Lauren Ressler

Aug 6, 2024 | nonprofitquarterly.org | Isaiah Thompson |Rebekah Barber |Jessica Xiao |Lauren Ressler

Among the various stages upon which conservative interests are waging a culture war against perceived sources of liberal ideology—curricula at all levels of education; private-sector diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; transgender rights; access to abortion and, more recently, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments, to name a few—another front may have just opened up: the public funding of the arts.

Jul 25, 2024 | nonprofitquarterly.org | Rebekah Barber |Jessica Xiao |Lauren Ressler |Steve Dubb

More than are released from prison each year. Studies show that approximately two-thirds of these individuals will likely be rearrested within three years of release. A significant factor driving these recidivism rates is a lack of employment opportunities. After one year of release, an estimated of formerly incarcerated people remain unemployed. Even though many states have “Ban the Box” laws to prevent hiring discrimination, many employers are still reluctant to hire people with criminal records.

Jul 24, 2024 | nonprofitquarterly.org | Jessica Xiao |Lauren Ressler |Meredith Klenkel

This is the second article in NPQ’s series, Just Transition: Liberating Finance to Build a Better World. Coproduced with Justice Funders, a group that organizes philanthropy to advance a just transition to an equitable and sustainable economy and planet, this series highlights case studies of emerging funding networks facilitating investment in liberatory economic practices in frontline BIPOC communities. What happens when we make mistakes in a world that is ready for us to fail?