Fundraising Ideas For Community Projects

This Danish foundation gives away $1.3 billion annually – and their secret isn't efficiency ratios, it's something far more radical: They implement nothing. Behind this Danish foundation's rapid rise is Ozempic – the blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss drug that's generated unprecedented profits for Novo Nordisk. The Novo Nordisk Foundation, which owns about a quarter of the pharmaceutical giant, has become one of the world's wealthiest charitable foundations with assets around $167 billion. Yet rather than hiring armies of staff like other major philanthropies, they've gone the opposite direction. In a recent interview, their Chief Scientific Officer for Health Flemming Konradsen revealed their secret to me: They don't implement – they only work through partners. Zero programs. Zero direct service delivery. The model: ➡️ Find what already works  ➡️ Partner with governments who own the strategy ➡️ Create sustainable markets, not dependency  ➡️ Stay for 15+ years, not 3-year cycles Example: Their school feeding programs create permanent markets for local farmers while training health workers and scaling AI solutions across continents. The hard part? Saying no to putting your name on things. Letting partners get the credit. Trusting that influence matters more than control. For development professionals: This approach creates new opportunities. These ultra-efficient funders skip the usual suspects and source partners who can be trusted with strategy, not just execution. They're looking for implementers who think like owners. If you can demonstrate government relationships, long-term thinking, and the ability to build sustainable systems (not just deliver projects), you become invaluable to this new breed of funders. What could your organization accomplish if it stopped trying to do everything itself? Disclaimer: I’ve edited this post as it’s been flagged that Novo Nordisk Foundation has 250 employees. #Philanthropy #Partnership #Foundation 📷 Novo Nordisk Foundation

You don’t need more data in your fundraising. Instead, go get: ✔️ Quotes ✔️ Interviews ✔️ Illustrations ✔️ Open letters ✔️ Testimonials ✔️ Photo essays ✔️ Staff reflections ✔️ Historical context ✔️ Before-and-afters ✔️ Partner shoutouts ✔️ Community voices ✔️ Visual case studies ✔️ First-person narrative ✔️ Volunteer experiences ✔️ User-generated content ✔️ Stakeholder perspectives ✔️ Behind-the-scenes journals Why? In an aid-effectiveness study — published in the European Journal of Development Research — thousands of German donors said #nonprofit testimonials resonate more than data. And 56% of social media users who donate online said compelling storytelling makes them give most, according to Nonprofit Tech for Good. Stories were the number one motivation, while data wasn’t on the list. Don’t get me wrong. Investing in measurement is simply the right thing to do for impact accountability. So narrative + numbers is the ultimate #fundraising combo. But “people forget facts; they never forget a good story,” says fundraising expert Claire Axelrad, J.D., CFRE Numbers tell. Stories sell. 💪🏽💛 ______________________________________ Follow Kevin L. Brown to get fundable & findable. Then repost ♻️ to help your network.

Bridging the Digital Divide: A New Role for Hospitals in the 21st Century In today’s world, where technology is inextricably linked to every aspect of our lives, the stark reality of the digital divide has never been more pronounced. This divide does not merely separate the tech-savvy from the technophobes; it delineates a chasm between those who have access to critical online health resources and services and those who do not. As we navigate the complexities of healthcare in the digital age, it's clear that hospitals have a unique and potent role to play in bridging this gap. For too long, the digital divide has been a pervasive barrier to equitable healthcare access. It's a divide that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable among us—low-income families, the elderly, and communities of color. These are the same communities that are often hardest hit by health disparities and systemic inequities. The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified these issues, making it abundantly clear that internet access is not a luxury; it's a lifeline. Hospitals stand at the crossroads of healthcare and technology. They are not just institutions for healing but pivotal community resources with the potential to lead transformative change. Imagine a hospital where every patient, regardless of their socio-economic status, leaves not just with a care plan but with the tools and knowledge to access telehealth services, manage their health records online, and utilize digital platforms for follow-up care. This vision is not only achievable; it's essential. Initiatives to get patients connected can take various forms, from simple measures like providing Wi-Fi access in hospital waiting rooms to more comprehensive strategies like deploying digital navigators—staff members trained to assist patients in setting up and using online health tools. Hospitals can partner with community organizations and leverage existing programs to offer internet access subsidies and distribute devices to those in need. These efforts, while seemingly straightforward, can dramatically alter the healthcare landscape for millions. Moreover, by integrating digital access into patient care, hospitals can also enhance patient engagement, improve adherence to treatment plans, and reduce readmissions. It's a win-win situation where improved patient outcomes go hand in hand with the democratization of healthcare information. While some argue hospitals are overwhelmed, our duty as healthcare providers extends beyond the exam room. Closing the digital divide is part of ensuring patient welfare. From ER to policy advising, one truth stands: healthcare innovation must be inclusive. The digital future of healthcare isn't just an opportunity. Hospitals should be more than healing centers—they're pathways to a connected, empowered society. Access to health services shouldn't depend on zip codes or income. Let's bridge the gap and ensure health is a right for all. #healthcare

#AI and #GenAI will generate economic value and accelerate innovation, but also have the potential to exacerbate existing divides across the globe. As the adoption of AI accelerates, we must expand access to the infrastructure that underpins these innovations: reliable, high-speed broadband, computing power and educational pathways for people to learn how to use and develop AI tools. Thankfully, there are organizations like Student Freedom Initiative (SFI) hard at work on these issues. Despite the rapid proliferation of the internet, over 2.6 billion people still lack access worldwide. In the U.S., 24 million people still lack access to high-speed broadband. Half of all Black Americans live around 70 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), 82% of which reside in broadband deserts, limiting access to crucial resources and information. To help solve this issue, SFI has provided $1.6 million in critical resources to enable HBCU-anchored communities to define their needs, $3.5 million to assist with capturing relevant data, and $800,000 to support grant writing services to apply for funds from federal and state agencies. We must ensure that everyone has access to the education and tools required to harness the power of artificial intelligence. #WEF25

🔎 ICYMI: This week, the Second Lancet Commission on Adolescent Health and Wellbeing released its Report—and it includes findings from our global effort to center youth voices in identifying and addressing priority health issues. 🙋♀️🙋♂️ Too often, young people are left out of decisions that directly affect their health and well-being. Together with the Lancet Commission and UNICEF, we launched the Youth Solutions Labs to help change that. We conducted 6 workshops with 120+ young people around the world that sought to co-design solutions to key issue areas. 📍Our process began by mapping the issues that youth had already identified in engagements since 2020. We reviewed studies from NGOs and international research institutions, consulted literature, and used collaborative platforms like Miro to gather feedback from the Lancet Youth Commissioners. 🔬 The result: a data-driven and participatory topic map that identified over 40 youth-prioritized needs. ➡️ Youth subsequently co- developed recommendations across five key areas. Some top-level takeaways (non-exhaustive list): 🧠 Mental and Emotional Health Stigma and low literacy remain barriers. Educational initiatives that involve families and educators can build understanding and reduce prejudice. 📘 Education and Employment More equitable access and future-proofed curriculums are essential, alongside renewed support for lifelong learning. ❤️ Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Comprehensive sexuality education must be expanded, with attention to local sensitivities and intergenerational dialogue. 🌍 Civic Engagement & Climate Youth feel sidelined. Structured programs and policy mechanisms are needed to amplify youth-led action and influence. 🍎 Healthy Lifestyles & Nutrition Schools and communities must co-create supportive environments that prioritize health and well-being. 📚 Explore the initiative and findings: 🔗 Youth Solutions Labs Report: https://lnkd.in/eZ9Hn4rp 🔗 Lancet Commission Report: https://lnkd.in/eH_RwzyW 🙏 Huge thanks to our incredible co-authors Hannah Chafetz, Sampriti Saxena, Tracy Jo Ingram, MPA, Andrew Zahuranec, Jennifer Requejo, Doc Shakira Choonara, Molly O’Sullivan, Luo Li #YouthEngagement #AdolescentHealth #ParticipatoryResearch #Youth #HealthEquity #LancetCommission #UNICEF #ClimateAction #DataForGood #CoDesign #MentalHealth #Education #SRHR #Nutrition

Digital empowerment goes beyond just access to technology. It’s about creating equity in critical sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and employment, especially for marginalized communities, rural populations, and persons with disabilities (PwDs). To address these needs, tailored digital solutions are crucial, and public-private partnerships (PPP) will play a key role in shaping this transformation. 1️⃣ 𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 Programs focused on digital literacy are the bedrock of empowering rural populations. The PMGDISHA (Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan), initiated by the Indian government, aims to enhance digital literacy in rural areas. As of 2024, over 5 crore people have been trained, highlighting the immense demand for digital literacy and skilling. Similiary, the Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) has been at the forefront, with initiatives like eMitra centers in Rajasthan, where digitizing government services has not only simplified access but also saved community members time and travel costs. In Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, DEF’s program to train rural women in e-commerce skills has increased financial independence and profitability, enabling them to access broader markets. 2️⃣ 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 A critical component of digital empowerment is ensuring that technology serves local needs and is not merely consumer-driven. India’s vast rural terrain demands tailored solutions. Low-bandwidth apps and voice-enabled technology are making access to services more inclusive, especially in remote areas. Private companies like Jio have partnered with the government to extend internet connectivity, but more work is needed to bridge this connectivity gap. 3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 & 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 Digital empowerment is also about giving marginalized communities the autonomy to make informed decisions. Persons with disabilities (PwDs) in cities like Jaipur are using voice-enabled apps to access telehealth services and government welfare schemes, thereby gaining greater control over their healthcare and livelihood. Microsoft’s AI for Accessibility initiative has also been instrumental in creating digital tools that cater to PwDs, enabling them to interact more seamlessly with technology. Empowering these communities to have decision-making rights and consent in digital platforms ensures that technology is not just an instrument of access but also an enabler of autonomy and inclusion. 4️⃣ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 & 𝐆𝐚𝐩𝐬 Despite the progress, there are significant challenges such as lack of Modern infrastructure, affordable devices, and quality internet access in rural areas persist. The Indian government’s Digital India initiative aims to address these gaps by establishing more research labs and digital villages.

Knowledge is power.  Yet they generously share it. A quarter billion kids aren’t in school. Most live where teachers are missing, not lazy. These women? They build the tools to change that. 📌 Priya Lakhani, OBE Builds AI that learns how every student learns. Merges neuroscience with tech to personalize learning. Her tools lighten teacher load, deepen student focus. From UK schools to refugee camps, her reach rewires access. 📌 Cynthia Breazeal, PhD Taught robots to read faces before we read code. Builds AI that listens, learns, and emotionally connects. Her tools bring AI literacy to classrooms worldwide. She’s turning tech fluency into everyday human power. 📌 Julia Freeland Fisher Redraws learning as a web of real-world connections. Links students to mentors, careers, and social capital. Her research reframes education as network-building. Equity grows when opportunity isn’t left to chance. 📌 Kristina Ishmael Designs tech policy that centers equity, not just access. Bridges classrooms and government with inclusive strategy. Shapes how AI meets public schools and real students. She makes sure no learner is left behind by design. 📌 Kathryn Parsons, MBE Cracks open code so anyone can speak tech. Trains workforces in AI, data, and digital thinking. Her mission: no one left behind in the tech shift. She’s building fluency, not just skills. 📌 Auditi Chakravarty Funds bold ideas to fix learning at its roots. Backs research that lifts Black and Latino students. Centers equity in every dollar and decision. Her work turns data into justice for classrooms. 📌 Rebecca Winthrop, PhD Designs learning for kids displaced by crisis. Builds tools that work in war zones and beyond. Advises leaders on making education truly global. She brings school where the world forgot it. 📌 Srishti Bakshi Walks across India to teach digital skills to women. Builds grassroots programs that train and empower. Blends tech, safety, and soft skills for resilience. Her classroom starts where the Wi-Fi ends. 📌 Christine Fox, M.S. Designs learning that adapts to every kind of mind. Champions tools that meet students where they are. Makes classrooms work for all bodies and brains. Her vision: access isn't optional—it's built in. 📌 Jomayra Herrera Funds the future of learning, one startup at a time. Backs tools that scale access and close gaps. Brings capital to where equity meets innovation. She invests in what school could be. 📌 Safeena Husain Mobilizes villages to bring girls back to school. Uses tech and data to track every learner’s path. Her model funds outcomes, not promises. She makes education a community mission. 📌 Kakenya Ntaiya, PhD Built a school where girls become leaders. Blends STEM, rights, and resilience in every lesson. Fights child marriage with education and hope. She’s rewriting futures from the chalkboard up. Schools may fail. Systems may stall. They? They build futures. How would the future look if all kids had the right to learn?

Most cities struggle to balance growth with affordability. Atlanta found a way to do both. The BeltLine was once nothing more than abandoned rail lines and overgrown lots—a forgotten relic of Atlanta’s industrial past. But a bold vision turned those old tracks into a 22-mile loop of trails, parks, and development that’s now the heartbeat of the city. It’s a story of what happens when developers, city planners, and communities work together—and what the future of urban revitalization could look like. 🚶 It started with walkability and public space. Before the BeltLine became a real estate hot spot, it was an idea to reconnect the city. The first major investment wasn’t luxury condos—it was parks, trails, and green spaces that made Atlanta more livable and accessible for everyone. 🏗️ Developers followed the momentum. Once people saw the potential, private investment poured in. Abandoned warehouses turned into modern lofts, neglected lots became mixed-use developments, and entire districts—like Ponce City Market and Krog Street—were revitalized into thriving community hubs. 💡 The community played a key role in shaping the vision. The BeltLine didn’t just attract developers—it engaged residents, local businesses, and artists. Public art installations, small business grants, and affordable housing incentives ensured that longtime Atlantans could benefit from the transformation. 📈 It boosted property values while prioritizing inclusivity. Real estate near the BeltLine surged in value, bringing in new investment. But city planners worked to ensure affordable housing remained part of the equation, with dedicated funding for mixed-income developments and protections for legacy residents. What cities and developers can learn from the BeltLine: 🌳 Public infrastructure drives private investment. Walkability, parks, and green space increase real estate value and make neighborhoods more desirable. 🏡 Balanced growth is possible. When developers and policymakers collaborate, cities can grow without displacing communities. 📍 Mixed-use is the future. The best developments integrate housing, retail, culture, and public space into one seamless experience. The BeltLine proves that real estate isn’t just about buildings—it’s about creating places where people want to live, work, and connect. When cities and developers think long-term, everyone benefits. — Thank you for reading! More about me: Over the past 6 years, I've worked on dozens of commercial real estate acquisitions, from beginner developer's first deals to institutional portfolio acquisitions of $100M+. If you liked my content on commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, and personal growth, connect with me for more! #RealEstateDevelopment #UrbanRevitalization #AtlantaBeltLine #Placemaking #CommercialRealEstate

This family built a ₹125 crore business by preserving India's heritage that too sustainably! Recently, Ritesh Agarwal (of OYO) invested ₹3 crore (equity + debt) in Savani Heritage Conservation Pvt. Ltd., valuing the company at ₹125 crore. While tech startups dominate today's business landscape, this three-generation family enterprise captivated the Sharks on Shark Tank India with something more timeless - the art of preservation. Their revenue journey also tells a powerful story ... ↳ From ₹4-5 lakhs in the early years → ₹110 crore by FY 2021-22 ↳ Growing to around ₹124.7 crore in FY 2023-24 ↳ With a projected revenue of ₹301 crore for FY 2024-25 Savani Heritage Conservation has already restored 300+ properties across 20 Indian states. What truly sets them apart is their restoration philosophy ... 📍They enhance ancient techniques like lime-based mortar application with modern structural analysis, creating restorations that honor heritage while ensuring longevity and safety. 📍Their materials are authentically sourced or custom-created to perfectly match centuries-old components, sometimes reviving nearly forgotten production methods. 📍Their approach preserves the usage of as much original material as possible, allowing buildings to retain their authentic character and historical value. I find their commitment to sustainability particularly impressive. Savani Heritage Conservation prioritizes material reuse and utilizes traditional building materials with a lower carbon footprint than modern alternatives. The Opera House in Mumbai, the Vikram Sarabhai Library at IIM Ahmedabad (a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award recipient), and the Ambernath Shiva Temple are living proof of their craftsmanship and vision. With an ambitious target of restoring/conserving 1,000 monuments by 2030, they are proving that legacy-building, sustainability, and business growth can beautifully coexist. P.S. Which historical structure do you believe most deserves restoration or conservation? #HeritageConservation #SustainableDevelopment #SharkTankIndia

🚨 49% of young people are economically inactive. That should shock us all. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are launching a £5 million plan to tackle this crisis. At the heart of it? A youth forum. Young people’s voices - their real, lived experience - are finally being recognised as essential to shaping programmes that actually work. Because here’s the truth: 👉 No policy designed for young people should be designed without young people 👉 No employment initiative will succeed if it ignores the barriers young people face on the ground 👉 No strategy will be credible without the voices of those who have lived through the system Too often, young people are treated as passive recipients of policy rather than active shapers of it. It’s promising to see the Combined Authority backing a youth-led forum to co-design solutions. But can't be just a tick-box exercise... - Funding must reach young people furthest from opportunity - Organisations on the ground must be supported to recruit and empower diverse youth voices - Decision-makers must listen - and act I’m keen to see how the Youth Guarantee Trailblazer areas deliver. Because young people deserve nothing less than a guarantee of hope, skills, and a real future.