Community Foundation Business Model Disruption in the 21st Century

For the past several years, a debate has simmered in the community foundation field about the future of the community foundation business model. Some leaders in the field have said that the model is “broken” while others feel comfortable about the future of their organizations. In 2014, at the behest of the Council on Foundations and a group of leading foundations, the Monitor Institute looked at the issue and posited a third alternative: Perhaps there really was no single business model that described the wide range of community foundations and what they do for their communities.

Spotlight

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.

OTHER ARTICLES
Nonprofit Management

Helpful Resources for Nonprofit and Social Enterprises During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Article | July 15, 2022

As the country adapts to the unique circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic, nonprofits are being faced with new challenges as they continue their important work. Fortunately, there are hundreds of emergency relief funds at the global, national, and local levels, offering individual and organizational funding for basic needs, direct services, and other immediate concerns. Since Voqal cannot offer emergency funds for direct services like other funders and partners, we thought we would share a compilation of resources where organizations can find these dollars. A special thank you goes out to Voqal’s grants and fellowships program manager, Mary Coleman, for putting this list together.

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Nonprofit Management

The Money Redirect That’s Coming for Donor Wallets

Article | July 20, 2022

I speak to countless people in the nonprofit sector during the year, including many wealthy major gift donors. Throughout my time working with nonprofits, I often get asked and tell others what I see on the horizon. Recently, I wrote about a nonprofit crash that’s on the way. What's next? I see a big governmental money redirect. It’s no secret that zombie philanthropy took root in the sector. According to the National Philanthropic Trust’s "2020 Donor-Advised Fund Report," these funds, also known as DAFs, have approximately $140 billion under management by money managers at institutions such as Fidelity Charitable Trust, Schwab Charitable and Vanguard Charitable. Because these organizations are set up as 501(c)(3) organizations, donors receive immediate tax deductions.

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Nonprofit Management

What Your Non-profit Should Know About Accepting Cryptocurrency Donations?

Article | July 28, 2022

Unless you've been living under a rock, you're undoubtedly aware that cryptocurrency is now trending. That doesn't imply you understand everything about it and how it pertains to your non-profit. After all, that's why you're here. But chances are, your curiosity has been stirred. There are several questions around cryptocurrencies, which we will address. But, before we get into the specifics, consider why it's important. Why Your Non-profit Should Accept Cryptocurrency? The rising popularity of bitcoin makes it an appealing payment option for charitable contributions. Because it is a digital money, it is simple to collect online donations. Accepting bitcoin is a reasonable next step after online donating has risen in recent years. Furthermore, it looks that bitcoin users are a charitable lot. According to Fidelity Charitable, 45% of bitcoin owners will have contributed $1000 or more in 2020, compared to 33% of traditional investors. Accepting cryptocurrency may appeal to younger contributors because it is popular among Millennials. One in every three Millennials owns cryptocurrencies, which is more than double the typical investor's rate. Millennials are notably kind and charitable, maybe because they entered adulthood during the Great Recession. Risks and Considerations to Accepting Cryptocurrency: While block chain and encryption make cryptocurrencies harder to hack or forge, this does not mean they are risk-free. Most cryptocurrencies, for example, are stored in digital wallets that need a key and password to access the assets. However, hackers may attack digital wallets. In the worst-case scenario, owners may misplace the key and passwords required to access the funds. When bitcoin is lost, it is gone forever. It is anticipated that $4 million in Bitcoin may be lost. On the dark web,cryptocurrency is also utilized for transactions. The anonymity of cryptocurrencies and the obscuring of transaction data appeals to individuals with less than noble intents. Furthermore, the IRS considers cryptocurrencies to be property and taxes it accordingly. Depending on the circumstances, it may also be deemed capital gains. Is Cryptocurrency Right for Your Non-profit? While accepting cryptocurrencies for donations has advantages, such as attracting new contributors, it also has drawbacks. Whatever you pick, it appears that we are entering a wild new world of digital cash.

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Nonprofit Management

The Advocacy versus the Activist Functions of Non-profits

Article | July 15, 2022

Advocacy vs. Activist Roles: Non-profits all over the world are typically divided into those that engage in grassroots activism, those that advocate ideological positions, and those that combine the two to work for the betterment of society. This means that many non-profits, such as the Red Cross and Oxfam, are both activist and advocacy organizations, whereas others, such as the World Watch Institute and the Club of Rome, are primarily advocacy organizations. Furthermore, many non-profit organizations, such as Greenpeace and the World Wildlife Fund, are primarily activist in nature. The key point to remember here is that no non-profit can exist solely through activism or advocacy and thus must combine both functions to gain legitimacy and credibility. In other words, non-profits must strike a balance between activism and advocacy in order to achieve their social welfare and public good objectives. Of course, there are many non-profits in the United States that primarily function as advocacy groups with a presence only in the country because politics in the United States is driven by lobbying and special interest advocacy, which means that liberals must fund non-profits that advocate for their ideologies. Grassroots Activism, Interventions, and Crisis Management: When it comes to grassroots activism, non-profits must not only have the necessary ideology but also a deep commitment as well as the willingness to endure odds and overcome obstacles. This is because grassroots activism usually entails non-profits confronting the might of the state in areas where they must question the state's practices and point out gaps and anomalies in the implementation of the government's social schemes and welfare policies. Furthermore, grassroots activism necessitates intervention and crisis management by non-profits, which frequently puts them in conflict with vested interests who do not want interference from those they perceive to be unwanted attention and spotlight focusers on their nefarious activities. This is why many non-profits stop at the beginning of their activism and do not move on to interventions and crisis management. This is also why many non-profits collaborate with law enforcement and government agencies so that any interventions and crisis management can be carried out in tandem with the government rather than the non-profits taking on the role that the government must. Of course, this is easier said than done because, in many cases, non-profits discover that governmental agencies have abdicated their responsibilities, forcing them to intervene and correct the problems on the ground.

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Spotlight

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is a global organisation dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We lead international action to protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people. We deliver life-saving assistance, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place called home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.

Related News

Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

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Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

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Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

Read More

Nonprofit Management, Financial Management

U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union Demonstrates Commitment to Community with $65,000 in Charitable Contributions

PR Newswire | January 03, 2024

Recognizing the escalating demands faced by community nonprofits, the U.S. Senate Federal Credit Union (USSFCU) in Alexandria, Virginia, proudly announces its recent distribution of $65,000 to seven deserving nonprofits. These funds are poised to amplify the significant impact these organizations have both locally in the metropolitan Washington region and on a broader national scale. USSFCU President and CEO, Timothy L. Anderson, emphasized the credit union's longstanding commitment to community welfare, stating, "Giving back to the communities in which we live and work has always been integral to our mission. Through these donations, we aim to express our gratitude to these organizations for their tireless efforts in strengthening our communities." The donations, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, have been strategically allocated to support regional food pantries, shelters, and disaster relief programs. Each beneficiary was carefully chosen by USSFCU's leadership team, reflecting a deep connection to the hearts and minds of credit union staff. The initiative commenced in mid-December, as Anderson and a select group of USSFCU representatives embarked on a series of check presentations at local locations. During these visits, they gained insights into the impactful work undertaken by each organization and presented them with a symbolic check. Beneficiary organizations and their respective donations include Capital Area Food Bank - $20,000 SOME (So Others Might Eat) - $10,000 Mattie Miracle Cancer Foundation - $10,000 ALIVE! (Alexandria) - $5,000 Carpenter's Shelter - $5,000 American Red Cross – $15,000 In addition to the monetary contributions, USSFCU actively engaged in hosting holiday donation drives, collecting toys, food, and winter essentials for the mentioned organizations. USSFCU members and staff were encouraged to participate by bringing their donations to the Credit Union's Bowman Branch location. The collected items will be delivered to the respective beneficiaries in the coming weeks, further reinforcing USSFCU's commitment to community support and well-being.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Planet Financial Group Partners with National Forest Foundation

PR Newswire | August 28, 2023

Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests. "Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet." Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management. As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively. "Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests." "We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests." About the National Forest Foundation The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org. About Planet Financial Group, LLC Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

Read More

Social Movements and Community, Philanthropy

Community Access Receives Grant from Affinity Legacy to Support Vital Mental Health Program

PR Newswire | August 22, 2023

Community Access, a New York City-based mental health nonprofit, received a grant from Affinity Legacy to support the organization's East Village Access (EVA) program. This long-running psychiatric rehabilitation and treatment program in the East Village supports adults in their recovery and life goal-setting using a PROS model (Personalized Recovery Oriented Services). EVA is a critical mental health program with an open-door policy: all are welcome, and EVA does not exclude participants based on insurance coverage or lack thereof. Many participants are un-housed, all live with psychosocial disabilities, and most have minimal treatment options because they often struggle with both substance use and mental health concerns. Participants from all five boroughs access EVA, but over the past two years, many come from zip codes hardest hit by COVID-19 in neighborhoods with poor mental health and treatment options and severe food insecurity. "Thanks to Affinity Legacy's grant, we're going to be able to continue to bring rehabilitation and support services to people no matter what their financial or insurance situation may be. By welcoming all, EVA ensures that no community members are left out and EVA's vital services are available to all who need them," said Cal Hedigan, Chief Executive Officer of Community Access. "Affinity Legacy is proud to partner with Community Access to provide meaningful, accessible mental health and addiction recovery services to those most vulnerable. The work of East Village Access is critical to building a strong community and is aligned with the values Affinity Legacy holds most dear: Fostering sustainable, quality health care for all," said Clara Hansen, Executive Director of Affinity Legacy. About Community Access Founded in 1974, Community Access is a provider of supportive housing and support services in New York City for people living with mental health concerns. Rooted in the simple truth that people are experts in their own lives, Community Access expands opportunities for people living with mental health concerns to recover from trauma and discrimination through affordable housing, training, advocacy, and healing-focused services. Community Access provides person-centered services that help people pursue goals that are important to them – from gaining access to an affordable home, to learning new skills; from re-establishing community ties, to setting goals for the future. About Affinity Legacy, Inc. Affinity Legacy, Inc., is a Bronx based non-for-profit dedicated to building a lasting legacy of access to care that improves the health and well-being of the neediest New Yorkers. Guided by the near forty years of work of its predecessor organization, Affinity Health Plan, Affinity Legacy focuses on five pillars critical to strong communities: mental health, food security, incarcerated individuals and consumer health education / workforce advancement. Affinity Legacy supports community based programs in the five boroughs of New York City, as well as Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, and Westchester Counties.

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