FJC’s CEO Sam Marks has been awarded ThinkAdvisor’s Luminaries with Heart Award. The Luminaries program is a national initiative that highlights individuals and firms in financial services whose work demonstrates innovation, leadership, and community impact. Awardees are selected by ThinkAdvisor’s editorial team and an advisory board following an independent review.

Marks was recognized for expanding FJC beyond traditional grantmaking, making philanthropic capital work harder and smarter. FJC’s capital solutions help nonprofits access bridge financing, equity-like investments and revolving funds—tools often reserved for private-sector organizations.

“When philanthropic capital is structured thoughtfully and with an understanding of how organizations actually operate, it can solve problems that would otherwise slow down important work,” Marks said.  “At FJC, we’ve become the go-to philanthropic platform for imaginative donors that want to do more with their giving.”

This recognition speaks to the collaborative effort behind these solutions: donors willing to think creatively about how they use their charitable assets, nonprofit leaders who surface the financial challenges they’re navigating, and a staff team committed to getting the details right.

FJC shares the honor of this award with the growing community of partners that are demonstrating what flexible, mission-driven capital can do to help nonprofits achieve their missions.

FJC was born into a different world thirty years ago. Donors contributing to their Donor Advised Fund accounts wrote out checks by hand, mailing them in an envelope.  The Internet was in its infancy and communication was mostly phone calls and the occasional fax.  FJC’s “database” was a Rolodex, and if someone referred to “the cloud,” the staff would have probably checked the weather. And in 1995, industrywide only about $2.5 billion was held in DAF accounts. The first corporate-sponsored DAFs were just a few years old, and most DAF accounts were held in a handful of large community foundations that had existed since the 1920s. 

FJC’s founders had a vision for doing philanthropy differently.  They believed that DAFs had enormous potential, and that they could be flexible tools to support nonprofits, when donors had imagination.  Even before the term “impact investing” was coined, they understood that philanthropic capital in DAFs could be invested in loans to nonprofits, providing critical bridge financing to achieve mission while growing their donors’ capacity to give. 

In our first years of operation, we had a great year if we made more than $3 million in grants to nonprofits.  Last year we made over $46 million in grants.  This growth in grantmaking capacity is a function of the continued generosity of our donors and the tax-free investment growth of those donated assets, both in the capital markets and our loan pool, which has grown from an initial seed of $5 million into a $75 million fund.  Meanwhile we have incubated over 400 fiscally sponsored organizations and projects, hundreds of which have spun off and received their own 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

During this time, the world of philanthropy has changed radically.  Impact investing has become a movement, encompassing not just specialized lending to nonprofits but investing for-profit in alignment with values.  DAFs, once the purview of a few community foundations, have gone mainstream. Today’s DAF industry holds over $250 billion in assets, driven largely by the DAF platforms of large financial services companies.  In recent years, fintech companies have been entering the industry, promising speed, convenience and AI agentification.

As we head into our fourth decade, FJC has some exciting plans to refresh our own IT infrastructure, which will position us to be even more tech-forward as we grow.  As we and the industry evolve, we will continue to stay true to the original conception of this organization: creative, responsive, expert in 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and laser-focused on how we can advance the missions of our nonprofit grantees and partners.  We will continue to work with donors whose capacity to give is expanded by flexibility about what they give, how their funds are invested, and how they are deployed.  We excitedly look forward to our next 30 years, and we look forward to working with you. 

We would like to advise our donors of a few important deadlines:

Grant Recommendations & Distributions: December 16, 2025.  This is the deadline for this year’s grant recommendations!  We know that many of your favorite charities plan big year-end campaigns.  Please help us make these critical resources count for your nonprofit partner’s fiscal year by making your recommendations before this deadline. 

Please note that grant recommendations made after December 16 (5PM Eastern Standard Time) may be approved and processed early in 2026.

Contributions: December 31, 2025.  For your giving to FJC to qualify for a 2025 tax deduction, we must receive your contributions by December 31.

Electronic transfer recommended.  We recommend that cash contributions are sent by credit card, ACH, or wire transfer and received by FJC by December 31. (Please note that ACH transfers can take up to 5 business days to settle, so please plan accordingly). Using electronic payments ensures the most efficient crediting of your account. Please contact FJC for instructions.

Contributions by check.  If you make contributions to your account by check, please note that checks that are sent via U.S. mail must be postmarked by December 31 to qualify as a 2025 tax deduction. Deliveries by other means (such as FedEx, DHL or others) must be received by December 31, regardless of shipping date. 

Does your financial institution issue checks in bulk? Please note that if you are using your financial institution’s online bill-pay module, certain financial institutions that rely on bulk check processing will arrive at FJC without a postmark.  We recommend executing these payments ASAP, because checks without a postmark must be received by December 31 to count to qualify as a 2025 tax deduction.

Contributions of securities and mutual fund shares. These should be made as soon as possible and received by FJC by December 31.  Please notify us in advance of the transfer so we can promptly credit your fund.

Contributions of other assets.  Real estate, restricted securities or privately held stock can be made, but require longer lead times, so let us know ASAP.

Questions?  Contact us at fjc@fjc.org.

Nonprofit developers, by virtue of their governance and ownership, are the only segment of the affordable housing sector that’s required to reinvest their financial benefits of development back into their neighborhoods and people they serve. So say the authors of “Why NYC Should Fund The Developers Who Stay Invested,” including FJC CEO Sam Marks.  The op-ed, written by Marks and Michelle De La Uz, Executive Director of the nonprofit Fifth Avenue Committee, was published by the independent, nonprofit news organization City Limits.  

The op-ed recounts the history of public-private development of affordable housing, and the important role New York City’s nonprofit sector played in rebuilding the Bronx and other low-income neighborhoods starting in the 1970s after a period of abandonment.  For-profit developers quickly entered the field and gained scale and market share in the affordable housing sector. The authors suggest that it’s mission-focused nonprofits who are able to “build housing that builds neighborhoods, invests in residents, and advances equity at the same time.”

The authors write, “Private foundations, corporate foundations, and individuals should consider building the financial capacity of nonprofits, so they have the capacity and infrastructure to build housing at scale. What we’re calling for is not simply operating grants but investments in nonprofits at the enterprise level. This funding would help nonprofits build their financial strength, empowering them to develop even more ambitious affordable housing projects that include essential resources for the people and communities in which they are built.” 

Read the full op-ed here.

FJC’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Marks made the list of “Notable Leaders in Philanthropy 2025” by Crain’s New York Business.

Crain’s notes that it is a “… small wonder that New York today is home to so many philanthropic endeavors and nonprofit organizations. It’s our privilege to honor 62 individuals who are core to these efforts. In their various roles — executives and board members, directors and founders — the people presented in our 2025 list of Notable Leaders in Philanthropy are toiling for the public good, alleviating youth homelessness, servicing families battling illness, supporting the arts and more.”

Crain’s highlighted FJC’s innovative philanthropy including including efforts related to homelessness, adolescent mental health, affordable housing and economic justice. Notable successes include creating financial tools providing credit lines to arts and LGBTQ youth organizations, and launching an equity-like capital initiative benefiting affordable housing nonprofits. The piece also celebrated Marks’ board service to community development nonprofits like Fifth Avenue Committee and the Center for New York City Neighborhoods.

Read the full profile at Crain’s New York Business.

Marks responded, “It’s great for FJC to receive this recognition, which really reflects the amazing work of our staff, board, and all the partners and donors that fuel our work with their philanthropic giving.” 

Please join FJC in celebrating the work of Sam and the team for this recognition!

At FJC, our mission is to amplify the power of philanthropy by supporting initiatives that spark innovation, foster resilience, and create lasting change in our communities. One of the ways we achieve this is through our Fiscal Sponsorship Program, which empowers emerging organizations to focus on their transformative missions while we handle the administrative and fiscal responsibilities of nonprofit management.

The Fiscal Sponsorship Program reflects our commitment to identifying and nurturing bold ideas that address pressing social and environmental challenges. By providing access to nonprofit status, funding pathways, and operational support, we help grassroots leaders accelerate their impact and connect with donors and supporters who share their vision.

Of the several new programs that joined our Fiscal Sponsorship Program in 2024, we are proud to spotlight three inspiring organizations. These organizations were chosen for their innovative approaches, community-driven missions, and their readiness to create real change. Each organization is managing active fundraising campaigns to support their work.

• Seaweed City is transforming New York Harbor with regenerative seaweed aquaculture, improving water quality, restoring marine habitats, and strengthening coastal resilience.
• Hallets Playground Alliance fosters wellness, connection, and inclusion by turning local parks in Queens into vibrant community spaces through free, family-friendly programming.
• CHInyc is pioneering a housing model that creates inclusive communities for neurodiverse adults, promoting independence, dignity, and meaningful social connections.

These initiatives represent the heart of what FJC’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program stands for: providing the tools and resources for innovative leaders to build solutions to the challenges they see in the world. Whether they are restoring the environment, revitalizing community spaces, or reimagining housing, these projects exemplify the power of grassroots innovation to create lasting impact.

We are thrilled to support these organizations as they fundraise and expand their programming, and we invite you to learn more about their work.

Seaweed City: Harnessing the Power of Kelp for a Healthier New York Harbor

As climate challenges continue to rise, Seaweed City is leading the way in innovative, nature-based solutions with its regenerative seaweed farms. Focused on revitalizing New York’s estuarial waters, Seaweed City uses kelp to clean water, create essential marine habitats, and buffer against coastal erosion. Kelp, often called “nature’s filter,” absorbs excess nutrients from the water and contributes to a healthier marine ecosystem.

The recent installation of Seaweed City’s kelp garden on Governors Island marks an exciting expansion. Open to the public, this living laboratory is a place for residents, students, scientists, and environmental advocates to connect with the marine environment and explore the many ecological benefits of seaweed. Seaweed City’s programs also create hands-on opportunities for community members, encouraging participation in environmental stewardship and raising awareness about the power of urban aquaculture. Through partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and environmental groups, Seaweed City is building a movement that champions resilience and sustainability along New York’s waterfront.

“Thanks to FJC’s Fiscal Sponsorship Program, we are able to focus on expanding our kelp gardens and engaging communities in this vital work. Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient waterfront for New York City.” – Shanjana Mahmud, Executive Director

Hallets Playground Alliance: Strengthening Community Through Wellness and Connection

The Hallets Playground Alliance is on a mission to create an inclusive, vibrant community space in the Hallets Point neighborhood, where families and neighbors can come together through health-centered events and social outdoor activities. Founded in April 2023 to address the need for accessible, organized community events, Hallets Playground Alliance has been making a mark by hosting free activities that support physical, mental, and social well-being.

This Fall, the alliance hosted its first Halloween Fair, a festive celebration that brought families together for a day of fun and community spirit. Beyond seasonal events, the group is committed to expanding its programming to foster stronger community ties and promote an active, healthy lifestyle. With plans to formalize as a nonprofit, Hallets Playground Alliance aims to sustain its grassroots efforts, providing free, enriching activities that transform playgrounds into platforms for wellness, leadership, and activism. Donors and community supporters can play a key role in helping Hallets Playground Alliance continue to grow and impact more lives in the neighborhood.

“Parks are for people—they are gathering places where people of all ages and backgrounds can connect, heal, and thrive. Hallets Playground Alliance is committed to making community spaces vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. With FJC’s support, we’re excited to expand our programming and bring even more enriching events to the families of Hallets Point. Together, we’re strengthening community bonds and creating lasting memories.” – Aiysha Mayfield, Executive Director

CHInyc: Building Inclusive, Supportive Housing for Neurodiverse Adults

CHInyc, or Collective for Housing Independence NYC, is developing an innovative housing model designed to create a meaningful community for neurodiverse adults and their neurotypical neighbors. Inspired by successful intentional housing models, CHInyc envisions a “micro-community” where residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) can live with autonomy and dignity while building genuine social connections.

The planned community will feature private apartments along with flexible common spaces for organic social interactions, helping to reduce the isolation that many people with disabilities experience. A unique aspect of this model is the “paid neighbor” program, in which neurotypical residents receive a small stipend to support and interact with their neurodiverse neighbors, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Currently in the initial phases of fundraising and coalition building, CHInyc is working with FJC to establish itself as a nonprofit and acquire real estate to bring this model to life.

This ambitious vision not only addresses a pressing need for supportive housing but also sets the stage for future inclusive communities across NYC. By supporting CHInyc, donors help create a lasting model for dignity, social integration, and independence. An anonymous donor will be matching up to $10,000 of donations made in support of CHInyc, so donating now will double your impact for the organization!

“We started CHInyc because we believe that everyone deserves a home and a community where they are valued. It’s not just about housing—it’s about creating a space for neurodiverse adults to live with dignity and build meaningful relationships. FJC’s support has been incredible, giving us the confidence to take these first steps and share this vision with the world.” – Carrie Peterson, Founder and Director

We would like to advise our donors of a few important deadlines:

Grant Recommendations & Distributions: December 18, 2024.  This is the deadline for this year’s grant recommendations!  We know that many of your favorite charities plan big year-end campaigns.  Please help us make these critical resources count for your nonprofit partner’s fiscal year by making your recommendations before this deadline.  

Please note that grant recommendations made after December 18 (5PM Eastern Standard Time) may be approved and processed early in 2025. 

Contributions: December 31, 2024.  For your giving to FJC to qualify for a 2024 tax deduction, we must receive your contributions by December 31. 

• Electronic transfer recommended.  We recommend that cash contributions are sent by credit card, ACH, or wire transfer and received by FJC by December 31. (Please note that ACH transfers can take up to 5 business days to settle, so please plan accordingly). Using electronic payments ensures the most efficient crediting of your account. Please contact FJC for instructions. 

• Contributions by check.  If you make contributions to your account by check, please note that checks that are sent via U.S. mail must be postmarked by December 31 to qualify as a 2024 tax deduction. Deliveries by other means (such as FedEx, DHL or others) must be received by December 31, regardless of shipping date.  

• Does your financial institution issue checks in bulk? Please note that if you are using your financial institution’s online bill-pay module, certain financial institutions that rely on bulk check processing will arrive at FJC without a postmark.  We recommend executing these payments ASAP, because checks without a postmark must be received by December 31 to count to qualify as a 2024 tax deduction.

• Contributions of securities and mutual fund shares. These should be made as soon as possible and received by FJC by December 31.  Please notify us in advance of the transfer so we can promptly credit your fund. 

• Contributions of other assets.  Real estate, restricted securities or privately held stock can be made, but require longer lead times, so let us know ASAP.

Questions?  Contact as at fjc@fjc.org. 

Join us in celebrating our CEO Sam Marks for being included in a special issue of Foundation Review featuring the most well-received articles in the journal’s 15-year history.

The Foundation Review, published by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, has served as a platform for authors to share expertise and insights and contribute to the collective knowledge base in philanthropy since its launch in 2009. To date, articles have been downloaded nearly 600,000 times by readers from more than 14,000 institutions around the world. Authors representing more than 450 universities, foundations, nonprofit organizations, consulting and research firms, and public organizations and institutions have contributed to the journal.

As part of its 15-year anniversary, Foundation Review has published a special issue — free for all to download and explore — presenting the most well-received articles in the journal’s history, each with author commentary in newly written prologues.

Sam’s 2022 article, Donor-Advised Funds and Impact Investing: A Practitioner’s View, argues that any discussion of foundations embracing impact investing must include some discussion of one of the largest — and growing — sources of philanthropic capital: donor-advised funds. This article takes a practitioner’s view on the issue, reflecting on lessons learned by a sponsor of donor-advised funds that has long accommodated the impact investing interests of its donors.

In addition to writing new prologues, authors were invited to submit an introductory video reflecting on the impact of their articles.  View Sam’s video here.  A transcript is below.

Sam Marks here. I’m the Chief Executive Officer of FJC, a foundation of philanthropic funds. I’m in my fifth year here. We are primarily a sponsor of donor-advised funds. We also fiscally sponsor about 160 organizations and act as a financial intermediary, helping imaginative donors make impact investments with capital in their DAF accounts. I’ve been a nonprofit guy—sometimes a grant seeker, sometimes a grant maker—working at the intersection of the nonprofit sector and finance.

In my 30-year career, I’ve worked in youth development, affordable housing development, and impact investing at a CDFI before coming to FJC. I’d say it’s about one-third career in philanthropy, two-thirds as a practitioner. I was really honored to have my abstract accepted by The Foundation Review. Having the article peer-reviewed and published is very validating; it really underscores that we’re on to something.

FJC has been working at the intersection of donor-advised funds and impact investing for nearly 30 years, and when I started as CEO in 2019, it was clear there were cool things happening here, but it was a bit of a best-kept secret. It was time to export our practices and inspire others to invest the funds in their DAF accounts in ways that support nonprofits. A lot of it has been about trying to change attitudes and values, letting people know what’s possible, and shifting minds. That means providing thought leadership. Most foundation investment committees have conservative approaches to investing; they invest for market returns, grow their endowment, and give more money away the next year. But what if funds at foundations could be invested to advance mission work and help nonprofits advance their missions?

It’s been really exciting to see that there’s an audience out there that wants to dig into this, do some deep dives, and look at case studies. I really appreciate The Foundation Review. There’s a tendency for foundations to think transactionally, but for us to step back, think big picture, and see patterns is really important. It’s still early days for our article—it’s only been available for several months—so the causal relationships of change in the world may be beyond the powers of some of the folks on this call who are experts on that. But I can say we’ve had a lot of inbound interest about building on some of the case studies we wrote about in the piece.

We had a foundation come to us with a million dollars and open a donor-advised fund to capitalize a low-interest revolving loan fund for one of their favorite youth-serving organizations in New York City. A corporate foundation is preparing to make a million-dollar loan to FJC so we can on-lend it to a series of affordable housing developers, who would then match funds with some donor capital. A couple of our nonprofit borrowers, who’ve borrowed from FJC at a market rate of interest, are interested in working with us to create a pooled fund that would serve their whole sector of legal defender organizations at a below-market rate of interest. We are seeing these green shoots of practitioners and people thinking about this stuff.

I do worry sometimes that we’re preaching to the choir to some degree, because the folks I’d really like to be reading this article are investment committees of foundations and people who work on Wall Street—those who have access to way more resources and might think more creatively about them if they knew what was possible. One of the interesting lanes I’m trying to open is around working with nonprofit boards that may have some resources around the table and some financial sophistication. Instead of centering on donor preference for how philanthropic resources can be put to work, we should center on what nonprofits need, their gaps in their business models, and how they could benefit from building up their balance sheets—not just having grants that help them operate in the black for the year, but investments that build up the financial capacity of the organizations.

These are the kinds of conversations I’m hoping this article can help advance.

We invite you to explore the whole special issue of Foundation Review.

“These articles continue to resonate today because of their provocative, relevant insights that foster discussions and influence philanthropic practices,” said Dr. Hanh Cao Yu,  Editor-in-Chief of Special Issues. “Each of them provokes opportunities to continue addressing the issues facing philanthropy today.”

FJC Donor Sandra Hughes Waddell wrote this guest essay for our blog, describing how Donor Advised Fund accounts are helping her family sustain the legacy of their ancestor Charles Evans Hughes. The piece is a part of our “Why I Give…and How” blog series.

Every family has traditions and values passed down from generation to generation. For our family, it’s a passion for racial and social justice. We grew up hearing stories about my grandmother Catherine Hughes Waddell, a relentless advocate for racial equality who left her mark through her work at organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the United Negro College Fund. My grandfather Chauncey Waddell shared Catherine’s passion for this work, and together they created an enduring and impactful legacy of philanthropy.

The Charles Evans Hughes Memorial Foundation was founded by my grandparents and named in honor of Catherine’s father (our great-grandfather), a former Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, U.S. Secretary of State, Governor of the State of New York and a steadfast advocate for equal justice under law. For over 60 years, the Hughes Foundation was at the heart of our family’s philanthropic endeavors, with programs focusing on legal and human rights; environment, population and health; education; and arts and culture. It was a cherished and impactful institution that helped to guide my own personal journey as a philanthropist.

I vividly remember, as a young child, my parents started me on a small allowance, of which I was to set aside 10% for charity. At the end of the year, my parents would match what I’d saved, and I was to write to my selected organizations, explaining why I had chosen them. Those first gifts were to the organizations where my grandmother Catherine had worked. It was a wonderful way to set me on the path toward my own philanthropy. More than that, I have been forever grateful to have been raised in a family for whom racial justice is a deeply abiding value.

As I grew older, I began to understand that philanthropy wasn’t just about donating money, but also about doing the work to understand the complexities of the issues you’re trying to address. Experience has taught me that effective philanthropy calls for actively listening to and learning from those in the organizations and communities you seek to serve, building relationships and fostering partnerships, and providing funding that best propels change, builds the capacity and resources of your grantees and creates sustainable impact.

In essence, for me, philanthropy is not a financial exercise, it’s an intellectual, emotional and deeply-rooted personal commitment. Building on my grandmother’s vision, and serving on the Foundation she and my grandfather created, has been both a privilege and a responsibility. Yet, in recent years, the private foundation landscape has shifted. The administrative and compliance demands are complex and resource-consuming, putting small family foundations like ours in a challenging position. These obligations can threaten to overshadow the charitable mission that should be the driving force of any philanthropic venture. What’s more, as our family’s involvement in the Hughes Foundation evolved over the generations, it became clear that the governance structure of a family foundation was becoming unwieldy, and our philanthropy could benefit from added flexibility.

This is where Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) come into play. DAFs have been rising in popularity. As a philanthropist familiar with the workload of running a foundation, I’m not surprised. DAFs offer a valuable alternative, empowering philanthropists to shed administrative burdens while continuing to channel their energy and resources toward causes that matter. By moving to individual DAF accounts, we realized we would be able to devote our attention to identifying and building relationships with grantees making the most impact. We believe that is the heart and soul of philanthropy, and, what’s more, true to the vision of our family.

After much thoughtful consideration, the four remaining trustees decided to dissolve the Foundation and continue our cherished philanthropic mission through new DAF accounts with FJC, a boutique sponsor. It had been weighty and even emotional for some of us, thinking about winding down the good work of a distinguished 60-year family Foundation, but being introduced to FJC really brightened our sense of what the next phase of giving could look like. We found that, unlike larger institutions, boutique organizations like FJC offer flexibility, accommodating unique agreements, handling unusual assets and developing bespoke charitable programs. In our case, we found that even as we moved philanthropic assets from the Foundation to our DAF accounts, we could maintain our investment advisory relationship with the Foundation’s long-time funds manager. Our partnership with FJC has allowed us not only to preserve the legacy of the Hughes Foundation but also to reanimate that legacy, enabling us to further invest in the causes and institutions that matter deeply to us. Finding the right partner is, in itself, transformative. We’re grateful to work with a team that understands the philosophy of our giving.

This transition feels like a new chapter in our family’s philanthropic journey – an evolution rather than an ending. Our new approach offers a vibrant, exciting future where we continue to honor the spirit of our forebears, focused on our impact and not on overhead. This is not just about preserving a philanthropic legacy but about propelling it forward. Freed from the confines of private foundation governance, our family members now have additional flexibility to further the mission of the Hughes Foundation, each in our own way. The Hughes Foundation may have evolved, but its spirit, mission and commitment to social justice will continue to guide the path forward.

Reflecting on the journey that brought us here, I am reminded of the young girl who first learned the joy and importance of giving and who, all these decades later, remains steeped in gratitude – to her forebears, for their wisdom and vision in creating an enduring and impactful legacy of philanthropy, and even more so, to the many charitable organizations and projects that inspire us and whose important missions and work we are honored to support.

Special thanks from FJC to Lauren Katzowitz Shenfield, Principal of Philanthropy Advisors, for providing the strategic guidance to the Trustees of the former Charles Evans Hughes Memorial Foundation that led to this exciting, new partnership.

NYN Media’s Phenix Kim recently interviewed Sam Marks, CEO of FJC, about uses of Donor Advised Funds that center the unique business development needs of nonprofit organizations.  An excerpt is below:

Phenix Kim, NYN Media: One of the things you stressed was a shift in mindset regarding philanthropy, from something reactive to something more long-term, strategically. Would you mind elaborating on this?  

Sam Marks, FJC: A lot of nonprofits and nonprofit board members come to me for advice about fundraising. Many of them are encouraging their board members to go out and fundraise for the organization, [such as] end of the year campaigns or Giving Tuesday. And I think nonprofits often can get donations from the social circles [of board members] who will give to a nonprofit because they want to support their friend. I think the bigger challenge for nonprofits is to find the ways to engage potential funders in ways that hook them into an organization for the long-term, and get a donor to really fall in love with the organization and its mission and its impact. And that can sometimes take a long time. But those [donors] that do really fall for an organization and get to know the leadership, can be some of the most valuable long-term stakeholders for an organization and pull others into the nonprofit’s orbit. Particularly for the nonprofits that rely a lot on city funding, those payments are delayed and the city’s facing budget cuts. And it’s important for them to have other sources of funding that are more flexible and longer term to help them invest in the organization’s long-term sustainability infrastructure.

The profile notes that FJC continues to grow in philanthropic accounts and assets, even as its donors have increased their distributions of grants to nonprofits.  The interview also mentions examples of innovative uses of funds in DAFs, including donors using funds in their accounts to capitalize low-interest revolving lines of credit. Read the whole interview here.