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Begin New Search Topic Philanthropy Publishing Institution Aspen Institute

1. Meaningfully Connecting with Communities in Advocacy and Policy Work

Author:
Susanna Dilliplane and David Devlin-Foltz
Publication Date:
04-2019
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Aspen Institute
Abstract:
Commissioned by Fund for Shared Insight, this landscape scan explores whether and how US funders and nonprofits seek to meaningfully connect with the people and communities that their advocacy and policy work is intended to benefit. It employs an intentionally exploratory lens, without a predetermined definition of what “connecting” would look like in advocacy and policy contexts, nor presumptions about what might be needed to support connections. The research findings are intended to inform Shared Insight’s grantmaking strategy, and to contribute to the broader field’s understanding of what it means — and what it takes — to meaningfully connect with communities that are ultimately intended to benefit from advocacy and policy work. Shared Insight is a funder collaborative seeking to improve philanthropy by elevating the voices of those least heard.
Topic:
Advocacy, Community, Philanthropy, and Non-profits
Political Geography:
North America and United States of America

2. A More Inclusive Approach to Venture Capital: Action Steps for Venture Capitalists, Ecosystem Builders, and Philanthropies

Author:
Aspen Institute
Publication Date:
07-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Aspen Institute
Abstract:
On February 22, 2018, the Aspen Institute Center for Urban Innovation hosted “A More Inclusive Approach to Venture Capital,” a day-long convening of fund managers, angel investors, entrepreneurial support organization leaders, and philanthropic funders to discuss strategies to make venture capital more inclusive for people of color and for women. The convening included off-the-record conversations about how venture funds dedicated to supporting women and people of color can be smarter about measuring and bolstering their investment returns, and how the venture capital system can be more inclusive and accessible to a wide range of founders. Participants also met in small breakout groups to identify pressing next steps. The guide is a summary of what the breakout groups identified as priorities for specific actors in the venture ecosystem.
Topic:
Environment, Capitalism, Venture Capital, and Philanthropy
Political Geography:
Global Focus