The Giver’s Ledger - February Advocacy & Trust in Action
First Published: Volume 2, Issue 2 by NINA NEEDLEMAN | February 21, 2026
The Giver’s Ledger is a monthly newsletter covering educational topics of Philanthropy, Finance, & DEIA.
CAPACITY BUILDING SPOTLIGHT
WHAT IS ADVOCACY?
Simply, it’s speaking up and taking action to create change on behalf of a mission. A more detailed description would be: advocacy means actively supporting or promoting a cause, policy, or population to influence decisions, systems, or public opinion—especially by engagingpolicymakers, institutions, or the broader community.
To quote Vu Le’s book* Reimagining Nonprofits and Philanthropy page 119:
…with the Trump administration posing an existential threat to our sector and the people we serve, our relationship with advocacy, lobbying, and political engagement must change! Systems change work is no longer something most of the sector can ignore.
*Learn more about Vu Le: About Nonprofit AF
As Kevin Dean, President and CEO of the Tennessee Nonprofit Network writes:
The very systems that perpetuate inequities in income, housing, education, and jobs require systemic shifts achieved through advocacy. Restricting funding for these crucial efforts hinders our ability to address the root causes of the challenges facing our communities and perpetuates the very problems we are trying to solve.
Myth about advocacy – Nonprofits cannot do advocacy.
Answer: Incorrect. Nonprofits cannot promote, stump for, or advocate in any way for a specific candidate. However, nonprofits CAN educate politicians, candidates, and the public about pros and cons of issues, policies, funding cuts. They CAN describe the features and benefits of the work they do and the populations they serve; and how those served will beaffected by changes in policies and funding.
WHAT AND WHY OF TRUST BASED PHILANTHROPY
Trust Based Philanthropy is a popular concept these days. It’s best defined as is an approach that focuses on building strong, equitable relationships between funders and nonprofit organizations. It emphasizes mutual accountability, unrestricted funding, and reduced red tape to empower nonprofits in achieving their goals. Simply, it’s about giving unrestricted funds and trusting the nonprofit knows what it needs more than we do.
Why is this important?
Undeserved communities are historically underfunded, and this makes grant making easier and gives these organizations more time and capacity to forward their missions.
For 6 practices of Trust based philanthropy, VISIT HERE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
In honor of Black History Month, I’m recommending Extraordinary Black Missourians: Pioneers, Leaders, Performers, Athletes, and Other Notables Who’ve Made History (Second Edition) by John A. Wright Sr., Sylvia A. Wright, and John A. Wright Jr.
This powerful collection profiles more than 100 notable African Americans who have shaped Missouri — from George Washington Carver and Scott Joplin to Grace Bumbry and Frankie Freeman. Their leadership, innovation, and resilience helped shape not only our state, but our nation.
As we reflect this month, may we honor that history not just by remembering it, but by continuing to build the capacity and leadership our communities need for the future.
As part of our reflection during Black History Month, I also encourage you to read Marking, Not Erasing History, written by Jody Sowell, President & CEO of the Missouri Historical Society.
In this thoughtful piece, Jody explores how we choose to remember, preserve, and elevate the stories that shape our shared history. It’s a powerful reminder that history is not static — it is continually interpreted, honored, and carried forward through intentional leadership.
Read the article HERE: Marking, Not Erasing,History
DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
If you’re looking to strengthen your donor engagement strategy, I highly recommend Donor Relations Guru: Donor Relations Group.
They offer three focused 2026 webinar tracks:
Donor Relations
Donor Events
Donor Communications
In addition, you will find great on-demand webinars, practical templates, and a generous library of free resources.
EVENTS OF INTEREST
March 19 Rise & Run – How to Run for School Board: A Lunch and Learn | Lindenwood University. 11-1p Hear from Stacy Clay, a two-term member of University City School Board of Education, Sara Oekle, member of Francis Howell School District Board of Education and other experienced school board member from area districts. ( Follow on Facebook Rise And Run - more information to come)
Millcreek Valley/ Black Metropolis Exhibit at the Missouri History Museum is eye opening. Experience a timeline, pictures, and information from schools, businesses, neighborhoods, and videos from living survivors of this vibrant lost community.
January 17- April 4 - RESILIENCE: A Sansei Sense of Legacy, St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum
March 24 - Social Media that Moves People – Messaging Strategies for Nonprofits by Network for Strong Communities. 9:00-11:30am. Register HERE
May 7 - FOCUS St. Louis - What’s Right with the Region Awards - a great way to hear about good news and St. Louis success stories. I’m one of the judges and I can tell you it’s inspiring! Register HERE
Nina Needleman is a Retired Financial Planner. She spent the first three-decades of her career in the financial services industry. Now she uses her business skills to help nonprofit organizations with Capacity Building and more importantly--as an educator, teaching people about personal finance and philanthropy.