It is tempting, from the “30,000 feet” point of view occupied by many foundations and advocacy organizations, to see the social change landscape as a network of direct service nonprofits, advocacy organizations and the funders who support them.
All too often, however, the sector loses sight of the role that grassroots leaders play in the demanding work of progress. It is crucial for funders to understand that the social justice ecosystem is made up of dedicated, change-making leaders who work under enormous pressure to meet the challenges of their work. Improving the world does not happen in the absence of these strong, skilled and connected leaders driving the change process. Leadership development, therefore, is an integral component of any work that seeks to address long-standing structural barriers to sustainable change.
This is why we’re so excited to be bring to you NCRP’s newest report, Cultivating Nonprofit Leadership: A (Missed?) Philanthropic Opportunity, which explores the ways intentional investment in grassroots leadership development creates stronger organizations, more extensive and robust movements, and real results. It starts with a definition of leadership development that emphasizes a relational, inclusive vision of leadership that builds coalitions and nurtures emergent leaders. Good leadership development takes individual leaders away from their usual work environments and places them in authentic relationships with their peers. It is about personal ecology – the ability to be of clear purpose and engage in self-reflection.
In the report, we highlight three ways leadership development is essential to achieving real results: It disrupts usual ways of thinking and builds the networks needed to win; it prevents burnout; and it has a multiplier effect on organizations, providing benefits to secondary and tertiary leaders.
We also make a case for the ways network-wise leadership at the grassroots is essential for lasting change. There is a great need for more funding for leadership development in our sector.
As we note in Cultivating Nonprofit Leadership, here are five recommendations for funders who are interested in effectively funding leadership development:
1. Begin or increase funding for leadership development.
First and foremost, any change-oriented foundation that is not yet funding leadership development should strongly consider doing so. Those already funding it at a modest level are urged to consider increasing their support.
2. Integrate leadership development with program strategy.
Funding for leadership development cannot be an afterthought. It is most impactful when it is fully integrated with grantmaking strategy.
3. Engage with grantees as true partners.
Because of the iterative nature of leadership development, funders should engage grantees as true partners and create a mutually agreed upon vision of leadership.
4. Use a culturally inclusive lens.
It is important to consider how dynamics of identity, power and trauma may influence a participant’s experience with leadership development. Gender, race, sexual identity, disability and many other aspects of each participant’s identity will play a role in the efficacy of a particular leadership development program.
5. Build capacity that supports leadership development.
Leaders of grassroots organizations often play many roles. For an executive to most effectively participate in leadership development, it may be necessary to assist in building the capacity of other staff too, so they can step in when the executive is engaged in training.
If more funding is provided to groups doing the work described in Cultivating Nonprofit Leadership, grantmakers will make substantial contributions to the public good and help to build a more just and equitable society.
It is NCRP’s hope that this report and the resources provided in it will help more funders see the value of investing in grantee-driven leadership development and engage in critical self-reflection about the myriad benefits that this work offers to grantees and foundations alike.
Our sector is working to address problems that are urgent and long standing, ranging from persistent poverty to environmental crises. An enormous potential lies in the people who have committed themselves to helping solve these problems. They and their families are emotionally and intellectually invested in a better, more just society. We believe it is time for more foundations to invest in good leadership development programs and leaders who produce real results.
Read the report today, and tell us what you think: How is leadership development important to your work?
Niki Jagpal is senior director of research and policy and Ryan Schlegel is research and policy associate at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP). Follow @NCRP on Twitter.
Leave a Reply