“Becoming Our Vision”: Communications Insights from the NCG Conference

At the Northern California Grantmakers’ Annual Conference earlier this month, more than 500 practitioners came together to understand, refine, and strengthen philanthropy’s role in these pivotal times. Framed by the theme of “Becoming Our Vision,” these conversations were aspirational but also did not shy away from being reflective and even self-critical when it comes to accountability, follow-through, and impact by foundations in this region and beyond.

As an organization with 45+ years of history partnering with grantmakers, Cause Communications is part of this “ecosystem of power building.” Moreover, we recognize the essential role that communications plays in connecting changemakers to each other and translating what happens inside conference halls into emergent practices that strengthen us all.

Here are three ideas that resonated and how communications can help realize their potential.

(Photo credit: Northern California Grantmakers)

We must close the gap between “who we think we are and what we actually do in the world.” Prentis Hemphill, co-founder of The Embodiment Institute and conference keynote speaker, spoke passionately about the importance of courage and offered a new way of thinking about uncertainty as a place where possibility can thrive rather than fear. In a nod to the dangers of performative action, they also asked, “Are you living your values or simply stating them?” Embedded in this question is a throughline and theme that surfaced throughout the conference: communications is strongest when backed by values-driven action.
Investing in infrastructure is a commitment to the future. Many speakers, including Vanessa Moses from the Movement Innovation Collaborative and Holly Delany Cole of The Leaders’ Trust, underscored the importance of capacity building as a strategy for movement building. From nonprofit sustainability to the care and resilience of leaders, capacity building is a long-term investment in people and new systems for work and collaboration. This broader truth is especially relevant when applied to communications and helps explain why this type of support – like our own cohort-based capacity building programs – is so embraced by those on the frontlines of change.
Equity-driven practices and trust-based partnerships are essential for change. As Diana Otero of the Latino Community Foundation reminded us: “Brilliance is everywhere. Access is not.” One of the most powerful things a funder can do is recognize and support the power that comes from community, from lived experience, and from those most proximate to the challenges. This is where we must look to find solutions.From a strategic communications lens, this means amplifying community voices, ensuring that these stories are told ethically and with dignity, and using our collective voice so that new ideas can take hold. At Cause, we believe in making the power of communications accessible to all, so Diana’s words also reinforced why we’re so committed to ensuring community-based leaders have access to the resources and networks they need to do this essential work.

We are grateful to take part in philanthropy convenings where such deep thinking takes place and communications is valued. We are even more excited to see what action comes next.