A new generation of leaders has emerged to produce tangible impact across Philadelphia. This new energy is expanding economic, health, education and cultural opportunity, positioning Philadelphia as a must-visit destination and a place residents are proud to call home. Fairmount met with Michelle Feldman, the not-yet-30-year-old executive director of Keep Philadelphia Beautiful (@BeautifulPHL) in the third installment of Get2Know. This segment reveals the personal side of young change agents impacting Greater Philadelphia and beyond. Continue reading
InSights
Combating Poverty – A New Way to Think
Poverty ranks among the greatest social issues of the 21st century.
As America’s income-gap grows, a nation of haves and have-nots is emerging. While more Americans are pushed into poverty, there also are many who have always lived in poverty. The latter group are the long-term poor. It’s important to note the distinction because the long-term poor face more significant challenges to overcome their situation. Continue reading
William Penn Foundation’s Grant Reflects Evolving Role of Libraries
The William Penn Foundation’s (the Foundation) recent announcement of a three-year, $25 million grant to the Free Library of Philadelphia (Free Library) reflects a new view among civic and social-good leaders that libraries should expand their role to serve communities. Continue reading
Insights From a New Approach to Transform ECE In West Philadelphia
The Emergence of a New West Philadelphia
We are thrilled to see the excitement about West Philadelphia’s federally-designed Promise Zone and, more importantly, the investments that designation is helping to attract.
Drexel University and the William Penn Foundation (WPF) recently announced a $4 million initiative that will help more young children in Mantua, West Powelton, and Belmont receive high quality child care so that they are better prepared for kindergarten (and ready to learn). The initiative, like the Promise Zone itself, is truly a collective effort: 23 child care centers and many of the city’s finest organizations will be involved. Continue reading
Pre-K Getting Spotlight Among Nation’s Educators
The New York Times published an article titled “51,000 Answer de Blasio’s Bell for New Pre-K” this earlier week.
The piece highlights New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s aggressive efforts to provide pre-kindergarten care in the largest school system in the United States. De Blasio aims to enroll 53,000 children in pre-kindergarten programs this year at 600 public schools and 1,100 community-based organizations and religious schools throughout the city. Continue reading
#PhillyChangers Represents Evolving Collective Community
#PhillyChangers
This week Fairmount attended #PhillyChangers, an event produced by Generocity. Continue reading
3 Misconceptions of Nonprofit Mergers
Merging with the right organization(s) can transform the sustainability and effectiveness of a nonprofit. However many struggle to understand all the ways a merger will impact their organization. With over 20 years facilitating mergers, we’ve identified three common misconceptions to learn from. Continue reading
Vacant Land, New Housing, and Exciting Innovation
Affordable City Housing
Philadelphia’s apartment rental fees are rising.This trend can be seen across many of the city’s neighborhoods, particularly in West Philadelphia. It’s an issue happening throughout large cites nationally and internationally. Several factors have contributed to the price increase, including the fact for the first time in human history more than half the world’s population lives in cities. New innovations are being produced to solve the problem of affordable urban housing that may provide a roadmap for Philadelphia to tackle two of its issues: vacant land and a lack of affordable housing. Continue reading
World Class Summit 2014 Insights
Last week Fairmount attended the 2014 World Class Summit. The Economy League of Greater Philadelphia has hosted the annual event since its inaugural year in 2009. Leaders across the social impact sector convene to leverage their skills and influence to create lasting regional impact in three primary areas: education and talent development, business growth, and infrastructure. Continue reading
Lessons From the Challenge to Build A Strong Board
In reSources, our free monthly e-newsletter, we sometimes showcase smart things other people are doing on a national level, especially if those experiences can serve as lessons that can be applied to the Greater Philadelphia area. The New York Times recently featured insights from Rebekah Campbell, a veteran entrepreneur creating her first Board of Directors. The case refers to a for-profit board but many principles likely apply to your nonprofit. Continue reading