FSG



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The Water of Systems Change

FavoriteThis article from John Kania, Mark Kramer, and Peter Senge, aims to clarify what it means to shift the conditions holding problems in place and provides an actionable model for those interested in creating systems change. Through defining the 6 conditions of systems change and highlighting organizations that are shifting systems, the article explores: How systemic conditions perpetuate inequity and reinforce racism, sexism, or ableism. The critical need for foundations to focus on changing relationships and connections, power dynamics, and mental models in their work. How foundations can build the capacity to support systems change internally and externally.





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Being the Change 12 Ways Foundations Are Transforming Themselves to Transform Their Impact

FavoriteTo achieve meaningful impact at scale, many foundations are aiming to influence the actions and investments of the public and private sectors as well as address the complex and deeply entrenched conditions that hold social problems in place. To do so, foundations are not only offering grant funding but are also expanding how they apply their assets, knowledge, skills, networks, and people in new ways. There is a wealth of information on how to adapt strategies to create impact at scale and to change systems; however, less has been written about what internal practices are needed to make this happen. To find out, we interviewed 114 Read more





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Facilitating Intentional Group Learning — A Practical Guide to 21 Learning Activities

FavoriteFSG’s guide, Facilitating Intentional Group Learning, is designed to help organizations and teams infuse a learning culture into their daily work. From quick 20-minute activities to multi-hour gatherings, this guide provides detailed instructions on how to conduct high-energy, inclusive, and productive experiences.





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Evaluating Complexity

FavoriteWhile evaluation has traditionally focused on assessing programmatic impact according to pre-determined indicators, a new approach is needed for evaluating complex initiatives, as well as initiatives operating in complex environments where progress is not linear, predictable, or controllable. 9 propositions can help evaluators navigate the unique characteristics of complex systems, improve their evaluation practice, and better serve the needs of the social sector.





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Collective Impact Forum

FavoriteThis is the place for those practicing collective impact to find the tools, resources, and advice they need. It’s a network of individuals coming together to share experience and knowledge to accelerate the effectiveness and adoption of collective impact.





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Do More Than Give

FavoriteTo create lasting social change, it’s not enough to award funding to great grantees. Donors must become active participants in the change effort. The book, Do More Than Give, outlines six practices that are found across high-impact foundations, corporations, and individuals of all sizes and budgets. Download a free copy of the first chapter here.





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Creating Shared Value

FavoriteCreating shared value involves value creation for business that simultaneously yields more profit and greater social impact, resulting in powerful transformations and opportunities for growth and innovation in both business and society. The concept of creating shared value focuses on the connections between societal and economic progress, and has the potential to unleash the next wave of global growth and competitive advantage.





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Building a Strategic Learning and Evaluation System for Your Organization

FavoriteThe call for evaluation has grown louder in the field of philanthropy. There is a need for a deeper understanding of ongoing activities to inform strategic decisions about what to do next. But despite this growing need, current practices are often uncoordinated and unhelpful at an organizational level. How can organizations’ evaluation processes be more systematic, coordinated, and intentional, leading to greater understanding of their impact?