Tag Archives: community

Who Does This?!!

Posted on March 13, 2018 by summergathercole

I recently attended a meeting in Pueblo, Colorado. The local workforce center was holding its regularly-scheduled meeting with its partners. The people sitting around the table represented the local Department of Human Services, Voc Rehab, the community college, and an … Continue reading →

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What If This Nonprofit Had Said, “We’re Struggling”

Posted on February 19, 2018 by summergathercole

Last year, I conducted a site visit in D.C. with a nonprofit that had submitted a relatively large funding request to a foundation. It was fairly well known that the organization had been struggling. The Post had written a few … Continue reading →

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Say What?!!

Posted on May 15, 2017 by summergathercole

Them: “We want to start a foundation.” Me: “Okay, tell me more about why you’d like to do that. You already have a strong corporate giving program.” Them: “Our competitor has a foundation. They get a lot of press about … Continue reading →

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The CSR Conundrum of Sustainability

Posted on December 13, 2016 by summergathercole

As pointed out by a recent article in GreenBiz, a new report by the Centre for Sustainability and Excellence (CSE) sheds light on a big issue at play in Silicon Valley: most large companies are compliant, but aren’t driving a thorough, transparent … Continue reading →

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Most Funders Can’t Wave a Magic Wand

Posted on December 12, 2016 by summergathercole

Funders face enormous pressures. Many people expect them to save the world. I know because I’m guilty of setting those goals for them and challenging them to lead the change. Funders have a unique role and, in many cases, can … Continue reading →

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Efficiency Doesn’t Always Pay Off

Posted on October 25, 2016 by summergathercole

“If you never see a homeless person or a trailer park, it’s easier to forget they exist.” To me, this idea seemed ludicrous. In Denver, I see people holding signs, begging for money and food at every other corner. But … Continue reading →

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Traditional CSR? I’m Bored.

Posted on May 11, 2016 by summergathercole

If you Google the latest Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) news from around the U.S., you’ll find articles on a grocery store that gave milk to a local food bank; a company that was recognized for its Employee Health and Wellness … Continue reading →

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“Keep It In the Family.”

Posted on October 16, 2015 by summergathercole

I’m saying that in my best Godfather voice…which, truth be told, isn’t that good. But that’s what I wanted to say to a colleague last week when he shared that he was struggling to figure out how his company should … Continue reading →

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“Our Plan Flopped”

Posted on July 15, 2015 by summergathercole

The Philanthropy Roundtable recently published an article written by the Walton Family Foundation entitled, “Rebounding from Philanthropic Failure.” The subtitle stated, “Our plan flopped. We didn’t give up. We changed course.” I immediately digested the article, in which the Foundation … Continue reading →

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