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November 26.2025
3 Minutes Read

Philanthropic Advisors: Embrace the Role of Justice Agents to Transform Nonprofits

Two cats interacting on concrete surface.

Philanthropic Advisors as Catalysts for Change

Philanthropic advisors find themselves at a crucial crossroads, increasingly viewed as agents of justice amid a global backdrop of social and humanitarian crises. From the ongoing genocide in Sudan to the atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the call for accountability is louder than ever. With wealth often amassed through exploitative means, advisors have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to educate donors on the complex web of systemic injustices that underpin their giving.

Understanding Your Role in Philanthropy

The role of philanthropic advisors must transcend transactional relationships; they must engage in advocacy for the causes they support. This shift involves understanding equity deeply. Advisors must present a comprehensive understanding of social justice issues, historical narratives of wealth accumulation, and the complex realities faced by communities impacted by donor decisions. It’s essential that advisors recognize their potential influence in reshaping donor motivations from empathy-driven giving—rooted in personal narratives—to justice-oriented funding that fosters long-term systemic change.

Donor Education: Empowering For Impact

Education is a vital tool in equipping donors with knowledge. Philanthropic advisors should leverage their expertise to challenge donors to think critically about their contributions. By fostering relationships built on trust and respect, advisors can introduce donors to resources that deepen their understanding of the social issues at stake, ultimately encouraging them to invest in initiatives that promote equity and justice.

Breaking Out of Comfort Zones

Advisors need to push donors beyond comfort zones, tackling uncomfortable truths—like the implications of wealth, taxes, and reparations. This can lead to essential conversations around corporate accountability and engage them in advocating for policies that promote justice. The goal is to create a culture of giving that prioritizes social impact over personal connections. It’s vital to foster dialogue around contentious topics that often go unaddressed in the philanthropic field.

Aligning Advisors for Greater Good

Collaboration within the philanthropic advising space is essential. Those with a commitment to justice need to align their efforts to influence the sector positively. By connecting with like-minded peers, advisors can create a robust network that pushes for transformation in a field that often defaults to facilitation without advocacy. Working collectively, they can construct a new standard for what philanthropy looks like, rooted in principles of equity and justice.

The Broader Implication of Philanthropy

Philanthropy does not merely alleviate immediate needs; it can wield the power to drive systemic change. As illustrated in past movements, such as anti-apartheid efforts and contemporary climate justice campaigns, investments form a silent yet guiding hand that can dramatically reshape societal narratives. Philanthropy must shift to a model that aligns financial backing with values, demanding action that supports justice rather than perpetuates the status quo.

Answering the Call to Action

With the world facing multifaceted challenges, philanthropic advisors cannot maintain a posture of neutrality. They must embrace their role as advocates for justice, using their platforms and relationships to effectuate social change. The commitment to equity must permeate every layer of philanthropic practice, challenging both advisors and donors to leverage their resources in ways that heal rather than harm. Those in the nonprofit sector are summoned to take courageous actions, ensuring that all philanthropic efforts contribute meaningfully to creating a just and equitable society.

Supporting local organizations addressing these issues is essential. Engage with your elected officials, donate to humanitarian efforts, and educate your networks about the critical injustices affecting our global community. Now is the time to act!

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12.02.2025

How Alice Wong’s Lessons Can Transform Nonprofit Advocacy Practices

Update Honoring Alice Wong: A Trailblazer in Disability Advocacy In a world shaped by systemic injustice, Alice Wong stood out as a beacon of resilience and advocacy. Her recent passing on November 14, 2025, at the age of 51, leaves a void in the lives of many who were touched by her work, humor, and unyielding spirit. From founding the Disability Visibility Project to making significant contributions to disability policy at a national level, Alice was a force of nature whose legacy deserves to be celebrated and honored. A Shift in Perspectives: Embracing Wholeness Alice Wong's advocacy for the disabled community went beyond the typical confines of activism. She believed in treating marginalized individuals as complete, multilayered human beings—not just as victims of societal oppression but as vibrant individuals deserving of joy and complexity. This perspective is crucial for nonprofit organizations aiming to engage authentically with diverse communities. Reconsidering our views on professionalism is integral to fostering inclusive environments. As Alice noted, traditional definitions often exclude voices that don’t neatly fit into a narrow mold. Advocacy with Humor: The Power of Joy One of the lessons Alice imparted was the importance of finding joy in advocacy. Life as a disabled individual can sometimes feel heavier due to societal stigmas and prejudice, but Alice's life exemplified that joy and activism can coexist. Nonprofits must recognize that the fight for equity doesn’t preclude the celebration of our achievements. Joy is not merely an afterthought; it is an essential component of resistance. A Community of Care and Support As advocates, we often talk about empowerment, but Alice’s commitment extended into actionable support for others. She utilized her network, resources, and influence to elevate the voices of disabled individuals, ensuring that they not only felt seen but heard. Nonprofits can take heed of this model by adopting community-centered approaches that prioritize access and visibility for marginalized voices. How can organizations better support their communities in this manner? It’s a pressing question that deserves further contemplation. The Future of Disability Advocacy: Insights from Alice Looking ahead, Alice Wong’s legacy should inspire nonprofits to broaden their understanding of advocacy. This means not just addressing policies and access but also including the elements of community care and personal joy. As we continue the work that Alice championed, we must frame our future endeavors around the notion that advocacy is about creating spaces that welcome laughter, joy, and human experiences. Nonprofits must advocate for systemic changes while simultaneously fostering environments where social connection and joy are encouraged. Practical Steps for Nonprofits To honor Alice Wong's legacy, nonprofits can implement several actionable insights: Encourage Diverse Voices: Explicitly commit to amplifying the narratives of disabled individuals in your programs and outreach. Foster Joyful Spaces: Create environments where joy is integrated into the work culture, acknowledging that rest and celebration are vital. Support Community Care: Prioritize community-building initiatives that support mutual aid and long-term care. The loss of Alice Wong resonates deeply within the nonprofit sector. While we reflect on her contributions, we must also commit to carrying her lessons forward. It is essential to build a movement that celebrates diversity, accessibility, and the multifaceted joy of human existence. In Alice's reality, advocacy was not just a career; it was an art of living fully and unapologetically.
11.26.2025

Discover the Transformational Power of Hope for Nonprofits

Update A Bright Ray of Hope in Challenging Times As nonprofit organizations strive to make a difference in their communities, it’s crucial to celebrate progress amidst chaos. While the world often feels inundated with negative news, stories of triumph ignite hope and remind us that positive change is possible. From electoral victories to environmental advances, recent developments illuminate the unwavering spirit of humanity. The Ripple Effect of Social Movements Eleven months after a spate of electoral victories swept across the United States, the progressive impact of these elections sends ripples of hope through civil society. For example, the election of New York City’s first unapologetically progressive mayor, Zohran Mamdani, embodies the confluence of grassroots activism and institutional change. His victory demonstrates that when people mobilize for social movements, they can effect tangible changes. Similarly, social movements across the globe continue to illuminate paths for change. A recent youth uprising in Nepal saw Gen-Z activists overthrow a corrupt government, proving that the energy and resilience of younger generations can catalyze significant transformations. Parallel movements advocate for basic rights and dignities worldwide, sparking action in communities resonating with progressive values. Environmental Triumphs and Community Initiatives In an era when climate change dominates discussions, it's refreshing to spotlight achievements in sustainability. Costa Rica continues to lead by example, operating on almost 100% renewable energy. This nation invigorates a commitment to environmental stewardship, while Scotland’s wind power sector has created over 42,000 jobs and produced renewable energy far exceeding demands. In collaboration with environmental advocates, innovative community initiatives emerge like the one in Portland, which raised over 200K to assist individuals facing hunger and help cover SNAP benefit losses. Such grassroots movements foster a shared sense of responsibility, demonstrating that nonprofits can creatively address pressing social issues while inspiring local residents. Empowering Women’s Leadership Perhaps hope springs most vividly from the stories of women leading communities worldwide. Namibia's newly appointed women leaders, including the country’s president, showcase a collective political strength that can influence governance and social justice policies. By prioritizing women's voices in top government positions, Namibia sets an inspiring blueprint for gender equality. In Ireland, Catherine Connolly’s election as the progressive, pro-Palestian president similarly signals a shift toward leadership committed to addressing core social issues. As these stories spread, they empower women, invigorate future leaders, and create avenues for lasting change in various societies. Community Resilience in Challenging Times Current events unveil a narrative of resilience as communities determine collective directions amidst crises. In Chicago, a judge ruled that ICE agents may face arrest if they attempt to detain individuals simply accessing the court system. Such legal breakthroughs reflect the power of grassroots organizing to challenge unjust practices targeting marginalized populations. Moreover, the creative direct actions taken by communities resisting ICE raids—from employing symbolic whistle alerts to forming inter-organizational coalitions—speak volumes about the dynamism and courage of ordinary people working together. Organizations and nonprofits persist in innovating solutions, suggesting new paradigms of community engagement rooted in empathy and understanding. Lessons and Opportunities for Nonprofits In a landscape marked by turmoil, understanding and disseminating positivity is essential for nonprofits. Embracing the wealth of inspiring stories fosters hope in social justice work, empowering community members to believe in their capacity to enact change. By sharing risks and rewards through powerful narratives, nonprofits reinforce connections that make change sustainable and actionable. As nonprofits navigate their roles, they must leverage the momentum generated by recent victories to reinforce community resilience and uplift members’ voices. Operationalizing these insights can open the door to collaboration among various stakeholders, driving innovation in problem-solving and advocacy. Conclusion: A Call to Action For nonprofits, harnessing this wave of hope is vital. The world needs positive narratives to counteract despair, and these recent developments present crucial opportunities to forge new community pathways. As challenges persist, sharing uplifting stories and advocating for change reinforces fundamental principles of justice and solidarity. Join forces with others in your community, share inspiring moments, and remember: your activated voice matters. Let's advocate for positivity and progress together.
11.26.2025

How Nonprofits Can Promote Kindness While Fighting Fascism

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