UK Family Foundations: Navigating Complexity with Smarter Systems

How do we help today’s stuck systems become unstuck? Our CEO Anna Powell joined 10 other systems change leaders from across the globe to tackle this urgent question—drawing on learnings from over 1,000 collectives across six countries. Together, in the piece published via Collective Change Lab, they issue a powerful invitation to funders, policymakers, and institutional leaders: If you hold power within systems, we’re asking you to help unstick them. Read the full co-authored piece, “How do we help today’s stuck systems become unstuck?”: https://lnkd.in/gg8jadr7 We’re excited to share that a group of experienced funders in Australia are now stepping more fully into their work to contribute to transformational systems change. With support from Woor-Dungin, Mark Cabaj, and our CFI team, this group is turning collective insights and learning into impactful action research. Their efforts will shape the Australian Funders Practice and Learning Framework for Community-led Systems Change – a practical articulation of the conditions, practices and roles that enable funders to support deep, lasting change. The initial framework will be shared at ChangeFest 25, sparking conversation and generating insights with the broader movement for community-led change. The group also sees this as an important contribution to the philanthropic sector—providing a foundation for funders to strengthen accountability to community-led systems change. 

Systems change and community based collaboration define and envelop so much of my work - community development, housing, mental health, healthy child development, play, planning, education, substance use - all sectors, upstream and downstream. When I find (take) time to allow all my learning to sink in, it is increasingly clear that we need to think and work in deconstructed ways, intentionally connecting upstream interventions with downstream outcomes. Awareness of the positive impact of early interventions (think adverse childhood experiences and social determinants of health), knowing the actual value in upstream investments and connecting this to the unsustainable downstream, often reactive investments in community needs is how we need to work. Thank you Collaboration for Impact for capturing the systems change role. AND thank you for all the learning about trust and relationship being at the centre of this work. There is so much good learning and connecting to do when we all strengthen this approach. This is a huge nod to the knowledge holders and leaders who share their work. Elaine Alec, Naqsmist Storytellers Inc Tatiana Fraser, The Systems Sanctuary

📊 The results of our VCSE Needs Survey are now in. Read the report 👉 https://lnkd.in/evrtJ3v4 At Northamptonshire Community Foundation, we gather insights from local voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to better understand sector needs, emerging challenges and opportunities. These findings play a crucial role in shaping our grant-making, strengthening donor partnerships, and informing how we can most effectively support communities across Northamptonshire. We’re grateful to every organisation that contributed their time and insight. Thank you for helping us build a clearer picture of the sector’s needs. #VCSE #CommunityFunding #Impact #Northamptonshire

⭐ Purpose is your north star ⭐ In the non profit world, purpose is more than a vision statement. It is the anchor that keeps you steady when funders shift priorities, policies change, or crises erupt. Yet many organisations struggle with mission drift. This happens when the pressure to secure funding pulls you into projects that are not aligned with your core purpose. It is often unintentional. You tell yourself it is “just this once” or that the money will “help us survive.” But over time, the organisation loses its sense of direction, and staff, donors, and communities start to feel the disconnect. In today’s volatile funding space, being crystal clear about your purpose is what helps you say yes with conviction and no with confidence. It reminds you who you are serving and why. 💡 The truth: funding opportunities will come and go, but purpose is what sustains trust, focus, and long term impact. How does your organisation keep its north star visible when the funding environment feels uncertain?

Today, organisations across the globe are wrestling with challenges such as talent shortages, skill gaps, and shifting marketplace demands. The solution often lies in forming effective partnerships among businesses, organisations, and philanthropic funders, who can unite to create pathways that enhance job access and foster career progression. In this article, we’ll explore the pivotal role of funders in forging these partnerships, offer insights into strategic approaches, and outline how these collaborative efforts can lead to sustained workforce growth. Read more - https://lnkd.in/gf8jU2R7

As someone deeply engaged in building partnerships at Generation India, I see every day how funders are playing a catalytic role in bridging the gaps in the skilling ecosystem in India. This article highlights why collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and philanthropic partners is not just important—but essential—for creating sustainable workforce opportunities. We’re especially grateful to our funders - they have not just ensured continued support but have been highly strategic in the way they have backed Generation India’s mission—not only enabling direct impact for learners but also supporting us in strengthening the wider skilling ecosystem. Together, with their support, we’ve also been able to foster impactful public–private partnerships—where government, employers, and philanthropy align—to create solutions that are scalable, sustainable, and inclusive.

Our annual video premiered at Report to the Community and this year, it looks a little different. In past focus groups, we often heard: “We don’t really know what you do.” That told us we needed to show - not just tell - what United Way of Summit & Medina is all about. So instead of client stories, which we will always share, we focused on our staff and the many moving parts that make our legacy organization what it is: → 211 working around the clock - literally open 24/7 → Our Family Resource Center staff onsite at 5 APS locations   → Multiple departments working together → Delivering support directly to someone in need → And so much more It’s more than recognition for the heartbeat of UWSM, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at how all the pieces come together to create life-changing impact: → Connecting people to the resources they need → Helping families in crisis and uplift those working hard to thrive → Working with partners to expand our reach → Driving a 6:1 ROI on community investment So, what do we do? The answer is: A whole lot - and every part matters. "The heartbeat of United Way of Summit & Medina, the people who turn the generosity of our donors into tangible community impact: Our United Way staff."

Stronger donor relationships lead to stronger communities. By increasing engagement and proactively communicating about investment programs, foundations can build trust, ease concerns before they become pain points and better manage donor expectations. One powerful step: establish a formal communication plan for significant market events. Donors will feel informed, supported and confident in their partnership. My colleagues Kathryn Mawer, CFA, CAIA and Sarah Wessling share 3 practical strategies to deepen donor connections and strengthen future contributions: https://lnkd.in/eAGHevGA

🌊 "A rising tide lifts all boats" - and that's exactly what we need in today's challenging climate for nonprofits. I've been working with mission-driven organizations for many years and I've never seen a more critical time for nonprofits to adapt their approach to DEIB work while staying true to their values and tracking the current headwinds they face. That's why I created this resource: "10 Truths for those who rely on federal funding" 📋 Inside, you'll discover: ✅ How to reframe DEI language while preserving your mission ✅ Strategies for diversifying funding sources ✅ Building coalitions that provide strength and clarity ✅ Keeping the heart of inclusion work alive, even when policies shift This isn't about surrender - it's about adaptability, creativity, and deep alignment with purpose. Download your free guide: https://lnkd.in/eNjRYfSE #NonprofitLeadership #DEIB #InclusionMatters #MissionDriven #NonprofitConsulting