Neuro Challenge Foundation’s Post

From The Prompt's newsletter: How Retailer Neiman Marcus is Leveraging Creativity & Experience to Drive Innovation: Neiman Marcus is no stranger to extravagant and unique gifts, and their 2018 Christmas Book is no exception. From a walk-on role with the American Ballet Theater to starring in a Disney animated film, the luxury retailer offers something for everyone with deep pockets. But beyond the lavishness of these gifts, what truly sets Neiman Marcus apart is their commitment to giving back. Each of these "fantasy gifts" incorporates a charitable component, with proceeds going to organizations such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. This highlights the importance of creativity and experience in the retail industry, and how companies can drive innovation while also making a positive impact on the world. By leveraging their resources and thinking outside the box, Neiman Marcus continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of luxury retail. #creativity, experience & innovation,

Fantastic article in Oregon Artswatch about #instaballet's growth and sources of funding support within the broader context of how grants and foundation funds are critical at key moments of growth for nonprofits. Check it out!

The ballet of M&E and M-O-N-E-Y: using M&E in your program’s donor relations   Most social impact initiatives rely heavily on donations and grants to sustain their activities. To attract and sustain donor support, program leaders need to demonstrate results.   Enter monitoring and evaluation (M&E), the underappreciated hero of securing donor support.   How about a theatrical metaphor to represent the interplay between funding and M&E?   Imagine yourself on stage, ready to present your social impact program to an eager audience of current and potential donors.   As you weave the narrative of your endeavours, from needs assessment to activities and outcomes, M&E acts as the silent partner, providing insights and invaluable evidence that bolster the credibility of your program’s efficacy and instil confidence in its efforts.   With robust M&E data, you’re presenting tangible evidence of your program’s impact. This is what donors seek – assurance that their contributions are making, and would make, a difference.   Like an audience craving a powerful performance, donors desire results. They want to see the fruit of their generosity reflected in credible and compelling storytelling.   But beyond showcasing outcomes, M&E can also help engage donors in a narrative larger than themselves. By demonstrating the transformative ripple effect of their contributions, you turn donors into inspired patrons of your cause, committed to supporting your endeavours.   So, the next time you are preparing to raise funds for your social impact program or otherwise engage with donors, remember: M&E isn't just a backstage player. It’s the architect of your program’s narrative, the orchestrator of confidence, and a key catalyst for impact – all of which are key factors in donor relations.   [Drawn from the blog article: Shejavali, K. (2023, August 1). The dance between M&E and M-O-N-E-Y: using M&E in your program’s donor relations. Blog article. RM3 Consulting. Available at: https://lnkd.in/eH3dgwzG (accessed: 4 April 2024).]   #monitoringandevaluation #internationaldevelopment #nonprofit #rm3

We know that when expensive stamps are described for auction, an important part of the description is the provenance, and it not only helps aid the buyer, but adds value and confidence that the item is what is represented. So, Why Can’t Every Stamp have Provenance? This document takes you through the basics of provenance through how to us StampAuctionNetwork's Live Auction Provenance Viewer. Ask any questions you might have in the comments. They benefit every reader! Here's the link to download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/eBTWG8wQ #provenance #philately #philatelycollection #philatelists #philatelist #philatelycollectors #philatelie #stampcollecting #topicalphilately #stampcollecting #stampauctionnetwork #stampauction #stampstellhistory

We know that when expensive stamps are described for auction, an important part of the description is the provenance, and it not only helps aid the buyer, but adds value and confidence that the item is what is represented. So, Why Can’t Every Stamp have Provenance? This document takes you through the basics of provenance through how to us StampAuctionNetwork's Live Auction Provenance Viewer. Ask any questions you might have in the comments. They benefit every reader! Here's the link to download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/eBTWG8wQ #provenance #philately #philatelycollection #philatelists #philatelist #philatelycollectors #philatelie #stampcollecting #topicalphilately #stampcollecting #stampauctionnetwork #stampauction #stampstellhistory

We know that when expensive stamps are described for auction, an important part of the description is the provenance, and it not only helps aid the buyer, but adds value and confidence that the item is what is represented. So, Why Can’t Every Stamp have Provenance? This document takes you through the basics of provenance through how to us StampAuctionNetwork's Live Auction Provenance Viewer. Ask any questions you might have in the comments. They benefit every reader! Here's the link to download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/eBTWG8wQ #provenance #philately #philatelycollection #philatelists #philatelist #philatelycollectors #philatelie #stampcollecting #topicalphilately #stampcollecting #stampauctionnetwork #stampauction #stampstellhistory

We know that when expensive stamps are described for auction, an important part of the description is the provenance, and it not only helps aid the buyer, but adds value and confidence that the item is what is represented. So, Why Can’t Every Stamp have Provenance? This document takes you through the basics of provenance through how to us StampAuctionNetwork's Live Auction Provenance Viewer. Ask any questions you might have in the comments. They benefit every reader! Here's the link to download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/eBTWG8wQ #provenance #philately #philatelycollection #philatelists #philatelist #philatelycollectors #philatelie #stampcollecting #topicalphilately #stampcollecting #stampauctionnetwork #stampauction #stampstellhistory

We know that when expensive stamps are described for auction, an important part of the description is the provenance, and it not only helps aid the buyer, but adds value and confidence that the item is what is represented. So, Why Can’t Every Stamp have Provenance? This document takes you through the basics of provenance through how to us StampAuctionNetwork's Live Auction Provenance Viewer. Ask any questions you might have in the comments. They benefit every reader! Here's the link to download the white paper: https://lnkd.in/eBTWG8wQ #provenance #philately #philatelycollection #philatelists #philatelist #philatelycollectors #philatelie #stampcollecting #topicalphilately #stampcollecting #stampauctionnetwork #stampauction #stampstellhistory

Deeply value this conversation from an advisor who is himself connected to the arts community, and journalism from a nonprofit publication ( The Local )! Great giving, planning and community insight here. As we keep reading in mainstream media, arts organizations are in crisis right now https://lnkd.in/djspc5MY

What if I told you that you could invest $1 and get back $21? Don't worry, I'm not pitching you a fund, but what I am saying is that investment in our #artsandculture sector has a massive, and well documented, benefit on our society. I think too often we focus just on how art feeds our souls and not how it also enriches our economy and other industries. Artists drive growth in hospitality and tourism, and also are too often the victims of the #gentrification that comes as a byproduct of the "cool" factor the arts provide. But, if the #arts generate $21 for every $1 invested... where is that money going and why are the artists the last ones to usually see the pennies of those generated dollars? Or worse yet, sold the myth of the "noble" starving artist? Arts and culture is in crisis right now, and government grants that have been such a driver of the sector for a while are at historic lows. Simply put, something has to be done, and it's going to take a village. For those of us for whom arts and culture are a core part of our #philanthropy there's a few things we can do right now: 1. Consider #strategic philanthropy to increase our donated dollars. Strategies like "in-kind" donations, corporate donations, legacy gifts via #wills and #lifeinsurance, all of these are things we should investigate with our advisors. You're probably going to be meeting with them anyways to discuss the #federalbudget2024... perhaps this topic should be on the agenda? 2. Listen to artists and consider how trust-based philanthropy fits into our giving plan. Challenge your boards to focus on pay equity for artists and pay artists what they're worth. 3. Look into providing physical spaces for artists to create. While you may not be in a position to create a Community Land Trust, look out for spaces like B-Street Studios by TAPA - Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts, The Bridge by Bygone Theatre that are committed to providing affordable space for creation. 4. Reach out to your local community foundations, as their mandates are often to uplift grass-roots and community organizations - of whom artists are often members. Toronto Foundation is the one in my backyard (and to whom I am a supporter and fundholder myself) in case you're a Torontonian. #arts #charity #givingback #economics #theatre #filmandtv