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Learning in a Time of Crisis

Many philanthropic organizations are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by developing rapid-response funding mechanisms, resources, and revised grant policies. This is requiring program staff and others to make extremely fast decisions and implement new policies and practices almost... Read more

What Can We Learn from Early Corporate Responses to COVID-19?

In my current role at FSG, I provide thought partnership to business leaders on the most effective ways to create social impact. I rely on our two decades of experience in this space as well as best practices I see in the field.

To keep things real, I often remind myself of my... Read more

Quakes and Tremors: What Foundations Can Do to Safeguard Childhood Wellbeing in the Wake of a Pandemic

The world is experiencing a series of quakes and tremors caused by a global pandemic. The quakes are the unprecedented shocks and strains we are witnessing in our health, economic, and education systems. Tremors, on the other hand, are far less obvious because their disruptions occur at... Read more

Pandemics and Perpetuity

As I write, Congress seems likely to approve a two-trillion dollar economic stimulus bill in response to COVID-19. Entire states are being ordered to shelter in... Read more

Foundations: Use Your Balance Sheet to Help

During this massive economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, government and media attention is focused on the impact on businesses, financial markets, and the economy, but the impact on our nonprofit sector will be worse. Direct service nonprofits will be stretched by the sudden... Read more

COVID-19 and Corporate Purpose—Four Ways Businesses Can Respond Now

The continuous COVID-19 developments are both dizzying and daunting. Countries and communities alike are grappling with strained health systems and strict containment measures, and families are trying to balance some sense of normalcy while safeguarding themselves and loved ones. We also know... Read more

Can Snow Clearing Be Sexist?

“It all started as a joke…” So begins the first chapter of Caroline Criado Perez’s book, Invisible Women: Exposing Data Bias in a World Designed for Men. “At least snow-clearing was... Read more

COVID-19⁠—Seven Things Philanthropy Can Do

As governments, businesses, and individuals scramble to respond to the threat of a COVID-19 pandemic, those of us who work in the social sector rightly ask what we can do to effectively contribute.

In 2009, I was the medical director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health... Read more

Using Shared Value for Climate Action

A look into FSG’s project with Swedish construction company OBOS

As the fight against climate change intensifies, the most ambitious governments and cities are setting aggressive carbon reduction goals. The government of Sweden is committing to zero net carbon... Read more

The Importance of Framing for Foundations Engaging on Equity

A senior leader from a small family foundation recently told me the story of when her organization first began conversations about racial equity and its role in the foundation’s work. She described the session—facilitated by an external consultant—as “tense” and “aggressive,” triggering a wide... Read more

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