Stories of Us: Beyond the Grant Portal

This is Better Terms, a series of candid conversations between founders and funders on the future of philanthropy and social impact. This series is brought to you by New Profit, a venture philanthropy organization with a vision of America that enables access and opportunity for all to thrive. 

Our Stories of Us episodes are honest conversations between executive directors and the organizations that support and invest in their work. This episode asks: what does it feel like to lead during a time of shrinking resources and growing need? It explores the emotional toll of constantly proving the value of your work, and the importance of funders listening beyond the grant application. Partnership, not competition, may be the only way forward.

What is Better Terms?

Better Terms brings together nonprofit founders and funders for a storytelling experience rooted in trust, reflection, and honest conversation. Through personal narratives and recorded dialogue, participants explore what it takes to build impact and sustain partnerships.

Brought to you by New Profit, this series features the voices of founders and funders working towards mental health equity. Each episode explores the defining moments that shape why they do this work and what becomes possible when we move beyond funding into true partnership.