Breaking free from the compliance mindset: Reimagining grantmaking for a more equitable future
With emergent strategy, both funders and grantees are encouraged to be open to change while still having goals and objectives. Operating outside of a compliance mindset isn’t always easy for funders or grantees, but being in the moment and creating the space for building relationships and conversations leads to greater curiosity, imagination, and, ultimately, the potential to change what we see around us and create a more equitable future. Read part two of our look into emergent learning and strategy and research into the PA Heart & Soul project.
Uncovering the details: PA Humanities Discovery Project digs deep
As part of the PA Humanities Discovery Project, workers from across the state gathered for in-person focus groups to discuss why they do humanities work and its impacts and challenges. It’s the latest step in an ambitious project that will tell the story of humanities work (and workers) across the state for the very first time in such detail and help to build a more inclusive and connected community for sharing, learning and advocacy.Â
Young people ‘adulting,’ leading a change in narrative about Chester
In a community where outside narratives often focus on the negative, Tara Jones is helping young people use their voice to illuminate the positive. Jones created the Chester Cultural Arts & Technology Center in Chester, Pa., to be a resource for residents of the city, and it’s now also a place where young adults and teens can explore the topics that matter to them and make themselves heard well beyond the borders of Chester through their own podcasts.
Communities welcome lasting benefits from PA Heart & Soul
Across the state, our PA Heart & Soul communities are enjoying the rewards of the citizen-led process that centers story gathering as a way to learn what people love about their towns and their hopes and dreams for the future in order to move forward together. Read about five of them here.
Full STEAM ahead: Pittsburgh nonprofit centers people of color in science history
Using PA SHARP funding, Assemble is teaching students about leaders from the African diaspora in STEAM fields and Philadelphia’s Brandywine Workshop and Archives has created a free database that makes diverse, contemporary art and artists more accessible.
Signs of friendship: Unique collaboration bridges divides in Western PA
At first glance, the rehearsal could be taking place at any school with any group of students.
There’s singing, there’s dancing…and there’s sign language.
That’s the point at which the production reveals itself as something different.