2022
Year In Review
Building
Collectively
Holding Space for Our Network
Through our action dialogues, we opened a space for us to grow our strategic and collaborative thinking about some of the most pressing issues on the island. Our members led the creation of incisive agendas throughout the year that allowed us to delve into philanthropic trends and deepen our collective intelligence. We held a total of 13 dialogues this year where we covered topics ranging from reproductive justice efforts and post-disaster strategy to educational initiatives and an overview of our Philanthropic Investment Tool, among many others.
Finally, our member meetups and brunches were key spaces to bring our network together and build strong relationships with each other. We met regularly to share ourbehind the scenes work and hold meaningful conversations about how our organizations contribute to social change. In our member brunches, we had the opportunity to highlight the work of our members through formal presentations. Some of the members who showcased their work included Fundación Flamboyán, Fundación Banco Popular, Liberty Foundation, and Triple-S Foundation.
Lean in to Co-Create: Our Annual Convening!
After two years, we were able to hold our annual convening in person. Led by the title Lean in to Co-Create, we spent two days coming together to discuss how to improve philanthropic practices, develop strategic initiatives, build capacity and strengthen powerful relationships within our philanthropic network. As part of the outcomes of our convening, we came up with a list of the overarching themes of the time we spent together. We agreed that collaboration requires all of us. Building a better future for the island can be a stronger step forward when we integrate all of our ideas through trust and intentional relationships. Please visit our recap page to read and watch a more detailed summary of the event. We definitely came out of our convening looking forward to lean in to co-create a better and stronger philanthropic ecosystem for everyone.
Lean in to Co-Create: Our Annual Convening!
After two years, we were able to hold our annual convening in person. Led by the title Lean in to Co-Create, we spent two days coming together to discuss how to improve philanthropic practices, develop strategic initiatives, build capacity and strengthen powerful relationships within our philanthropic network. As part of the outcomes of our convening, we came up with a list of the overarching themes of the time we spent together. We agreed that collaboration requires all of us. Building a better future for the island can be a stronger step forward when we integrate all of our ideas through trust and intentional relationships. Please visit our recap page to read and watch a more detailed summary of the event. We definitely came out of our convening looking forward to lean in to co-create a better and stronger philanthropic ecosystem for everyone.
Learning on the Ground
We launched our first ever learning journeys this year! These experiences created a space where we can learn directly from folks at the forefront of social change on the island. Our learning journeys not only connect us with community-based organizations leading social justice on the ground, but these experiences also support us in building stronger relationships with each other.
In 2022, we had the opportunity to visit these three communities:
Community leaders welcomed us into their everyday activities. By joining them, we were able to learn about how community based organizations create more equity and justice for hundreds of Puerto Ricans on a daily basis. Learning together from folks on the base allows us to understand how to collaborate with non-profit organizations and continue improving the social sector through strategic philanthropic investment. Thank you to all the communities who opened their doors to us!
Leading Through
Collective Action
Strategic Collective Action
//in Post-Disaster Puerto Rico
After five years of its initial creation, the FORWARD Puerto Rico Fund was activated once again in the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona last year. The social sector, philanthropic efforts and community based organizations, continue to be at the center of Puerto Rico’s recovery infrastructure in lieu of governmental neglect and lack of effective planning. In response to this lack of infrastructure and care for our island’s communities, we stepped up to serve as a liaison between philanthropic investment and on-the-ground needs as well as a platform to collect information about resources. We distributed $720,000 to support 10 mutual aid centers around the island. Our network continues to lead with strategic investment and action in times when our island needs it most!
Community Based Organizations at the Forefront of Collective Innovation
Our special projects had big moments this year! Robusteciendo la Justicia completed its first full year of strategic discussions and exchanges. These 7 community based organizations at the forefront of social change on the island made connecting, learning, aligning, and building unified strategies some of their main goals in 2022. Keeping these goals in mind, the cohort identified a series of issues to focus on as a united front ranging from disinformation and transparency to the disconnection between the government and the people. By the end of the year, this amazing group of folks agreed that community based efforts are the roots of the blossoming tree that is the future of Puerto Rico. FiPR once again continues to be a leader in the creation of spaces for innovative and creative thinking not only for our network but also for the community based organizations that the philanthropic sector serves!
Learning to Listen entered its final phase in the spring. After two years of collaborative listening, we brought to life the equity practices and strategies to balance power dynamics outlined through numerous discussions. During this final phase of the project, we also collected feedback, from community leaders, grantees and grantmakers alike, for the creation of the Learning to Listen Toolkit expected to be published in 2023. We know the final results of this participatory grantmaking project will be a ground-breaking tool for innovation in philanthropic investment.
Community Based Organizations at the Forefront of Collective Innovation
Our special projects had big moments this year! Robusteciendo la Justicia completed its first full year of strategic discussions and exchanges. These 7 community based organizations at the forefront of social change on the island made connecting, learning, aligning, and building unified strategies some of their main goals in 2022. Keeping these goals in mind, the cohort identified a series of issues to focus on as a united front ranging from disinformation and transparency to the disconnection between the government and the people. By the end of the year, this amazing group of folks agreed that community based efforts are the roots of the blossoming tree that is the future of Puerto Rico. FiPR once again continues to be a leader in the creation of spaces for innovative and creative thinking not only for our network but also for the community based organizations that the philanthropic sector serves!
Learning to Listen entered its final phase in the spring. After two years of collaborative listening, we brought to life the equity practices and strategies to balance power dynamics outlined through numerous discussions. During this final phase of the project, we also collected feedback, from community leaders, grantees and grantmakers alike, for the creation of the Learning to Listen Toolkit expected to be published in 2023. We know the final results of this participatory grantmaking project will be a ground-breaking tool for innovation in philanthropic investment.
Collaborating with Public Agencies
As part of our civic engagement efforts, we continued to work alongside the Department of Education to demand transparency and participation in the process of finalizing the Plan Maestro de Infraestructura [ADD Official translation here]. At the federal level, we also engaged in conversation with the local and federal housing departments about best practices and needs of folks on the island for a sustainable recovery.
You can read more about these powerful actions on the links below:
The Main Resource Hub for the Social Sector
Last but not least, we were able to publish important resources to continue supporting the philanthropic ecosystem on the island. In 2022, we published the research report “Estudio sobre el impacto económico y social de las organizaciones sin fines de lucro en Puerto Rico”. The report offers insight into the inner workings of the non-profit sector on the island and how to best engage with the efforts happening on the ground from a philanthropic perspective.
Finally, we were thrilled to close the year launching our podcast! In our first episode, we spoke to Mary Ann Gabino of Fundación Comunitaria de Puerto Rico. We hope that our podcast will be an open space where we can continue to discuss the future of philanthropic and nonprofit sectors with leaders of the social sector.
All of the accomplishments from 2022 truly inspire us to begin this year energized and motivated to continue building collective change. We are looking forward to keep serving and leading in the social sector in 2023 and cannot wait to keep co-creating with our network!
