persuading donors to shift their practice to monthly giving? Erica, who also happens to be a 'Dutchie' (like myself) and who has lived in the United States for decades (like myself), is keeping it real in our interview! Listen in! Podcast Audio: https://lnkd.in/ebjV2ea3 Podcast Video: https://lnkd.in/esranCYQ   What does your experience with resource mobilization, especially direct public giving, tell you? PS: Misty McLaughlin, another specialist-extraordinaire on resource mobilization, Kim Goldsmith-N'Diaye and I will host two mini-masterclasses as well as two conference sessions on the role of team structures and team operating models in effective nonprofit/NGO fundraising performance at #IFC2024 (International Fundraising Congress, organized by the The Resource Alliance) in October of this year. DM us if you plan to attend and want to learn more about our sessions. #nonprofits #podcast #NGOPodcast #NGOInsights #PodcastInterview #NGOCulture #NonprofitManagement #PodcastDiscussion #NGOStrategies #5OaksConsulting #PodcastEpisode #resourcemobilization #nonprofit #fundraising

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Be A Love Warrior! Marginalized communities are more likely to experience poverty, lack of affordable housing, and discrimination in the housing market, pushing them into homelessness at higher rates. Addressing the root causes of racial disparities in homelessness requires that we embrace solutions that center Radical Love. The Supreme Court decision will lead to further stigmatization and violence on our unhoused neighbors. Embracing and protecting Radical Love is imperative. Be A Love Warrior! https://lnkd.in/gqCH4Kh4

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In this new piece in Nonprofit Quarterly, Ford's Ghada Abdel Tawab and Otto Saki, and Sally Roever of WIEGO - Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing explores the critical nexus of civic space and worker rights in the Global South. It's a must-read for anyone interested in philanthropy's role in supporting workers' movements to preserve and expand civic space. At the Ford Foundation, we believe in the power of collective action and the importance of protecting the rights of workers to organize and advocate for themselves and their communities. This article highlights the challenges faced by civil society organizations and labor movements in the Global South and how philanthropy can step up to fuel worker movements to drive positive change.

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This information is essential for our young Black kings. @Black Equality Coalition, we intentionally focus on mentoring and coaching in the elementary sector to take preventative measures that will ensure their success through middle and high school. #education #leadership #youthspeaker #teambuilding #mentoring #youthcoach #Community #schools #federalwayschools #Organizations

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Updates on program guidelines for Operations & Maintenance and PSH-OMS now available for review. This replaces Chapter 6 of the Handbook. https://lnkd.in/gD7ZVMYJ

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Ethics in nonprofit board governance are crucial for maintaining trust and integrity. Upholding transparency, accountability, and respect in our actions ensures we serve our community with the highest standards. Let's lead by example! #Nonprofit #Ethics #Integrity #Trust

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Does your company distribute grants? run employee engagement programs? do other social impact work? What about measuring, managing and tracking the effectiveness and impact of its CSR work? The Corporate Measurement & Evaluation Community of Practice is conducting a benchmarking survey to understand the state of M&E across the corporate landscape - who is doing it, how, why and what tools and approaches are being used. If you are directly responsible for measuring and reporting on the impact of your companies CSR work, or you have visibility into it, we'd like to hear from you! https://lnkd.in/gv9Deiwi Please note, We have taken special care in crafting the survey so that we aren’t repeating information that can be found elsewhere. This benchmarking will complement that done by ACCP and CECP.  The responses are 100% confidential and data will only be reported in aggregate.  More information on the Corporate Measurement & Evaluation (M&E) Community of Practice in comments.

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The July 17 ANA Nonprofit Organizations Committee meeting explored how to tap into the power of community with Turnkey’s Katrina VanHuss and the Armed Services YMCA National Headquarters' Dorene Ocamb. Community has systems and processes that #nonprofit organizations have not fully explored. What can a community do for a nonprofit? Community strength is measured by the volume of 1:1 interactions. Trust leads to action; action leads to revenue. When donors are friends with other donors, there is increased lifetime value (as much as 4X-5X) and they are resilient during economic uncertainty. What if we designed with the intent to foster community? Why haven’t we deployed “community?” Lack of understanding, silos, control, and annual goals. Community must be supported by the C-Suite and C-Suite leaders should look for opportunities to develop community. The brotherhood and sisterhood of military personnel is unmatched, but that same community did not exist among families. The Armed Services YMCA is there to ensure no military family is left behind. CDO Dorene Ocamb realized that the organization’s website and social media lacked authentic voices. She recruited military spouses, whose careers are challenged by deployments that strain resources and frequent moves, to provide the content. The initiative became the Military Spouse Writing Program. Community does not develop overnight, but with time, it is a force for growth for your organization and has the power to change lives.   In the nonprofit community, who is doing community right? Ocamb: Human Rights Campaign VanHuss: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Learn more about the ANA Nonprofit Organizations Committee and register for the next meeting on October 1 (available in-person at the ANA DC HQ or virtually): https://lnkd.in/ejb-cXeF Association of National Advertisers ANA Nonprofit Federation

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During Small Business Month, it's an excellent moment to contemplate integrating the WOSB certification into your portfolio. The Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification presents a chance to tap into government contracts, as annually, the government aims to allocate 5% of all contracts to Women-Owned Small Businesses, offering numerous opportunities to deserving small businesses like yours. This initiative aims to bolster female representation in the business sector and to furnish opportunities that may have been previously unavailable. If your business is majority-owned and operated by women (51%), you may qualify to access a portion of these funds. At Women's Business Council Southwest, we provide this certification. It can bring opportunities that you didn't know existed.

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Register for our next Bootcamp, "How to Find Grants the Untraditional Way." Tuesday, June 11, from 10:00 am - 10:30 am via Zoom. The topic will be Register in advance for this Raising More Money Nonprofit Bootcamp: https://lnkd.in/eN96RJ6m After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. In this upcoming session, you will learn: Innovative strategies for identifying grant opportunities beyond traditional sources Tips for leveraging community connections to uncover hidden grant prospects How to utilize online platforms to find grant opportunities Best practices for approaching non-conventional grant makers

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Another approach to consider when making donations is to allocate funds based on unit costs. For instance, if supporting a child's education, contributions can be directed towards specific components such as tuition fees, books, transportation, or meals. This method allows donors to tailor their support to individual needs or particular aspects of a project. By donating according to unit costs, donors can ensure their contributions directly impact the intended areas of assistance. #makingadifference #ngo #charity #education #donate #volunteer #help #india #love #support #covid #children #community #donation #change #socialwork #instagood #humanity #nonprofitorganization #fundraiser #sponsor #instagram #instadaily #instalike #bhfyp #viral #instastyle #reelsinstagram #lifechanging #mad2 Namit Naren Jain Gunjan Sachdev Ariana B M.B.S.Gopal Naidu (MBA,MCIPS) Amit Pasrija Bhavani Akundi Tarun Pasrija

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"Public trust is the currency of the nonprofit sector." Independent Sector "Trust is what makes it possible for us to partner with local communities to do the hard work of systemic change. Our trusted voices as advocates for our missions help drive policy change. Our trusted status makes us an essential partner to government and industry. Trust is vital in recruiting volunteers and in the sector’s work to bridge differences in a divided America. And, without trust, raising the resources we need to do our work becomes infinitely harder." Key findings from the Independent Sector's new report include: 1) After four years of decline, trust in nonprofits has rebounded by 5 points to 57%. 2) Trust in philanthropy remains steady at 33%, lower than trust in nonprofits. 3) Americans trust nonprofits to reduce national divisions more than they trust corporations, government, or media. 4) Americans have less trust in nonprofits to advocate for public policies and conduct nonpartisan voter engagement. 5) There are clear pathways for nonprofits to increase public trust in the sector. Please reach out to discuss how together we can increase public trust in your organization's mission-driven work. https://lnkd.in/d9--XQSz

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