Moving Beyond Listening: Shifting Grantmaking Practices to Center Proximate Voices
đź“· credit: Hannah Busing via Unsplash Last week, we had the privilege of presenting at the Council of Michigan Foundations’ Annual Conference. Our session, titled “Moving Beyond Listening: Shifting Grantmaking Practices to Center Proximate Voices” and designed and facilitated by Alison Upton LĂłpez, Michael Pratt, and Ricky Benavidez, was a powerful exploration of how philanthropy […]
Systemic Change in the Fight for Democracy
đź“· credit: Unseen Histories via Unsplash As we near the November election, many donors are feeling anxious about the role they play in the fight for the future of our democracy. The specters of white nationalism and rising global fascism have progressive donors asking, “How can I direct my investments to best protect and strengthen […]
Building Connections Beyond Screens: The Power of In-Person Retreats
In today’s era of remote work, where our interactions are often limited to virtual meetings and digital communications, Ktisis Capital prioritizes community and people through our three in-person retreats each year. These gatherings are more than just an opportunity to meet face-to-face; they are essential for building a sense of belonging and mutual support among […]
We’re Not Going to Stumble into the Democracy We Never Had
đź“· credit: Josh Barwick via Unsplash We are at a critical juncture for the future of our democracy. From the shifting dynamics of the US presidential race to intensifying fights over election integrity and against disinformation, one takeaway is clear: democracy is in the balance. Given the stakes, donors are very engaged around the election. […]
Rise of Mega Donors – Part 1: Sector Fragility & Volatility
đź“· credit: Pascal Bernardon via Unsplash I’ve often been quoted as saying “we’re living in the second golden age of philanthropy because we’re living in the second golden age of inequality.” In recent years, as a result of the increasing concentration of wealth, the nonprofit sector has become increasingly reliant on the generosity of a […]
Welcome Fellows!
We are excited to introduce you to our new fellows, Divya Seth has joined Ktisis as our Programs and Learning Fellow and Mona Saidi has joined the team as our Communications Fellow. We recently launched our inaugural fellowship cohort. This program is designed to support both the project-based and content area needs of the firm […]
Supporting Maui: Rapid Response Funding Opportunities
đź“· credit: Anaclara Vardiero via Unsplash Amidst the picturesque landscapes and serene beauty of Maui, a profound tragedy continues to unfold, leaving our hearts heavy and our spirits shaken. The fires that swept across this paradise left a trail of destruction in their wake. As we mourn for the people of Maui, we hope you […]
Beyond Independence Day: A Meditation on Celebrating the 4th of July
This year I took my kids to watch the 4th of July fireworks display at Seattle’s Gas Works Park. It was our first time doing so as a family. Normally, we escape the city to avoid the noise and chaos of the evening, as the explosions throughout our neighborhood make it difficult for children trying […]
Response to SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling
The Ktisis Capital team is deeply disappointed by yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. This decision undermines the historical importance of affirmative action in creating opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly communities of color, and threatens to have far-reaching negative implications for these communities. Affirmative action has been a vital tool in addressing the systemic […]
A Deep Dive Into Donor Advised Funds
đź“· credit: Bernd Dittrich via Unsplash We are often asked by clients, peers, and colleagues about how to select a donor advised fund (DAF) or which providers are on our short list. An increasingly popular alternative to a family foundation as a vehicle to manage giving, donor advised funds have been around since the 1930s. […]