Embracing Community-Centric Fundraising
As a prominent funder and integral part of the LGBTQ+ movement, Stonewall is uniquely positioned to drive positive change and uplift marginalized voices within our communities. We acknowledge the invaluable role of our fund partners and donors in this journey. In this spirit, we extend an invitation to all our fund partners and supporters to consider the following:
Embrace the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF), which we’ll explain below
Consider giving to any of Stonewall’s discretionary funds like the Black Futures Fund, the Stay Gold Fund, the LGBTQ Youth Fund, and the Mx. Justin Vivian Bond Fund
Connect and schedule a conversation with our MGO Kazem Ghouchani and/or our Program team
Consider giving early in the year
By aligning our fundraising practices with the values of equity, empowerment, and collaboration, we can collectively strengthen our impact and support the diverse needs of LGBTQ+ individuals and organizations.
At its core, CCF departs from conventional fundraising practices by placing communities at the forefront of the process. It acknowledges that sustainable change can only be achieved by empowering communities themselves and fostering genuine partnerships between donors and organizations. By embracing CCF, we not only ensure that our fundraising efforts resonate authentically with the communities we strengthen, but also inspire hope for a future in which our collective impact is significantly amplified, sparking excitement for the possibilities ahead.
The principles of CCF guide us toward more inclusive and impactful fundraising strategies:
Equity: Addressing systemic inequities within the fundraising sector
Community leadership: Empowering communities to lead fundraising efforts
Long-term investment: Prioritizing sustained support and commitment
Authentic relationships: Fostering genuine connections between donors and communities
Transparency: Promoting accountability and clarity in fundraising practices
Power sharing: Equitably distributing decision-making power between donors and communities
Cultural competency: Acknowledging and respecting diverse cultural perspectives
Accessibility: Removing barriers to participation in fundraising efforts
Capacity building: Investing in the sustainability and resilience of community organizations
Celebration and joy: Recognizing the importance of positivity and resilience in fundraising endeavors
The State of Nonprofits 2023 report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy highlights that nonprofit organizations continue to grapple with issues of staff retention and burnout, underscoring the need for increased support and streamlined processes to alleviate administrative burdens. The report calls for fostering trust between funders and nonprofits, advocating for more flexible and long-term funding commitments to promote sustainability and organizational growth. Additionally, it stresses the importance of capacity-building initiatives to strengthen nonprofits' internal capabilities and adaptability. Overall, the report emphasizes the significance of collaborative partnerships and transparent communication between funders and nonprofits to address these challenges effectively and drive positive social change.
In this context, Community-Centric Fundraising emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a promising pathway forward. By prioritizing principles of transparency, authentic relationships, and long-term investment, CCF not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by nonprofits but also fosters a culture of trust and collaboration between funders and grantee partners. Through CCF, Stonewall and our fund partners have the opportunity to provide much-needed stability and support to LGBTQ+ organizations, enabling them to weather storms and thrive in the face of adversity.
One example of how Stonewall has been embracing the principles of CCF to address the challenges outlined in the State of Nonprofits 2023 report is through our approach to grantmaking. Here's how Stonewall has been implementing CCF principles:
Equity and transparency: At Stonewall, we ensure our grantmaking process is transparent, accessible, and seamless for our grantee partners, regardless of their size or resources. We have incorporated equitable practices in our process, making sure to prioritize trans, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities and grassroots organizations.
Community leadership and power sharing: At Stonewall, we recognize the expertise and leadership within LGBTQ+ communities. For example, through our Quarter Share Program, we actively involve community members in decision-making processes related to grant allocations, seeking input, voting, and feedback to ensure that funding priorities align with the community's needs.
Long-term investment and capacity building: Instead of providing short-term, project-based funding, Stonewall prioritizes sustained support for LGBTQ+ organizations. Stonewall offers multi-year grants that allow grantee partners to plan and implement programs effectively, fostering organizational stability and growth. Additionally, Stonewall provides capacity-building support, such as training and technical assistance, to help grantee partners strengthen their infrastructure and achieve long-term sustainability.
Authentic relationships and celebration: Stonewall fosters genuine connections with grantee partners, taking the time to understand their unique challenges, successes, and aspirations. We celebrate the achievements of LGBTQ+ organizations, recognizing their resilience and contributions to the community and movement.
By embracing these CCF principles in our grantmaking practices, Stonewall Community Foundation is not only addressing the challenges highlighted in the State of Nonprofits 2023 report but also empowering LGBTQ+ organizations to thrive and create positive change within their communities.
In light of the challenges highlighted in the State of Nonprofits 2023 report, there's a critical call to bolster support for nonprofit sustainability and alleviate administrative burdens. This underscores the significance of fostering trust, providing flexible funding commitments, and prioritizing capacity-building initiatives. We invite our fund partners and donors to join us in integrating the principles of Community-Centric Fundraising into our philanthropic efforts; consider giving to any of Stonewall’s discretionary funds like the Black Futures Fund, the Stay Gold Fund, the LGBTQ+ Youth Fund, and the Mx. Justin Vivian Bond Fund; schedule a conversation with our MGO Kazem Ghouchani and/or our Program team; and consider giving early in the year. Embracing the principles of CCF offers hope for collaborative partnerships and transparent communication between funders and nonprofits, steering us toward a future where LGBTQ+ organizations receive the stability and assistance needed to flourish amidst adversity.
References:
Community Centric Fundraising website.
Center for Effective Philanthropy. (2023). State of Nonprofits 2023: What Funders Need to Know. Retrieved from CEP's website.