Since we launched the pre-application phase of the Building Connections Initiative, we’ve gotten feedback from the community that folks want more clarity around the purpose of the initiative and what the cohort model will look like. While we want to provide as much information and context as possible we want to be clear on one thing: We’re not sure what shape the cohort model will take and what the outcomes of this program will be — and that’s the point!

As a foundation we recognize that we’re not in the best position to decide what our communities and our nonprofit partners need. You all are! (If you’re interested in digging into this idea a bit more, this thorough article tackles the failures of the kind of strategic philanthropy we’ve practiced in the past.)

That’s why we’re building an approach that centers community voices and ultimately is shaped by community leaders and grassroots organizations. Our vision for the Building Connections Initiative is:

1. Give organizations multi-year general operating support.
2. Work in partnership to build the resources that will lead to a healthier, more sustainable nonprofit ecosystem in the region.

This approach follows both the approach and theory of action described in our recently adopted 10-Year Strategic Direction:

 

 

 

As we convene this community of nonprofits, we envision our role as walking alongside our community partners as we leverage our staff, financial resources, and convening capacity to support the direction this community charts collectively. One of our goals through this program is to develop shared resources and experiences that can be utilized across the nonprofit community in eastern Washington.

That could look like access to additional funding with third-party grants, institutional capacity that’s shared and utilized across the community, and group healing experiences that create space for our partners to access resources needed for self and group care. Again, we have ideas about the ways we can use our resources to meet community needs, but we don’t want to be rigid or prescriptive — the goal of this work is to support your individual and collectively determined visions.

Our intention is that by convening a community of regional grassroots nonprofits, we can collectively work to incrementally build power in historically marginalized communities. We know this work will never be easy, and we hope that we can use our resources and positionality to support each of you in fighting for this better future everyday. 

Learn more and apply here.