PUBLICATIONS

Building Power: One Foundation’s Story of Funding Grassroots Organizing and Engagement

June 2019

In 2014, the Nellie Mae Education Foundation began funding three projects that together comprise the Grassroots Portfolio: Civic and Family Engagement, Community Organizing, and Amplifying Student Voice and Leadership. This work was part of the Public Understanding and Demand component of NMEF’s grantmaking strategy.

Following a Foundation-wide equity assessment in 2017, and a review of the Foundation’s strategy, NMEF commissioned Algorhythm to examine its Public Understanding and Demand evaluation and grantmaking documents, with the ultimate goal of helping NMEF better understand its role in the grassroots organizing and engagement work. This brief explores NMEF’s journey in funding the Grassroots Portfolio and shares lessons learned.

I realized that I have a voice for my children and nobody is going to stop me from advocating for them.

#DisruptionDialogue happening in Martha’s Vineyard on August 4!
“The Nellie Mae Education Foundation really seeks to make visible the invisible. We are all in service of a high quality education for every child, hard stop. There are aspects of who is least well served that often we’re not talking about, that are often invisible to folks for whom the system has served really…
July 25, 2024
Reflections and the Path Forward
February 27, 2024
Our shared commitment to equity and justice
I hope this message finds you all well. As we prepare to power down for the year end break, I am reflecting on the tremendous work of this community.
December 21, 2023
Improvement Science as a Powerful Tool for Improving Classroom Instruction
The projects—which had high levels of participation and benefited from the support of a developmental evaluator—demonstrated that NICs are a viable approach to instructional improvement.
February 23, 2023
Black History is American History: Why We Must Continue to Teach the Truth
As a Taiwanese immigrant and parent of a bi-racial child, I believe it is important for every young person to have options in their learning. When I was growing up, I loved reading and pored over books.
February 16, 2023
The Wisdom in Transitions: A Time of Reflection in Gratitude
After four years at the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, and a tenure that includes serving as Vice President of Strategy and Programs and Interim President and CEO, the time has come for me to put a period at the end of this chapter.
January 19, 2023