Closing Remarks #16

I don't know how things have been where you are, but November was an absolute whirlwind in my neck of the woods! So much happened to and around me personally, and then there was a flurry of political activity on the national and global level.

One of the most notable events last month was the conclusion of the UN's 29th COP event in Baku, Azerbaijan. After a week of negotiations between states and civil society amid a flurry of both oil & gas lobbying and the furious protests of activists, a deal emerged....a deal that proved to be a disappointment to all but a few large countries, large corporate polluters, and international bureaucrats. The Global South nations and organizations -- along with their allies from around the world -- demanded a commitment of $1.3 trillion annually and walked away with only a fraction of that amount ($300 billion).

2024 has been the hottest year on record. Deadly storms have wrecked unprecedented damage around the world, while areas that have rarely dealt with wildfires are struggling with drought and billowing smoke clouds. We need to address the climate yesterday. The matter won't wait, but the money and the will to find it simply isn't where it needs to be.

As we approach this Giving Tuesday, many organizations are dealing with their own version of trying to fill critical funding gaps. The end of the year is a time when many nonprofits and community-based organizations do their big push to encourage individual donors and large institutions to make one final give to help cover costs and set them on the path to a strong and resilient 2025 and beyond. Some will surely make it, but others might fall short and end up in a future edition of this newsletter.

However, for many of the critical issues that plague our world, there is no time to wait. Just as activists from around the world came together in Baku and will again lock arms next year in Belem, Brazil in hopes of driving a better outcome, so, too, will community-minded activists here at home. An organizational end doesn't mean the end of a vision. Seeds are scattered and new flowers can and do bloom.

1) Washington D.C. philanthrophic network builder draws down
After over 30 years of operations, Philanthropy DMV has alerted its community that it is winding down. December 31st will be its last day. In their statement, they say they have made the "decision to wind down with total confidence because we know that the relationships formed here will thrive even when the organization is gone."

2) New Zealand's largest parents support centre to close
The Parents Centre Aotearoa charitable trust, which offers childbirth and parenting classes in more than 60 locations will also close at the end of the year. It has been in operation since the 1950s, and the news comes amidst an ongoing civil society funding crisis in Aotearoa along with much political upheaval.

3) Children's mental health charity fate uncertain
The Haven is a support center near Edinburgh, Scotland that helps thousands of struggling young people and their families every year. However, its funder, Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity, says it is no longer willing to keep footing the bill. Barring any emergency injection of funds, The Haven will close July 2025.

4) Charity formed in honor of fallen climber to sunset
Jenni Lowe, president of the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation (ALCF) and widow of climbing legend Alex Lowe, announced that the nonprofit she founded in his name will officially dissolve before the end of 2025. Via its Khumbu Climbing Center, ACLF provided life-saving training to Sherpa guides and others in the Himalayas over 25 years. Mrs. Lowe told reporters, “I’m approaching 70 years old, and I feel as though I’m ready to change direction in my life.” The work and the center will be transferred to a partner organization.

5) Chicago's largest migrant shelter closed
Inn of Chicago was closed in early November as part of a city plan to merge the migrant shelter system with the city's homeless service. The city promises that all residents were offered shelter and will continue to receive the same services.

6) UK drop-in center falters after leadership loss
Cornwall's Disc Newquay has been in operation for almost a decade, offering comfort and food to a ballooning number of locals. Earlier this year, the organization's director Monique Collins announced her departure citing burnout, and the group struggled to find a replacement. Despite winning The King’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year, the group has struggled with funding to meet the mounting need. Despite her fatigue (just look at her up there!), Monique has vowed to stay on through Christmas and close the doors for good on January 1st.

7) The US right plans to shutter American progressive groups
This Truthout article covers the right-wing Capital Research Center's 150-page document, titled “Marching Toward Violence: The Domestic Anti-Israeli Protest Movement”, which lays out a multi-step plan for targeting a wide variety of progressive and left groups by labeling them “pro-terrorist.”

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.