Kendra Janelle Ross, PhD

Fascinating to learn in more detail about how participatory budgeting was combined with randomly sampled/stratified borough assemblies in NY. Sounds like a model that needs to be practiced more and awareness of it spread more widely. Community idea generation, borough civic lottery and vetting of ideas, voting, then funded implementation - very cool stuff. Read about it here: https://lnkd.in/gvHvKVzh

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The Lewis Prize for Music presents the Producing Well-Being Report, diving into the transformative intersection of Creative Youth Development (CYD) and Workforce Development. This report sheds light on the profound impact of music-based CYD programs in empowering youth who face marginalization to amplify their voices, hone artistic skills, and emerge as leaders in the 21st-century workforce. Through purposeful dialogues, peer knowledge exchange, and collaborative efforts, they uncovered insights that highlight the pivotal role of CYD organizations across the United States. These initiatives empower young individuals to navigate life's complexities, fostering a future where they lead self-determined lives and contribute meaningfully to society. 🌍🌟 🔍 Access the Report Here: https://lnkd.in/eMS9iuh9 From innovative frameworks to real-world case studies, the Producing Well-Being Report offers insights into the power of CYD and Workforce Development integrations: 🔹 Innovative Frameworks: Guiding stakeholders with CYD research and practical strategies. 🔹 Case Studies of Success: Showcasing impactful initiatives as blueprints for replication from the following participants: Beyond The Bars Inc (Philadelphia, PA), The David's Harp Foundation, Inc. (San Diego, CA), Hyde Square Task Force (Boston, MA), Memphis Music Initiative (Memphis, TN), and We Are Culture Creators (Detroit, MI) 🔹 Strategic Partnerships: Amplifying collective impact through key alliances. 🔹 Metrics for Measurement: Ensuring accountability & optimization of strategies. 🔹 Engagement and Collaboration: Inviting stakeholders from all sectors to contribute and share benefits. 🔹 Policy Recommendations: Advocating for CYD with actionable policy recommendations for systemic change. #Arts #Culture #CYD #WorkforceDevelopment #MusicEducation #YouthEmpowerment #SystemicChange #TheLewisPrizeForMusic #Philadelphia #SanDiego #Boston #Memphis #Detroit #YouthDevelopment #ArtsEducation #SocialImpact #Empowerment #Leadership #CommunityEngagement #Equity #Inclusion #FutureOfWork #YouthEmpowerment #MusicForChange #CreativeYouthDevelopment #WorkforceReadiness #PolicyChange #SystemicEquity #MusicForSocialChange #OpportunityForAll #TransformativeEducation

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It’s been such a privilege to help research, design, and release the latest report from Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity: The State of Black Business. This is a foundational report for our joint initiative between Third Way & National Urban League. We dove into publicly-available data from the Federal Reserve, US Census Bureau, and other various sources to focus on Black-owned employer businesses with at least two employees. And we took an expansive look at their attributes, performance, and challenges. The State of Black Business uncovers a dozen insights that illustrate significant disparities in access to capital, market opportunities, and resources. For example, we found that Black-owned businesses are: * Growing…Slowly: Seeing year-over-year growth but are still drastically underrepresented. * Small: 97% have less than 20 employees, and 3-in-4 have fewer than five employees. *Young: Likely to have been in existence under two years. *Flying under $100k: Taking in less revenue than other businesses. *Often Shut Out of Financing: Far more likely to experience pervasive barriers to accessing capital. *Infrequent Contract Recipients: Inadequately represented among government contract awardees. Report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e588SMwS It’s been wonderful working with Imani Augustus Rachel Evans Madeline Burke Stephanie DeVane Tara Murray Dennis G. Serrette on this vital research.

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The Children’s Equity Project and New America partnered together in this report to propose a new framework for #elementaryeducation that builds on, and is informed by, previous foundational efforts, centered on #children and the ways we know children learn, and disrupting well-documented, historically rooted, and contemporarily entrenched biases in learning systems. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/gPfZp2YC

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April celebrates Black Women History Month, and with it, the latest Nonprofit Quarterly publication—a detailed guide spotlighting the unique challenges faced by Black women leaders in the non-profit sector. Spanning over 100 pages, this publication courageously addresses the often-ignored realities: excessive scrutiny, extreme micromanagement, and a myriad of barriers that constrict our freedom to evolve, prosper, and lead authentically. Yet, this quarterly publication is more than a chronicle of adversity; it’s a manifesto of bravery, resilience, and metamorphosis. It affirms the indomitable spirit and transformative capacity of Black women. This publication goes beyond a simple report; it’s a declaration of our lasting presence, our entitlement to lead with dignity, and our position at the forefront of ushering in an era of leadership that truly prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. This approach enhances creativity, drives innovation, and generates positive outcomes both for our bottom line and the communities in which we come. I invite you to join this critical journey toward a future where Black women leaders are acknowledged, uplifted, and esteemed for their essential contributions. Together, we need environments that not only recognize our worth but also foster conditions under which we can drive non-profit organizations to unprecedented achievements. What’s your contribution?

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✨ #SRHR Alert: Want to fund abortion in the U.S. but have limited funds? Every time you stream or download the Broken Glass compilation from Goodwerks.... https://lnkd.in/ezvAp-ke ...50% of the proceeds will be donated to Keep Our Clinics to support independent clinics across the U.S. Did you know? → Independent community clinics provide the majority of abortion care in the U.S., but most people don’t know they exist, and they lack the name recognition and funding of larger institutions. → Abortion Care Network's Keep Our Clinics campaign is the first and only centralized public fundraising mechanism for independent abortion clinics. Support this campaign today! #IndiesProvide #Abortion #AbortionFunds #AbortionJustice #ReproductiveJustice

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Navigating the Grant Review Process: Key Insights and What Reviewers Look For PT.2 What Reviewers Look For 1. Relevance to the Call: Reviewers first check if the proposal aligns with the objectives and priorities of the funding call. Proposals must address the specific themes, questions, or challenges outlined by the funder. 2. Significance and Innovation: Proposals should demonstrate the significance of the project. Reviewers look for innovative approaches that offer new insights, solutions, or advancements in the field. A clear articulation of the project's potential impact is crucial. 3. Clear Objectives and Outcomes: Well-defined objectives and expected outcomes are essential. Reviewers favor proposals with specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives. The outcomes should contribute meaningfully to the field and have a broader societal impact. 4. Sound Methodology: A robust and feasible methodology is critical. Reviewers scrutinize the research design, data collection, and analysis methods to ensure they are appropriate and rigorous. Proposals should also address potential challenges and limitations, along with mitigation strategies. 5. Team Expertise and Capability: The qualifications and experience of the project team are pivotal. Reviewers assess whether the team has the necessary expertise and skills to successfully execute the project. Strong track records in relevant areas can significantly boost a proposal’s credibility. 6. Budget and Resources: The proposed budget must be realistic and well-justified. Reviewers examine whether the resources requested are adequate and reasonable for the project scope. Transparency and detailed justifications for each budget item are important. 7. Sustainability and Dissemination: Reviewers value proposals that plan for sustainability beyond the funding period. This includes strategies for maintaining project outcomes and further funding avenues. Additionally, a solid dissemination plan for sharing findings with the broader community is essential. Conclusion The grant review process is thorough and highly competitive. By understanding the stages of the review process and knowing what reviewers look for, applicants can enhance the quality of their proposals. This increases their chances of securing funding and advancing their research or project goals. Detailed preparation, a clear articulation of the project's significance, and a robust methodology are key components that reviewers prioritize, making them critical elements in a successful grant proposal. Jeremy Burwell Founder/CEO Kingdom Works Giving, Inc contact@kingdomworksgiving.org www.kingdomworksgiving.org #grantwriter #grantwriting #nonprofitconsulting

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As fundraisers and philanthropists, it's crucial to reflect on the evolving landscape of strategic philanthropy. The recent article from Stanford Social Innovation Review highlights how the well-intentioned strategies of the past have sometimes led to unintended consequences, such as reinforcing power imbalances and stifling grassroots initiatives. This calls for a rethinking of our approach to philanthropy. Instead of rigid, top-down strategies, we must embrace more flexible, community-driven models that empower local leaders and prioritize long-term impact over short-term metrics. Collaboration and listening to the communities we aim to serve are key to creating sustainable change. As someone deeply involved in fundraising and philanthropy, I believe it's our responsibility to champion these shifts. By fostering authentic partnerships and focusing on systemic solutions, we can ensure our efforts contribute to meaningful, lasting improvements. Read the full article https://lnkd.in/g2PFGbcj) to explore these insights further. #Philanthropy #Fundraising #SocialImpact #CommunityLeadership #StrategicPhilanthropy #Partnerships

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✨ Discover the Power of Storytelling for Innovation! ✨ On the first day of the Virginia Housing Alliance’s (Brian Koziol, Arley Bell) inaugural BIPOC Leadership Institute (BLI) cohort,  where I’m a co-facilitator along with Ebony Walden, we had the privilege of walking the historic streets of Jackson Ward in Richmond, VA, with a remarkable group of housing leaders (Justin Ferguson), as Gary Flowers a fifth-generation Jackson Ward resident shared powerful stories of this community, known as one of the Black Wall Streets of the South, and highlighted stories of vision, determination and resilience from leaders such as: 🌟 Maggie L. Walker: The first African American woman to charter a bank, breaking barriers and inspiring us to think beyond limitations. 🌟 William "Bojangles" Robinson: A philanthropist and entertainer who invested in the safety, education, and future of Black children, teaching us persistence in the face of challenges. 🌟 John Mitchell Jr.: The iconic editor of the Richmond Planet, using his words to inspire and influence the community towards advocacy and change. Their stories inspire and remind us of storytelling's profound impact on innovation. How can we use storytelling to inspire new ideas and grow as leaders?  Here are three ways in which I believe stories can influence innovation: 🚀 Inspiring Vision: Stories help us dream big and think creatively. 🚀 Learning from Challenges: Narratives of perseverance teach us resilience about overcoming challenges we will encounter. 🚀 Building Empathy: Shared experiences foster connection and collaboration. 🔗 Check out the full article, "A Lesson from Jackson Ward: How Our Stories Can Inspire Innovation", on Jordansydnor.com to explore how we can use storytelling to innovate and grow as leaders. Let's transform our communities by embracing the lessons from Jackson Ward. What stories from your past inspire your innovative thinking? Share in the comments below! 👇🏾 #Innovation #Leadership #Storytelling #JacksonWard #Inspiration #Community

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Everyone wants to live in a safe and vibrant neighborhood. Yet, too many neighborhoods have deteriorated to the point where neither of these baseline conditions are present. I'd like to live in a Chicago where every neighborhood has basic amenities that are walkable, where there are a variety of housing options with various price points, and where there is a virtuous cycle of business development. I don't think there is any debate on the statement above. However, reasonable people can disagree on how we get from where we are now to where we want to be. Article below, represents the thinking coming out of North Philly: 1. Support for Non-profit Acquisition of Real Estate 2. Support for Residential & Commercial Tenants 3. Support at the Intersection of Local Residents and Legacy Businesses I welcome a healthy debate on what to build and how to finance it. Please weigh in :)

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Day 3 of 15: highlighting lessons from Urban Institute's Youth Apprenticeship Intermediary project. How Labor Unions and Industry Associations Can Accelerate Youth Apprenticeship (https://lnkd.in/ehHBJwDV), by Zach Boren and Andrew Campbell, continues the series of resources featuring lessons for different types of key stakeholders in youth apprenticeship. Unions have a long and deep history in registered apprenticeship, while industry associations are newer to the model. But both can similarly sponsor national programs, develop apprenticeship standards and certifications, provide training, and convene employers. Youth apprentices in union-based apprenticeship programs have higher wages than those in nonunion apprenticeship programs. Both unions and industry associations are effective in keep up with the latest trends in the industry’s employment and training needs and work closely with numerous employers. They have several opportunities to expand youth apprenticeship: - Expand the talent pipeline by complementing their adult-oriented apprenticeships to youth as a way to systematically recruit, train, and mentor young workers for good jobs. - Leverage public interest in union jobs, using youth apprenticeships as an effective pathway into union membership for the next generation. - Expand into industries beyond construction. where the vast majority of union-based apprenticeship programs remain. Unions facing talent and membership shortages in their occupations can learn from their peers in the construction trades. -  Build partnerships to recruit young people. They can reach new populations by working with the education community and other youth serving organizations to build greater awareness, interest, and clear pathways into registered apprenticeship opportunities. - Lean into pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeship prep programs like the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum offered by North America's Building Trades Unions, as an effective way for youth to test their interest in apprenticeship and help them be prepared to succeed in an apprenticeship program.  

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this part, #MYGOD: "If we are to build a just and inclusive world, those with wealth and power must mitigate their need to appear smart and special, acknowledge that they don’t have the moral authority to set priorities, accept that their role is to ensure that the people and communities most affected by systemic injustice have the resources and autonomy to lead, give Multi-Year General Operating Dollars (MYGOD), and otherwise get out of the way."

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The Far Side of Fundraising Tip of the Week Clever words - be they in the form of a case for support, an appeal or a solicitation - cannot make up for a poorly conceived fundraising initiative. Like it or not, philanthropy is a marketplace. Some things have strong donor appeal, some very little. Strategic fundraising entails putting forward concepts that advance mission and resonate with philanthropic values. It is foolish to believe that donors will respond to whatever you want or need if you have charismatic fundraisers making compelling appeals. It's even more foolish to attempt to do so when you give fundraisers the wrong vehicle and less than clever words.

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Blessed to be in the movement of solidarity economy in Boston, East Cleveland, and NYC. This article is specific to our work in Boston but higlights how collective work and responsibility as well as community wealth building efforts are a cause and not a brand. Leaning into our collective experiences and competencies has birthed something special that honors legacy residents, our leaders past and present while thoughtfully engaging in system change work that aims to build more aligned institutions that are for us by us. "Black Bostonian communities citywide have more than just something to say for themselves: their economies are building institutions that prioritize asset-based community development and are creating the foundations for a local solidarity economy. In so doing, they draw on histories and energies that have grown and percolated from past and present efforts toward sustainable, people-based planning." thanks Nia K. Evans of Boston Ujima Project for your support and leadership and @NPQ for your much needed platform to share transformative efforts. #Boston #systemchange #narrativechange #grassroots #solidarity #transformative https://lnkd.in/gYeaK8yP

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Proud moments: last week's White House roundtable. I had the honor of participating in crucial discussions with administrative officials, LGBTQ investors, founders, entrepreneurs, and activists from across the venture capital and entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our goal? To shape policies that empower LGBTQ entrepreneurs and capital allocators in the venture capital economy. Three reflections came out of this experience: 1. Awareness is key. The administration has numerous programs to support LGBTQ entrepreneurs, but many remain underutilized due to lack of awareness. We must bridge this information gap. 2. Visibility is power. Being part of this roundtable reinforced the importance of creating visibility for LGBTQ investors and entrepreneurs. Our stories and experiences can drive meaningful change. 3. More work lies ahead. While progress has been made, there's still a pressing need for policies that offer the LGBTQ community the same level of support as other underrepresented groups. This "meeting of the minds" was a pivotal step towards a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.  By fostering stronger connections between the LGBTQ business community and policymakers, we're paving the way for new opportunities, increased access to capital, and a more vibrant, diverse venture capital ecosystem. As we move forward, I'm committed to amplifying our community's voice and working towards policies that ensure equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Together, we can build a future where innovation knows no boundaries.

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📊 Dive into the world of Nonprofit data visualization and unlock the power of compelling storytelling with Nvirse! 💡 Learn how to harness the potential of Nonprofit data visualization to make your stories impactful and meaningful. Discover the key steps to identify your audience, establish objectives, and select the right visualization techniques. Ready to revolutionize your communication strategy? Read the full article now and start telling compelling stories with data! 🔍 https://lnkd.in/gUAps4mm #Nonprofit #DataVisualization #Storytelling #ImpactfulCommunication #ReadNow

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WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!!! The Voter Empowerment Project (VEP) was set up to give people nonpartisan ways to help increase voter turnout by letting you use your existing skills to help really amazing, small POC led organizations that mobilize voters in low turnout areas. They need help with things like compiling key info from online searches and preparing it to be added to the website, or helping with social media posts, or doing basic data analysis, or creating graphics and videos for their outreach. We REALLY need volunteers with experience in: - fundraising/donor engagement - graphic design - writing and editing - research/googling info - web design - working with voter file data But anyone with ANY skills can have an impact! You can volunteer as much or as little as you can, based on your availability and interest, all from the comfort of your own home. Learn more and sign up here: https://lnkd.in/eExQPQUh PS here are what some volunteers as well as the leaders of the groups we help have to say about participating in VEP: WHAT VOLUNTEERS SAY: "I believe in VEP's philosophy that assisting community-based organizations is critical since they know best how to engage and act responsibly in their localities. It's often the small underfunded groups that get overlooked even though they are the most tuned into their communities' needs. That why I'm volunteering with VEP." X.R. (Atlanta, GA)   “I’m frustrated with the current state of politics and the threats to democracy. I’m a volunteer with VEP because it’s helping me turn my concern for democracy into action.” K.W. (Washington, DC) WHAT ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING VEP'S HELP SAY: “VEP has been a game-changer for us. VEP provided volunteers who could design our website, create videos to encourage people to vote, do social media marketing, phone banking, text banking, grant writing and creating our newsletter.” Rebeka Islam, Executive Director, APIAVote-MI "I was incredibly impressed by the professionalism of the VEP volunteers who were able to help us in our work.  VEP provided longer-term capacity building support - not just delivering on projects but also training our volunteers (and me) during that whole process.  It's an excellent model for creating pockets of strength that can then carry on themselves in the future." Reverend Joan VanBecelaere, former Executive Director, Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio   “We are a small grassroots organization with limited capacity, but VEP volunteers helped us "up our game” in 2020 to get out the New American and Latinx vote in Western CO!  Volunteers helped us with our website, developed social media tools for us, and with their support, we created the only Spanish language video in the state to help people in our community register to vote.” Karen Sherman Perez, Community Relations & Development Director, Hispanic Affairs Project of Western Colorado  

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