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Winter 2024 Newsletter – Boards that fundraise + client spotlight

By Schonfield Consulting | February 12, 2024 |

Happy New Year from Schonfield Consulting! Since several of our clients wrapped up successful fundraising efforts in 2023, we’re focusing this newsletter on fund development and what your organization can do in 2024 to increase your impact. We’d love to hear from you about your fundraising successes or challenges in 2023 and where you’re…

Summer 2023 Newsletter

By Schonfield Consulting | September 21, 2023 |

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over. At Schonfield Consulting, we’ve had a busy summer, with some fun adventures, several new clients, and a new team member. See more below. Please reach out if you have a project you want to discuss or just to fill us in on your news and updates.…

Neil Jacobson, Disability Rights Activist

By Schonfield Consulting | May 30, 2023 |

We were so sorry to learn about the passing of Neil Jacobson, a nationally known disability rights activist, on May 12, 2023. Neil was a “giant” in the disability rights community, he was featured in the Netflix documentary Crip Camp, and he was a long-time Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank. Schonfield Consulting had the great privilege of working with Neil and his team in 2022 on a business plan for his nonprofit Abilicorp. It was an unforgettable experience to work with Neil and witness his passion, work ethic and his dedication to inclusion and human rights. “Go, go, go”… as Neil always said!

Embedding DEI in Communications

By Schonfield Consulting | May 9, 2023 |

Adding a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) lens to any organization’s communications is critical, but it’s sometimes hard to know where to start. We appreciate this article from The Kenneth Rainin Foundation about embedding DEI in communications. It offers practical “how to” tips, including developing shared practices for communications.

The Rainin Foundation is based in Oakland, with programs in arts, health, and early education. We worked with their team on an evaluation of their health program.

Let us know your thoughts and how your organization addresses DEI in your communications.

Inequity in Funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

By Schonfield Consulting | May 9, 2023 |

I was saddened to see a recent study by Candid and ABFE, showing that on average, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUS) received 178 times less funding from foundations than the average Ivy League school in 2019.

In fact, the eight Ivy League universities received $5.5 billion from the 1,000 largest U.S. foundations compared to just $45 million for the 99 HBCUs in 2019. This shocking disparity shows that foundations still have a “long way” to go to address historic inequalities and systemic racism in higher education.

How can we best address this urgent problem going forward?

Spring 2023 Newsletter

By Schonfield Consulting | April 13, 2023 |

There’s a lot of “change afoot” across the U.S. with Trump’s indictment (what a trip to watch!), Passover/Easter happening, and our long, wet winter in California finally changing to Spring. At Schonfield Consulting, we’re experiencing change as well, with a diverse group of clients, our growing team, and increasing connections. See more below about…

Honoring Judy Heumann

By Schonfield Consulting | April 5, 2023 |

Last month, the world lost Judy Heumann, widely regarded as the “Mother of the disability rights movement.” Our former client Neil Jacobson with Abilicorp wrote this beautiful tribute about his lifelong friendship and collaboration with Judy. We are honored to have worked with Neil, and are so grateful for Judith’s incredible work.

Lead With Joy

By Schonfield Consulting | March 28, 2023 |

In today’s world of growing social, political and environmental unrest, joy is not something we often think about in our social change work. But this webinar on Leading with Joy really shines a light on the role of joy in effective leadership. To make our work sustainable, we at Schonfield Consulting really believe in looking…

Episcopal Impact Fund Considers Affordable Housing Issues

By Schonfield Consulting | March 12, 2023 |

In January, we wrapped up a strategic planning process with our client, Episcopal Impact Fund, which is the philanthropic arm of the Episcopal Diocese in the Bay Area. One of the most interesting topics that emerged was the opportunity for religious institutions to use their land assets to create affordable housing stock, of which California…

MacKenzie Scott Redraws Philanthropy

By Schonfield Consulting | February 12, 2023 |

Did you hear about MacKenzie Scott “shaking up philanthropy’s traditions”? It’s amazing to see what a high-powered, creative woman with tons of resources can do to disrupt the established ways of giving and the norms of philanthropy. Since 2019, MacZenzie (ex-wife of Jeff Bazos) has donated over $10 billion to nonprofits, community colleges and other…

Posts by Schonfield Consulting

Neil Jacobson, Disability Rights Activist

Embedding DEI in Communications

Inequity in Funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Honoring Judy Heumann

Lead With Joy

Episcopal Impact Fund Considers Affordable Housing Issues

MacKenzie Scott Redraws Philanthropy

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“Anne and her team played an integral role in designing and implementing Well Being Trust's grant making. Anne is extremely efficient and good at moving things forward. I value Anne’s input tremendously and appreciate her warm and positive manner.”

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"The ABPAS business plan that Schonfield Consulting helped us develop clearly explains our mission to investors and donors. The research Eva did was comprehensive and well-presented. The services provided by Anne and Eva can definitely help propel many other agencies like ours.”

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"Thank you for carrying us through this process. The end result is pretty dramatic, thanks to your careful eye, your methodical work, and your creative suggestions. You’re a superstar!"

"From her insights into fundraising, to her pointed questions on strategy and her well-organized agendas -- Anne's support has been invaluable. Anne has great energy and is an important member of the TAHMO team."

"Anne has done excellent consultancy work. Her research and review of grant materials produced high quality outputs—she asked tough questions and delivered on time. I would highly recommend Anne."

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"Thanks for the excellent job on the case studies. I presented your work at the convening and it garnered a lot of attention. I’m excited to see how things move forward!"

"It was a pleasure working with Schonfield Consulting on our health program evaluation. Anne was super thoughtful and organized, and helped us translate lots of data into a very useful product for our Board."

“Anne provides us with excellent fundraising advice. She put a lot of time and thinking into an excellent fundraising retreat with Board and staff. We did some darn good work and had a good time doing it!”