Closing Remarks #9

As one season draws to a close, we awaken to all that is waiting for us in the next one. In this issue of CR, I am leading with a story of my favorite sort of ending: the thoughtful and intentional ones! In a world where board misconduct, federal raids, and armed conflict can force abrupt closures, it is a joy to lift up and celebrate the ones that happen with consideration and care, the ones that honor their community and their work as they sunset.

1) Southern storytime sashays away
After five years of operation, the Louisville, Kentucky chapter of Drag Queen Storytime has announced via social media that they have accomplished what they set out to do. The group provided support to LGBTQ youth through inclusive, accessible, and culturally diverse educational initiatives. Organizers stated that their chapter had "simply completed its mission".

2) AIDS/Lifecycle announces final ride
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center have informed supporters and the public that 2025 will be last year of their AIDS/LifeCycle fundraiser.

Pandemic-era financial woes and declining donations made it impossible to sustain the annual, 7-day event. The two organizations will, however, continue with their other initiatives.

3) Community arts org felled by financial woes
For over 75 years Washington's Bainbridge Arts and Crafts offered scholarships, artist support, gallery space, and free community workshops to the Bainbridge Island and Seattle community.

In announcing January 1, 2025 as the final day of operation, BAC representatives noted that a broadened arts landscape in the Seattle area coupled with BAC's inability to secure a partnership were factors that lead to the decision to shutter their doors.

4) Vietnamese-American charity shutters in scandal
The Southern California-based Viet Am society abruptly closed its doors after its assets were seized by the federal government. The group is accused of embezzling pandemic-relief funds intended to support meal delivery to disabled and elderly community members.

5) Embattled grant program for black women waves white flag
Fearless Fund, a venture capital firm that invests in women of color entrepreneurs. was just the latest target of a coordinated conservative campaign of anti-DEI legal action in the United States. As part of the settlement, the Fearless Fund has agreed to end a grant program for black women entrepreneurs.

6) Médecins Sans Frontières ejected from Russia
After more than 30 years, Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was informed by the Russian Federation that they were no longer welcome.Their expulsion was part of an ongoing purge of western-leaning NGOs.

In a letter about the withdrawal, MSF highlighted their many accomplishments, and expressed the hope that they might one day return to Russia.

7) A tarnished reputation and a closed foundation
The Will And Jada Smith Family Foundation was founded in 1996 as a vehicle to support the power couple's interests in health and wellness, arts education and sustainability. In what will be a shock to few, donations waned after Will Smith saw fit to slap a fellow celebrity on live television

According to reports of the closure, the couple intends to continue charitable giving as private individuals.

Closing Remarks is brought to you by The Wind Down, a consultancy for exploring, building, designing, and delivering better non-profit endings. If you're enjoying it, please support my work.