“It’s very hard to know what you take for granted.” [News, 5.27.10]

EDUCATION | TED just posted the March talk by Sir Ken Robinson, “Bring on the learning revolution!”, which is probably more important than anything else we’ll read today.

“We have built our education system on the model of fast food… where everything is standardized… and it’s impoverishing our spirits and our energies as much as fast food is depleting our physical bodies…”

…the answer to the future: It’s not about scaling a new solution. It’s about creating a movement in education in which people develop their own solutions, but with external support, based on a personalized curriculum.” Technology will make it possible, “but we have to change the industrial model to an agricultural model.”

EDUCATION? | Feds: Race to the top!” Virginia: “No thanks!” (WaPo, 5/27) – Governor: “We can’t go back. We’ve been working on this for 15 years. Our standards are much superior.”

SAFETY NET | Social services cut in new DC budget (NBC4, 5/26)

GIVING | …dropped 4.9% in 2009, researchers estimate (Chronicle, 5/27)

MISSION INVESTING | …even when assets are down (WGDaily, 5/27) – by Lisa Hagerman

LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS | As more survive, disease becomes more anonymous (Gazette, 5/21) – “The loss of visible first-person advocacy is a loss for the cause of AIDS awareness, Channing Wickham said.”

SOCIAL INNOVATION FUND | “Scaling What Works,” a nearly $5 million, three-year project of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations “will extend the reach, learning and impact of the Social Innovation Fund” (5/26).  [Tip: for maximum clarity, scroll down first to this header: "Through this project, GEO will"]

Have a wonderful weekend, and let’s take time on Monday to remember those who gave everything. Be safe, everyone!

-Nick

Mission investing—even when assets are down

By Lisa Hagerman, Director, More for Mission

I was pleased to speak recently at an event sponsored by the Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers at the Eugene & Agnes E. Meyer Foundation’s community conference center. The center, an energy-efficient office easily accessible by public transportation was an excellent space to inspire conversation regarding mission-aligned investing.

Our discussion focused on how foundations can better leverage their endowment assets to achieve their mission. The practice of mission investing is driven by investor intent, and focuses on the dual objectives of furthering foundation mission and programmatic goals while earning financial returns. It covers two distinct categories of investments:  Market-rate mission-related investments (MRIs) that broadly support mission goals and seek competitive risk-adjusted market rates of return and Program-Related Investments (PRIs) structured to create specific programmatic benefits while earning a below-market return.

During the discussion, one grantmaker raised the important question of whether mission investing is a viable investment strategy given the downturn in the economy and foundation endowments significantly reduced.

I believe the timing is right for foundations to re-think their investment strategy and consider mission investing from a portfolio approach. Many foundations agree; in a Fall 2009 survey of More for Mission member foundations, 85% of respondents had maintained or increased their commitment to mission investment during the economic downturn. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation stated in the Fall 2009 survey, “Our commitment is strong and growing.  It has made our cash deposit strategy more relevant.”  Similarly, the California Endowment noted, “We have been in the process of developing our mission investing strategy and the economic downturn has informed the development of that strategy and has forced us to re-evaluate our traditional investment philosophy and approach.”

With the new norm of reduced endowments and limited resources, many foundations are looking for innovative ways to achieve impact beyond traditional grantmaking. Now is a good time to put the endowment to work.

_________________
* More for Mission will hold an annual conference on September 21, 2010 at the Harvard Kennedy School on the topic of mission investing. For more information contact Lisa Hagerman at lisa_hagerman@hks.harvard.edu.

* More for Mission is based at the Initiative for Responsible Investment of the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University. It was founded by three pioneers in the field of mission investing:  the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the F.B. Heron Foundation, and the Meyer Memorial Trust.  As of May 2010 More for Mission’s network of mission-driven foundations includes 70 participating foundations that collectively represent $32 billion in total assets.  To learn more about mission investing and see past issues of the e-journal see the resources section of the More for Mission website.  For more information please contact Lisa Hagerman, Director, More for Mission, at 617.496.2213 or lisa_hagerman@hks.harvard.edu.


Save Our Safety Net protests budget cuts at D.C. Council breakfast meeting [News, 5.26.10]

DC BUDGET | Waffles, grits, and a protest (WaPo, 5/26) – Budget developments are ongoing…  Sad day for streetcars…  Context

MEDICAL-LEGAL PARTNERSHIP | between the Children’s National Medical Center to the Children’s Law Center (WaPo, 5/26). Successful partnership began in 2002. “Lawyers work alongside doctors… to overcome legal and social challenges that threaten the care of their patients…”

BAD IDEA JEANS | Around the country, “Government officials are proposing new fees on nonprofits to help pay for services” (NPR, 5/24) – “[National Council on Nonprofits' Tim] Delaney says adding more costs will only hurt taxpayers in the long run…”

CONDOMS | District’s XL effort in encouraging safe sex should be applauded (WaPo, 5/26) – And for those who were wondering, “Studies have shown that access to condoms does not result in youngsters having more sex; they are just more likely to use them.”

EDUCATION | Maryland endorses core standards for public schools (WaPo, 5/26) – Md. is second state to endorse, after Kentucky.

Seen any news that the social profit community should know about? You can let us know at grantmakers@gmail.com.
-Nick

Ghandi takes over Housing Authority [News, 5.25.10]

HOUSING
- Natwar Gandhi plans to take control of the D.C. Housing Authority (Examiner, 5/25).
- But the takeover might not go uncontested. (WaPo, 5/25)

HEALTH | A coalition of public and private partners are promoting Instant Recess – a 10 minute daily office exercise break. Great idea, but let’s push for a 30 minute break. Then we could have some classic games of dodgeball. (WaPo, 5/25)

HIV/AIDS | Due to “billing issues,” D.C. running low on free condoms (WaPo, 5/24)

ARTS | After last week’s Thomas Crown-esque, French art heist, the Post asks, why don’t art thieves hit the Smithsonian? A former FBI agent answers, “Let’s say you hit the National Gallery — you gonna escape to Baltimore?” Then a Washington Grantmakers staffer asks, even if you could get far away, what the heck do you do with stolen art anyway?

OPINION | Busboys and Poets owner: The budget ax won’t help D.C. (or my business) (WaPo, 5/23)

TRANSPORTATION
- A new commuter tax would target District employees living outside of the city. (Wash Times, 5/24)
- As a daily (and dependent) rider, I have strong concerns about Metro’s worsening fiscal and structural conditions. But to read about passengers’ worries about a sick rider being ignored by a station manager speaks volumes about how deep of a hole the system is actually in.  (WaPo, 5/23)
- And, here is an interactive calculator to see how the proposed fare increases will affect your own commute.

Nick’s back tomorrow. See you next time.

- Christian

Some good job news! [News, 5.24.10]

Let’s start the week off with our chins up. DC, MD, and VA all posted decreases in unemployment in April, “indicating signs of slow growth in industries that had taken a beating during the downturn while bucking the higher national figures for the month.” Slow growth is better than no growth! (WBJ, 5/21)

ARTS | This is fantastic. Through a partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, more than 600 museums are offering free admission to military families. (WTOP, 5/24)

DC SCHOOLS
- Former schoolboard Chair Peggy Cooper Cafritz says, “voters shouldn’t automatically assume a vote for Gray will lead to the ouster of Rhee.” (WaPo, 5/20)
- Rhee seeking to revamp D.C. rules on teacher tenure (Wash Times, 5/24)

HEALTH | The Greater Washington region has been named the fittest in the country for the third year straight. And for the third time, I’d like to thank everyone who helps maintain this rank by over-exercising to compensate for my poor habits. (WTOP, 5/24)

WORKFORCE | Cuts to Child Care Subsidy Thwart More Job Seekers – “That has left swelling numbers of low-income families struggling to reconcile the demands of work and parenting, just as they confront one of the toughest job markets in decades. ” (NYT, 5/23)

LOST…is how I’m feeling today after realizing that the most creative and intellectually stimulating show, well, ever is over. I know at least three people in the office feel this way – how about any of you?

- Christian

THIS WEEK @ WG: Tomorrow Funders Forum on Workforce Development, 9:30am-11:30am Thursday, May 27, 10am (WG event): Health Reform: What Does It Mean for Funders in Our Region? Open to funders and invited guests

Reading is funder-mental [News, 5.21.10]

My apologies for going AWOL yesterday–I tried to save my post and the internet ate it. Also, sorry about that post title up there. Pun-tastic!

READING
- Report: Reading skills in early grades are crucial to success (CSM, 5/18) – Annie E. Casey Foundation report
- Walmart Foundation Gives $3.9 Million to Help Increase Middle School Student Reading Levels (wire, 5/19). And speaking of reading…

DC SCHOOLS |Report: D.C. schools make most significant reading gains among urban systems (WaPo, 5/21), from 2007 to 2009. Is it “the Michelle Rhee difference?” (WaPo, 5/21)

SECRET FORMULA | Leaders of Mary’s Center, Martha’s Table, and Miriam’s Kitchen were guests at Wednesday night’s White House state dinner. You probably knew that. But did you realize that each of those names consists of a woman’s “M” name followed by a common, two-syllable, trochaic-metered noun? If you are starting a group, I suggest calling it Mable’s Workshop or Maggie’s Market.

GIVING | Ed Norton Jr. launched another “start your own campaign for charity” page called CrowdRise. Apparently it’s like many others, only funnier and reportedly easier to use.

OVERHEAD | As to “how we should tackle this obsession with keeping overhead low,” Dan Pallotta says: “We have to confront it as an issue of ethics.”

ENVIRONMENT | Profile: Summit Fund of Washington (Community Foundation, 5/20) – “The Anacostia River could be the jewel in the city’s cap, a gift to everyone in the community.”

EDUCATION | To fight ‘dropout factories,’ school program starts young (USAToday, 5/20) – Diploma’s Now pilot program starts to spread.

PACMAN | is still fun.

NEXT WEEK @ WG:

Thursday, May 27, 10am (WG event): Health Reform: What Does It Mean for Funders in Our Region? Open to funders and invited guests Location: Public Welfare Foundation, 1200 U Street NW Alan Weil, executive director of the National Academy for State Health Policy, will explain the important role of philanthropy during the legislation’s implementation. Discussion to follow.

Have a wonderful weekend!

IRS: “Just kidding!” [News, 5.19.10]

TAXES AND STUFF
- Nonprofits get IRS filing extension (WaPo, 5/19) – The IRS intends to “help these organizations maintain their important tax-exempt status — even if they missed the May 17 deadline.” Who are you and what have you done with the IRS? Seriously, though, good news. The authors of this opinion piece will be happy:
- Opinion: “The government has no business deciding what causes are worthy of support.” (WSJ, 5/19)

PEOPLE | Philanthropy Chat (Foundation Center, 5/3), Christopher Shearer of the National Geographic Education Foundation “discusses the foundation’s targeted grantmaking program and also offers practical tips for those trying to raise funds for educational programs”

SAFETY NET | Interim Disability Assistance (IDA) “is one of the most heavily-cut items in Mayor Fenty’s proposed budget.” Here’s what that means. (Beyond Bread, 5/19)

AT RISK YOUTH | “Peaceaholics is in a fight with a D.C. neighborhood group over a plan to bring a facility for at-risk youths to Congress Heights.” (NBC4, 5/18)

JUVENILE JUSTICE / YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
- For D.C., hope in treating young offenders (USAToday, 5/19) – the big picture
- D.C.’s Chief Judge Says More Authority Needed In Cases Involving Young Offenders (WAMU, 5/19)

HEALTH | Opinion: D.C. budget cuts will hurt Medicaid recipients (WaPo, 5/18)

INVESTING | Oprah hires Eli Broad’s investment manager (WSJ, 5/19)

Corporate philanthropy in a down economy

Hey, corporate philanthropists–are you struggling to keep and build momentum for your employee engagement programs in this continuously-challenged economic climate? This article from Changing Our World offers some timely tips. And be sure to join your corporate giving colleagues  for the next Corporate Philanthropy Luncheon!

• June 9 – Corporate Philanthropy Affinity Group: Strategic Philanthropy, Corporate Giving, and Cause-Marketing: How Do They All Work Together?
• September 15 – Corporate Philanthropy Affinity Group: Taking Employee Engagement to New Heights

-Katy Moore

Ford Foundation commits $200 million to supporting regional planning initiatives [News, 5.18.10]

SMARTER GROWTH | Ford Foundation announces 5-year, $200 million effort supporting “growth through regional approaches to housing, transportation and land use.” You had me at regional. (5/18)

CHILDHOOD OBESITY | Michelle Obama applauds food industry group’s pledge to trim calories (WaPo, 5/18) – The Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation (not a foundation) “will slash 1 trillion calories by the end of 2012 and 1.5 trillion calories by the end of 2015. The 16 members make 20-25 percent of food consumed in the United States.” The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (a foundation) will “track the effort’s impact on childhood obesity.”

CHILD WELFARE | Mayor Fenty’s Child Abuse Prevention Plan – Judith Sandalow (Children’s Law Center) commentary: “The Mayor’s lack of commitment is echoed in his proposed FY11 budget. Not only are there no new initiatives to prevent child abuse – the Mayor actually proposes cutting existing programs.” (WAMU, 5/18)

LITERACY | New from Annie E. Casey Foundation: Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters (5/18)

Reactions to the “millionaire’s tax”

LOCAL BUDGETS | Brown pitches tax plan to D.C. wealthy (WaPo, 5/13), and many of them support it:

Daniel Solomon, a founder of D.C. Vote [and Washington Grantmakers Board member], said his attendance at the meeting prompted him to write a letter to council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and council member Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3) today to express his support and that of his wife, Jane Solomon, for the Brown’s proposal.

He wrote: “As a couple that will have to pay the tax increase, let me say why we are supportive:

1) the marginal increase in our taxes will be truly marginal, perhaps $1,000

2) the increase will bring us close to parity with Montgomery County taxes, so it’s not going to drive anyone out of the city

3) the increase will bring our tax rate back close to what it was several years ago

4) during times of need, those who can afford to pay the most should shoulder the biggest burden for those who are less fortunate, which is the teaching of most religions and many political philosophies.”