By Marie LeBlanc, Community Partnerships Coordinator

This week, the Nonprofit Quarterly published an article about the Council on Foundations’ new CEO, Vikki Spruill, and her official introduction to the organization. NPQ’s Rick Cohen discusses a few key points of Spruill’s statement, including her “upbeat perspective on the societal significance of philanthropic innovation” and the need for philanthropy to assess its own value in the large society. However, Cohen also points out that “she and her colleagues have to remember that the vehicle for the delivery of philanthropy’s collective value is the nonprofit sector.”

How do the philanthropy and nonprofit sectors work collaboratively to achieve the goals mentioned by Spruill, and act as “investors, innovators, leaders, and partners” in society? As a bridge between these communities, the Catalogue for Philanthropy aims to increase the connections between (primarily) individual philanthropists in the Washington area and the regional nonprofits that most need their support. We use the moniker Catalogue for Philanthropy, but our main ‘clients’ are nonprofits. We recognize that small nonprofits in the area often do the most innovative, important, and thankless work, and yet also have a difficult time connecting with individuals who share their vision.

Capital Business also published an interesting feature this week on impact investing and its future in nonprofit funding. Chuck Bean, executive director of the Nonprofit Roundtable, offered his perspective on both the positive and negative aspects of a ‘for profit’ funding model incorporated into nonprofit development. Impact investing “necessitates that organizations generate revenue — and yes, turn a profit — without losing sight of the altruism that has long been their key differentiator and the impetus for nonprofits’ tax-exempt status.” However, it runs the risk of assuming that nonprofit clients can afford to pay for a good or service, which often isn’t the case.

Impact investing does recognize the innovative potential of the nonprofit sector, something that philanthropists also focus on and look to for sustainable, scale-able ways to make social change on a larger scale. When these three communities come together — nonprofits, philanthropy, and increasingly corporate/investment actors — to invest, innovate, lead and create partnerships, everyone benefits. What is your experience with innovative nonprofit work and funding through either philanthropic or ‘impact investing?’ Share your story with us!