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 a much deeper level and during timeframes when the average individual may feel that they have successfully distanced themselves from the more pronounced quake(s). Both earthquakes and tremors have the same cause; both have the potential to create long-lasting damage.
What if foundations were to open up their endowments entirely and put a time stamp on their payout? To do that, many foundations will need to have tough conversations about whether or not they exist in perpetuity.
If foundations cannot step up to fulfill their mission in times of crisis, who else will save the social sector?
During this massive economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, much attention has been focused on businesses, financial markets, and the economy, but the impact on our nonprofit sector will be worse. What can be done to avert the double whammy of a crisis of need at the same time as a drop in contributions?
One often-overlooked resource is the collateral in foundation endowments.
In an opinion article on The Chronicle of Philanthropy, FSG Co-CEO Lauren Smith, MD, MPH, shares ideas from her experience as a pediatrician and former medical director of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
Every company is having internal conversations about how to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In an era where companies are fervently striving to be purpose-driven to appeal to employees, investors, customers, and communities, how can a company maintain clarity on its societal purpose?
Our new blog includes examples from 3M, Lyft, MasterCard, Microsoft, and more.
In honor of International Women's Day 2020 #IWD (Sunday, March 8), FSG's gender team shares thoughts on gender equity:
Sweden recently realized that their snow clearing routine was typically benefiting men over women. In the winter, snow was cleared first on main roads leading into the city, benefiting commuters—who were mostly men. Foot- and cycle-paths were cleared last—not so good for pedestrians and cyclists, who were very often women traveling with children in pushchairs.
Natural disasters and public health emergencies always take an increased toll on groups who are already marginalized
Blog
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 and worked with my colleagues to face similar challenges posed by the H1N1 virus outbreak. I learned from experience that responses during a time of crisis are only as good as the strength of preparedness, support systems, and relationships that existed before the crisis.
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 emissions by 2045. To reach Sweden’s goal, carbon emissions will need to decrease by 5-8% over last year’s level every year until 2045. In Sweden, the reduction from 2016-2017 was a mere 0.5%, and from 2017-2018 it was 1.8%.
Innovating for Competitive Advantage in America’s Frontline Workforce
Article
Employers of frontline talent face an unprecedented opportunity to advance racial equity as a source of competitive advantage. The United States is experiencing dramatic demographic shifts, its workforce is becoming increasingly racially diverse, and the nature of work is fundamentally changing due to automation.
