New Catalyst for Community Development Investing
The Weingart Foundation is joining with nine other philanthropic organizations across the country to form the Community Investment Guarantee Pool, a new tool for community development finance and the first of its kind in the U.S. The Pool, backed by guarantee commitments totaling $33.1 million, is expected to catalyze more than $150 million in new investments in small businesses, climate and affordable housing. “The Community Investment Guarantee Pool catalyzes new capital to communities of color,” says Fred Ali, The Weingart Foundation’s President & C.E.O. “Our commitment to advancing racial and socio-economic equity means embracing innovative and collaborative tools like the Pool to increase our impact.” To learn more: click here.
The 2020 Census is Around the Corner
Households across the country will begin receiving invitations in mid-March to complete the 2020 Census, a once-in-a-decade opportunity to expand fairness and inclusion. This year, the stakes are particularly high—an undercount could lose California billions of dollars in federal funding for families and children, as well as a congressional seat. Southern California is one of the most historically undercounted regions in the nation. We know that community-based outreach efforts are the most effective way to help ensure a fair and accurate Census. Nonprofits are already taking the lead with outreach, and we encourage more groups to get involved. You can connect with your local Census Complete Count Committee by contacting the designated organization in your county.
Q&A with Vera de Vera, Director of Leadership for Movements: “Beyond the Grant”
At the Weingart Foundation, we are committed to continuously listen to nonprofit organizations and incorporate this feedback to improve our grantmaking practices. As part of this effort, we partner with the Center for Effective Philanthropy (C.E.P.) in conducting ongoing grantee and applicant perception surveys. Responses from the most recent C.E.P. survey highlighted organizations’ desire for us to continue to provide support “beyond the grant”— a strategy by which we can help nonprofits strengthen their effectiveness through access to technical assistance, learning communities and other activities. Vera de Vera, Director, Leadership for Movements, leads our work in this area and shares her insights in this Q&A.