philanthropy | SCI Social Capital Inc.

A Super Message the Patriots Send

Submitted by David on Sat, 02/04/2012 - 8:43am

Everybody wants to tie their brand into the Super Bowl. I felt some obligation to think of a social capital angle we could bring to the big game. But clearly another Facebook or Twitter query, "So what or your plans for the game?" was not very interesting. I was inclined to pass on trying to articulate a connection between the SCI mission and the Super Bowl.Read more

Ford Foundation's Ubinas on Measurement and Social Change

Submitted by David on Fri, 11/20/2009 - 9:01am

Last night I had the chance to hear Luis Ubinas, President of the Ford Foundation, speak on "Pathways to Lasting Social Change" as part of the Brandeis Heller School 50th Anniversary Speaker Series. The format was conversational, with Mr. Ubinas being interviewed by Professor Andy Hahn. This allowed for an interesting exchange on a wide range of topics related to philanthropy, social change and Ubinas' vision for the Ford Foundation.

Mr. Ubinas has been at the helm of Ford for roughly two years, after having spent most of his career with McKinsey. I'd say we're fortunate to have him now in such a key leadership role in the philanthropic center, as he brings tremendous energy, strategic insight and critical thinking to the work. Read more

The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle

Submitted by David on Wed, 10/21/2009 - 1:19pm

Ann Goggins Gregory and Don Howard have written an important article entitled "The Nonprofit Starvation Cycle", originally published in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. They describe a vicious cycle that causes nonprofits to significantly under-invest in the infrastructure they need for long-term success: unrealistic funder expectations, pressure on nonprofits to conform with these expectations, and unrealistic reporting.

I'd encourage anyone interested in the health of the nonprofit sector read the article here; then pop back over if you'd like to hear my further comments on the article (which hadn't been posted over there yet as of this writing).

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