Signals tend to reveal emergent phenomena sooner so that changemakers can turn their attention to possible opportunities, disruptions, innovations and developments that affect their missions, programs and work. Signals can become mainstream and evolve into trends — when a signal hits a certain threshold, for example, it might become a trend in the broader society or sector, and begin to diffuse rapidly.
The disbursement quota governs the amount of money foundations must spend on charitable activities and flow to communities each year. The raise in the rate will mean more money for community service organizations moving forward.
The financial markets have bruised many foundation’s endowments this year. So too, however, have many charities and non-profits been feeling the pinch with increased inflation and service demands. The rate at which foundations keep giving will impact how community organizations are able to support their communities.
Philanthropy’s risk-averse tendencies have been a barrier to instigating systemic change — challenging power in philanthropic institutions is the first step in reimagining the sector for the future.
The Winnipeg Foundation, Canada’s largest community foundation, just announced they have been gifted one of Winnipeg’s largest apartment rental companies. How they choose to steward this asset could impact Winnipeg’s housing market in the coming years.
