Sara Allan’s Post

🌟 Gratitude and Celebration 🌟 I am beyond thrilled to express my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team at United Way of the Midlands (SC), especially Sara Fawcett, Jabari Bodrick, Ph.D., Ivan Larrymore and Tiffany Johnson. Your unwavering dedication and passion for making a positive impact on the next generation are truly inspiring. A special shout-out to The Mungo Foundation for their extraordinary generosity, contributing $500k to this life-changing journey for boys and men of color. This support is a testament to the profound impact we can achieve when organizations come together for a shared vision. There are moments in our professional journey where we witness our efforts taking shape in ways we could never have imagined. And I know, unequivocally, that these transformations don't happen in isolation; they are the result of a collective effort. I eagerly anticipate the upcoming January cohort, eager to witness the continued growth and success of this initiative. 🙏 Let's remember, our boys aren't broken; it's the system that needs fixing. Together, we are paving the way for positive change, one step at a time. 💪🏽🔑 #Gratitude #Legacy #NextGenerationLeadership #changingthenarrativeforbmoc #UnitedWay United Way's National Young Men United (YMU) Initiative proposes to support local United Ways and young men of color in the United States over the next several years to increase their post-secondary attainment and workforce preparedness. Our shared objectives are to bolster the school to work pipeline in the United States by ensuring that young men of color who participate in this initiative realize their full leadership potential - as successful college graduates who are prepared to enter the workforce, and to be engaged in their communities. It is also to engage partners and donors to support the work of United Way related to closing critical gaps in education, the workforce, and addressing other inequities.  https://lnkd.in/gzVJqjdB

We're thrilled to see Lilly Endowment's $100M investment in UNCF to help boost endowments for #HBCUs! For too long, HBCUs have been systemically underfunded—by billions of dollars—despite producing promising outcomes for Black students at rates on par with or better than higher-resourced predominantly white institutions. We're proud to support UNCF, along with Thurgood Marshall College Fund and Partnership for Education Advancement, through the HBCU Transformation Project, which is enabling the substantial transformation of HBCUs at scale, helping to close racial disparities and increase economic mobility and wealth-building for Black people and communities. https://lnkd.in/efkw2A9K

The Power of Philanthropy and Education - Part 2: Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). Ben Bernanke, who served as Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board once said, “Education - lifelong education for everyone - from toddlers to workers well advanced in their careers - is indeed an excellent investment for individuals and society as a whole.” This message is a call for business leaders, corporations, Chambers of Commerce, Sororities/Fraternities, and individuals to make a significant investment in education. More specifically I encourage investment in Community Colleges as they play a major role educating young people in obtaining the tools they need to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the job market. Community Colleges are also the first choice for adult learners who need to re-skill/up-skill to meet job requirements. As Chair of Northern Virginia Community College's Advisory Board, I see first-hand the role NOVA plays in educating its student population. With over 70,000 students, NOVA is the largest provider of talent in the the Greater Washington, DC area and the largest undergraduate higher education institution in Virginia. More importantly, NOVA is recognized for its innovation in the education space. Therefore, an investment in NOVA is an investment in the development of future leaders in the workforce. Donations can be made by going to https://lnkd.in/eQB37DbM or by mail at NOVA Educational Foundation, 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Suite 275, Annandale, VA 22003 for the attention of Kelly Persons, Executive Director of NOVA Educational Foundation. The ROI in education will pay huge dividends as students enter the workforce and contribute to the economy. #Philanthropy #Education #NOVA #ROI

There a 3 transformative insights for organizations looking to replicate Pinky Cole Hayes' impactful $8.75M donation to Savannah State University graduates… Want to know how? Here they are...👇🏾 1️⃣ Strategic Partnerships 🟠 Collaborative Impact: Partnering with Operation HOPE and One Million Black Businesses (1MBB) allows corporations to mentor, counsel, and train HBCU students. 🟠 E-Commerce Access: Provide resources like Shopify’s 3-month free access to help graduates build scalable online businesses. 2️⃣ Practical Training 🟠 Sector-Specific Curriculum: Develop specialized training to help HBCU students tackle sector-specific challenges. 🟠 Personalized Mentorship: Individualized guidance empowers graduates to confidently navigate early career challenges. 3️⃣ Long-Term Empowerment 🟠 Targeted Support: Pinky Cole Hayes' initiative demonstrates how targeted resources foster resilience in new graduates. 🟠 Sustainable Growth: Investing in #HBCU students enhances diversity while fostering innovation within the corporate sector. So, remember… Investing in the next generation is not just about funding—it's about building a foundation for new leaders to thrive. What strategies does your organization employ to support educational and entrepreneurial growth in diverse communities? Drop it in the comments!

Meet the Leaders Behind the Movement: PLAN4SUCCESS College Advisory Board! LEADERSHIP~ VOICE~ EMPOWERMENT As the driving force of a transformative initiative that seeks to empower college students across the nation, our College Advisory Board plays a pivotal role. Each member brings their unique talents and dedication to the table, guiding their peers towards a future where success is not just a goal but a shared journey. Let's celebrate our inaugural board members: President - Williams: At the helm of our College Advisory Board is Williams, a Political Science major from Tulane University. With her leadership, she helps to set the strategic direction, ensuring that our mission aligns with the needs and aspirations of students everywhere. Williams embodies the spirit of PLAN4SUCCESS, leading with integrity and a vision for a brighter future. These leaders are not just board members; they are the architects of a movement that champions academic and personal growth through collaboration and community engagement. Their dedication and vision pave the way for a future where every student can thrive. 📣 Call to Action 📣 Join the Movement: If you're from the Chicagoland area and aspire to transform your college experience, the PLAN4SUCCESS College Cohort is for you. Embark on this journey with us and unlock your full potential. Together, we can achieve greatness. Support Our Cause: Your contributions fuel our initiatives, partnerships, and scholarship drives. Every donation brings us closer to our goal of empowering every student to reach their highest aspirations. Donate now at https://lnkd.in/gWzRbiW5 and be a part of a lasting impact. Let’s embrace this journey together. Join (https://lnkd.in/gH6hXNNA). Support. Thrive. With PLAN4SUCCESS, the future is bright and full of possibilities. PPLAN4Success#CollegeSuccess #Empowerment

This holiday season, "Give the Gift of Mentorship" to first-generation college students in Chicago. At iMentor, we believe 1:1 mentorship for first-generation students on Chicago’s South and West Sides increases the chance for them to enroll, persist, and graduate from #college. 🎓 A college degree is the most direct path to economic mobility – a four-year college graduate earns $1M more over their lifetime than someone who doesn’t go to college making a bachelor’s degree worth 84% more than a high school diploma. For most students applying to college, they turn to individuals in their network, or their family’s network, for support and guidance, but for first-generation college going students, social networks and professional resources that specifically open access to higher educational pathways are limited. Your #GivingTuesday2023 donation at any level supports the next generation of leaders for #Chicago. Please consider a monthly or a one-time donation in support of our work. Whatever you can give will make an incredible difference! https://lnkd.in/gpaAWbUd

From the back of the library, what I'm reading as a philanthropy PhD student: 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁 isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a c͇r͇i͇t͇i͇c͇a͇l͇ trait for higher education fundraisers. We’re talking about the passion and perseverance that fuel successful major gift solicitations. Let’s dive in🏊. McCann’s (🎓) study reveals how grit manifests in development officers’ experiences. She found that… - Passion and Pathways: Development officers often come from varied backgrounds, bringing diverse skills from sales, education, and relationship-building roles. They share a deep commitment to their institution’s mission. - Motivation and Personal Values: Intrinsic motivation drives these professionals. They find personal satisfaction in their work, seeing the tangible impacts of their efforts on students and institutions. - Resilience and Adaptability: These fundraisers demonstrate remarkable resilience when facing frequent rejections. They continuously refine their approaches, learning from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook. - Self-Talk Matters: Positive self-talk is a critical strategy. While some struggle with negative self-talk, many learn to overcome it through reflection and support from colleagues. - Long-Term Impact: Metrics provide short-term motivation, but enduring satisfaction comes from the long-term impact on the educational opportunities created for students and institutional growth. How do you maintain your grit in the face of challenges? I would love to hear from long-time fundraisers (25 yrs +). McCann, J. A. (2018). Exploring Grit in the Experiences of Higher Education Development Officers: A Phenomenological Study. University of Texas at Tyler. #Backofthelibrary #Research #Philanthropy #Fundraising #Grit --- No, seriously, I'm actually sitting in the back of the library right now. I'm Anna Schlia, a PhD student studying HigherEd Philanthropy. I'm a fundraiser, consultant, and philanthropy zealot, on a mission to promote research-based insights across our sector. Follow me for more philanthropy nuggets and message me if you want to chat about how research can support your fundraising efforts. #TheorytoAction.

We are thrilled to announce the following applicants as our 2024 New Champions finalists: Extreme Kids & Crew, Inc. Lovisa Brown IncludeNJ Katherine Kelly Intersection Collective Erika Watson Start Lighthouse Rina M. The Lab School of Memphis Coi Morefield The Learning Hamlet Ifeyinwa Anako The New Champion and two runners-up will be announced on July 24, 2024. What is the EALA New Champions Fund? The EALA New Champions Fund will grant an annual unrestricted competitive sub-grant and year-long mentorship to support leaders of color, or allies of the equity in education movement, who are actively working to support students with disabilities, including students who are marginalized or come from underserved communities and those experiencing poverty. The purpose of this sub-grant is to elevate the profile and provide resources for the growth of the organization/initiative of not-yet-recognized leaders doing exceptional work who may struggle to be recognized in traditional national fundraising and communication efforts. What’s included? Funding: A one-year $35,000 unrestricted sub-grant. Mentorship: A one-year mentorship provided to leadership to accomplish strategic goals. Participation in National Events: EALA will work with the New Champions to spotlight their work through various media channels, podcasts, webinars, and national conferences to highlight the work of the organizations Additionally, EALA will provide two additional $5,000 sub-grants per year to runners-up as determined by the panel of New Champions judges.

On this #GivingTuesday, please give what you can to support the next generation of #Blackentrepreneurs and #HBCU businesses! The Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship is a groundbreaking and innovative initiative that serves to empower entrepreneurial ecosystems through the network of our 100+ historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and to support expanded opportunities for Black entrepreneurship broadly through programming, resources, research, curriculum, and access to capital. Impact: Since our official launch in April 2023, our team has worked hard to … • Host a national HBCU Tour that launched our initiative at our four regional centers (Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, Morgan State University, and Texas Southern University) • Host our inaugural national conference for researchers and practitioners — Black Commerce: The Future of Entrepreneurship • Award $25,000 grants to HBCUs around the country to help grow their ecosystems • Award $10,000 faculty fellowships to HBCU scholars around the country who are conducting research related to Black entrepreneurship • Award funding to HBCU student entrepreneurs through our HBCU Startup Scholars program and through pitch competitions • Host various entrepreneurial workshops for youth, college students, and community entrepreneurs • AND we’re just getting started! How can you support or get involved? • Donate — Contributions of any size make a meaningful impact on the lives of Black entrepreneurs. Donations can be one-time or recurring. • Mentor — If you're an experienced entrepreneur or provide entrepreneurial tools, consider becoming a mentor to provide guidance and inspiration to the next generation. • Spread the Word — Help raise awareness about our work by sharing the Center’s mission and initiatives within your network. • Volunteer — Get involved by organizing events, workshops, and advocacy campaigns to support the Center’s objectives. While the goals of our center are ambitious, we know that it will truly take a community, our community and allies, to achieve the goal of equitable economic empowerment and closing the wealth gap through entrepreneurship!⚖️💰 Please consider a donation to our national initiative to positively impact Black entrepreneurs everywhere. And thank you to everyone who has shared their expertise, time, talent, and treasures on our journey thus far!🙏🏾❤️ To Donate: https://lnkd.in/gmsdVdiD For more information: https://lnkd.in/gBQHC_WC