What Traditional Philanthropy Misses When Evaluating Impact
In traditional relationships between funders and grantees, power has usually been consolidated with the funder. At Magic Cabinet, we’re experimenting with a new way—listening to and learning from our grantees, creating space for them to share their work on their own terms.
Magic Cabinet names C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser as next Chief Executive Officer
The Magic Cabinet Board of Directors has selected C’Ardiss “CC” Gardner Gleser as the organization’s new CEO. CC brings deep experience in philanthropy, education, and social impact to the foundation.
Wherefore Participatory Grantmaking in the Age of Urgency?
In this moment of urgency, how can philanthropy protect democracy? Our partners at Proximate explore how funders can integrate participatory approaches alongside rapid response funding to nonprofits and communities.
Setting the Philanthropic Advising Field Free
In a recent article for Proximate, Magic Cabinet’s Director of Philanthropic Solutions, Molly Judge, explores how open-sourcing the philanthropic advising field has the potential to transform the sector.
Setting a New Standard: Leveling Up Our Community Engagement Model
As we prepare to launch our next Magic Cabinet cohorts, we’re leveling up our model and setting a new standard for how we enter and engage with communities.
Reciprocity Should Become the New Standard for Working With Intermediaries
Funders are increasingly tapping intermediaries to serve as a bridge to BIPOC-led, community-based, and ‘hard to reach’ organizations. In this piece, Proximate examines how funders can transition from a transactional approach to more reciprocal relationships with intermediaries.
Solano County: Listening, Learning, and Investing in a Community Long Overlooked
In a recent conversation with several Solano County partners, we discussed how funders can contribute to equitable investments in Solano County nonprofits.
Our Values in Action: Magic Cabinet’s Intermediary Partnerships
Our approach has evolved, but our values remain unchanged. Our intermediary partnerships with the Decolonizing Wealth Project and Native Voices Rising helped us reach farther without stepping away from what matters.
Building Community Power: Magic Cabinet & STRONG Collaborative Fund
We’re excited to share the details of our collaboration with East Bay Community Foundation’s STRONG Collaborative Fund to accelerate $600K in capacity-building funding to grassroots and nonprofit organizations in East Contra Costa County, California.
What the Heck is Fiscal Sponsorship, Anyway?
For decades, fiscal sponsorship has served as a powerful, evolving tool for moving money, building capacity, and supporting social change. In this piece, our partners at Proximate break down the sometimes misunderstood practice.