Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

RPA's Foresight & Futures Community of Practice Beehive in Nairobi marked a special milestone—one year of exploring futures-thinking together. Through deep conversations and storytelling rooted in African traditions, we reflected on what our learnings mean for our work and the communities we serve. We didn’t just ask, “𝙎𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” and “𝙉𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?”—we began answering them. We explored how to embed foresight into our work and create room for thinking beyond today, centering communities and ecosystems in the process. Together, we’re imagining what 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 and 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 be. ✨ Thank you to our incredible partners and peers who made this transformative gathering possible, including: Evans Okinyi East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN, Next Step Foundation, Laudes Foundation Realdania Hispanics in Philanthropy MacArthur Foundation Porticus DANSIC - Danish Social Innovation Club Ford Foundation Rockefeller Brothers Fund Philanthropy New York Forum for the Future Peres Were-Ogaga Mendi Blue Paca N. Jessica Horn Robert Bosch Stiftung William and Flora Hewlett Foundation The Lupine Collaborative School of International Futures (SOIF) RAKSHA Intelligence Futures Palmhouse Foundation Purity Mumo, MPRSK Peter Simiyu John Waimiri The Family Group Foundation Eric Kimani Special thanks to our facilitators and organizers: Sophy Yem, Chris Cardona, Alisha Bhagat, Hilda Vega, Anders Folmer Buhelt, Dr. Katindi Sivi, Abubakar Zein, Aarathi Krishnan, Donita Volkwijn, Brenda Ogembo, PhD The Honorable Senator Ledama Olekina, Grace Anderson Wacuka Mungai, Olga Tarasov Lillian Wambui Chege, Henrietta Bankole-Olusina, and Caroline Suozzi.

"The time has come for all of us to act faster, bigger, better, bolder. To do so, we must leverage the collective power of insights and ideas to become not just forward looking but futures focused. We have a responsibility to ensure that envisioning and creating positive, sustainable futures is not a luxury but a necessity. Transformative paths must center the perspectives of the Global Majority—perspectives rooted in centuries of communal wisdom and tradition. The 'Bright Spots' enable us to do that—they help us radically reimagine and put resources behind not just what will be but what could and should be." – Olga Tarasov, Vice President, Inquiry & Insights at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors At Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, we are proud to partner with Forum for the Future, The Earthshot Prize, Trane Technologies, and many other visionary organizations to shine a light on Bright Spots—30 groundbreaking initiatives fundamentally reimagining how we live and work. These Bright Spots offer much-needed hope, showcasing transformational change that is already happening across the globe. Each initiative demonstrates one or more of six key characteristics critical to driving the systemic change our world urgently needs. Together, they show us not just what is but what could and should be. Why focus on Bright Spots? For too long, responses to the world’s challenges have fallen short of the transformational change necessary for both people and the planet to thrive. This initiative brings forward innovative solutions from the frontlines of sustainability, offering alternative futures grounded in bold action, collective wisdom, and centuries of tradition. #Philanthropy #BrightSpots #Sustainability #GlobalMajority #TransformationalChange #Collaboration #FutureFocused

"In a world where lifetime earnings are directly tied to education levels, it’s imperative we give all students this opportunity rather than just the privileged, affluent few. It’s philanthropy that must fill in the gaps." - Martha Kanter, College Promise, RPA Sponsored Project College Promise has changed the trajectory for millions of families as it funds college education for those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Learn more in our partner spotlight: https://lnkd.in/eBbKahSh Lillian Wambui Chege

Momentum for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty is stronger than ever. In a new blog post, Nicky Davies, Executive Director of the Plastic Solutions Fund, an RPA-sponsored project, highlights how civil society groups and Global South governments are standing firm for real solutions to the plastics crisis. This is philanthropy in action: empowering bold ideas, elevating grassroots leadership, and driving the systemic change needed to create a plastic-free future. https://lnkd.in/eVFCp52m

This Human Rights Day, we celebrate the universal values of dignity, equality, and justice. At RPA, we are proud to partner with initiatives like the Worker Justice & Dignity Fund, which are at the forefront of advancing these ideals. The Worker Justice & Dignity Fund is dedicated to creating conditions where everyone can live and work with dignity. By resourcing sectors historically excluded from worker protections, the Fund builds worker power to transform systems that perpetuate inequality. Commitment to centering the voices and visions of those most impacted by injustice is the heart of this work. Together, we are reimagining and building an economy that works for everyone. https://wjdfund.org/

We are still buzzing with inspiration after Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors convened the Foresight & Futures Innovation Beehive in Nairobi last week! In this third Foresight & Futures Community of Practice Beehive, we explored: 1. Expanding our horizons with new and especially non-Western foresight approaches. 2. Building scaffolding for capabilities, processes, and organizational design. 3. Strengthening our community as a source of mutual support and learning. 4. Creating space for futures thinking across organizations, ecosystems, and communities. A special thank you to our facilitators, including Dr. Katindi Sivi, Abubakar Zein, Aarathi Krishnan, and Donita Volkwijn and our hosts, Next Step Foundation and the East Africa Philanthropy Network-EAPN for their partnership, creativity, and wisdom.

As we reflect on the spirit of the season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, collaborators, and philanthropic community. Your unwavering commitment to creating positive change inspires us every day. Together, we are shaping a future rooted in equity, sustainability, and shared purpose. Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Learn more about our work and impact: https://www.rockpa.org/ #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Partnerships #Philanthropy #RockPA

How does philanthropy evolve to meet the challenges of our times? What role does collaboration play in creating lasting impact? Rien van Gendt, a highly respected #RPA board member, shares his reflections and expertise in our latest blog post. With decades of experience in the philanthropic sector, Rien brings a unique perspective on how philanthropy can adapt and thrive in an increasingly complex world. #PhilanthropyLeadership #GlobalImpact #Collaboration #TransformativeGiving 📖 Read the full interview to gain valuable perspectives from one of philanthropy’s most influential voices: https://lnkd.in/g6YBXphb

What does it mean to be The Everyday Feminist? According to Latanya Mapp, #RPA President and CEO, it’s about leveraging everyday actions to ignite transformative social impact. In our latest blog post, Latanya shares her insights from her book The Everyday Feminist: The Key to Sustainable Social Impact—Driving Movements We Need Now More than Ever. Through her perspective, she highlights how the small, courageous acts of individuals—when woven into larger movements—can advance equality, justice, and sustainable progress across the globe. 🌍 Latanya’s vision reminds us that creating a more equitable world doesn’t always require grand gestures—sometimes, the collective power of small, intentional actions drives the most significant change. 📖 Read the full blog post here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gjq8H2Bx

Investing in women and girls is one of the most effective ways to drive economic growth, strengthen communities, and address systemic inequities. In a recent Kiplinger article, "Why We All Win When Charitable Dollars Go to Women," #RPA’s Director of Global Empowerment and Opportunities, Elizabeth Droggitis, and Thought Leadership and Content Manager, Caroline Suozzi, examine how gender-focused philanthropy creates transformative, lasting impact. Their article highlights why centering women in giving strategies is equitable and essential for sustainable progress. #Philanthropy #InvestInWomen #Impact #RPAThoughtLeadership 🔗 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/gY9c4sFE