Nick Grono
@nickgrono.bsky.social
For human rights, against modern slavery, and passionate about #nonprofit leadership.
CEO of the Freedom Fund and author, "How To Lead Nonprofits", www.leadnonprofits.org.
CEO of the Freedom Fund and author, "How To Lead Nonprofits", www.leadnonprofits.org.
Pinned
Nick Grono
@nickgrono.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Leading Nonprofits (SSIR)
An excerpt from How to Lead Nonprofits on purpose, people, and partners
ssir.org
For those interested in my book "How to Lead Nonprofits", the Stanford Social Innovation Review @ssireview.bsky.social has kindly run an excerpt from the introduction, setting out the book's framework of purpose, people and partners.
ssir.org/books/excerp...
#nonprofit
ssir.org/books/excerp...
#nonprofit
25% of the polysilicon in solar panels comes from China’s Uyghur region. While the global solar industry is on the rise, so is forced labour in the sector. New piece from @chinafile.bsky.social on ensuring the green transition doesn't come at the cost of slavery: www.chinafile.com/reporting-op...
Renewable Energy Still Comes at the Cost of Forced Labor. It Needs to Be Stopped.
Despite dominating global production, China has a polysilicon problem. Having subsidized and encouraged production of this critical ingredient in solar cells and panels, the country now faces massive ...
www.chinafile.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:09 PM
25% of the polysilicon in solar panels comes from China’s Uyghur region. While the global solar industry is on the rise, so is forced labour in the sector. New piece from @chinafile.bsky.social on ensuring the green transition doesn't come at the cost of slavery: www.chinafile.com/reporting-op...
There are many wonderful moments in my job, but few are as wonderful as receiving the news of a big, second, unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott! Read how this gift will enable @freedomfund.bsky.social to better support 190+ frontline partners: www.freedomfund.org/news/gift-ma...
Tranformative gift from MacKenzie Scott | Freedom Fund
The Freedom Fund is delighted to share the news of a landmark $60 million unrestricted gift to the Freedom Fund from MacKenzie Scott.
www.freedomfund.org
October 17, 2025 at 10:28 AM
There are many wonderful moments in my job, but few are as wonderful as receiving the news of a big, second, unrestricted gift from MacKenzie Scott! Read how this gift will enable @freedomfund.bsky.social to better support 190+ frontline partners: www.freedomfund.org/news/gift-ma...
The forced labour import ban on Taiwanese bike maker Giant shows how bans & advocacy can drive industry change. Workers faced recruitment fees & labour abuses, and after a Withhold Release Order by CBP, Taiwan’s government & other companies are taking action. For more: mondediplo.com/outside-in/g...
Forced labour concerns: US bans import of Giant’s Taiwan-made bikes
by Peter Bengtsen (Le Monde diplomatique - English edition, October 2025)
mondediplo.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:56 PM
The forced labour import ban on Taiwanese bike maker Giant shows how bans & advocacy can drive industry change. Workers faced recruitment fees & labour abuses, and after a Withhold Release Order by CBP, Taiwan’s government & other companies are taking action. For more: mondediplo.com/outside-in/g...
Environmental defenders aren’t just protecting ecosystems—they’re defending democracy. Xanthe Scharff's new piece for @csis.org calls us to listen to Indigenous leaders in the Amazon, like those supported by @freedomfund.bsky.social.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/env...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/env...
Environmental Advocates Are on the Frontlines of Democracy Protection in the Amazon
Americas Program Senior Associate Xanthe Scharff describes the role of environmental defenders in democracy promotion in the Amazon and urges for stronger protections amid repression.
www.csis.org
September 18, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Environmental defenders aren’t just protecting ecosystems—they’re defending democracy. Xanthe Scharff's new piece for @csis.org calls us to listen to Indigenous leaders in the Amazon, like those supported by @freedomfund.bsky.social.
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/env...
Read it here: www.csis.org/analysis/env...
Collaborative funds are one of the most powerful philanthropic models we have to tackle global challenges. The results of @bridgespangroup.bsky.social's new donor survey highlight both the promise of and barriers to collaborative funding: www.bridgespan.org/insights/sur...
Survey of Donors to Philanthropic Collaboratives
This research sheds light on donor motivations, benefits, and barriers while underscoring the potential of increased contributions to collaborative initiatives.
www.bridgespan.org
August 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Collaborative funds are one of the most powerful philanthropic models we have to tackle global challenges. The results of @bridgespangroup.bsky.social's new donor survey highlight both the promise of and barriers to collaborative funding: www.bridgespan.org/insights/sur...
Import bans are powerful tools that should not be dismissed. In a new piece for @opendemocracy.net, @freedomfund.bsky.social partners @htlegalcenter.bsky.social argue that advocacy for import bans is a critical strategy to target abuses in supply chains: www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
Import bans are vital to the fight against forced labour
Import bans are one of the few ways to hit companies where it hurts. Critics should think twice before undermining them
www.opendemocracy.net
August 18, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Import bans are powerful tools that should not be dismissed. In a new piece for @opendemocracy.net, @freedomfund.bsky.social partners @htlegalcenter.bsky.social argue that advocacy for import bans is a critical strategy to target abuses in supply chains: www.opendemocracy.net/en/beyond-tr...
What are workers really worth to fast fashion companies? China Labor Watch has just released a report on labour conditions in Shein’s supply chain in Guangzhou, China, where workers receive as little as 7 cents per garment: chinalaborwatch.org/fast-fashion...
Fast Fashion, Slow Justice: Labor Conditions in Shein’s Supply Workshops Kangle Village, Guangzhou : China Labor Watch
Download Report
chinalaborwatch.org
August 8, 2025 at 1:43 PM
What are workers really worth to fast fashion companies? China Labor Watch has just released a report on labour conditions in Shein’s supply chain in Guangzhou, China, where workers receive as little as 7 cents per garment: chinalaborwatch.org/fast-fashion...
In 2021, @freedomfund.bsky.social launched the Survivor Leadership Fund with a clear belief: survivor-led organisations deserve better. 4 years and 100+ unrestricted grants later, we're sharing what we've learned: www.freedomfund.org/news/centrin...
Centring survivors’ voices in the fight against modern slavery | Freedom Fund
Learning from the past and shaping the future of the Survivor Leadership Fund People with lived experience of exploitation are uniquely positioned to lead the fight against modern slavery. The Survivo...
www.freedomfund.org
July 31, 2025 at 5:08 PM
In 2021, @freedomfund.bsky.social launched the Survivor Leadership Fund with a clear belief: survivor-led organisations deserve better. 4 years and 100+ unrestricted grants later, we're sharing what we've learned: www.freedomfund.org/news/centrin...
A bowl of potatoes, a pink slipper, a family dinner. When @freedomfund.bsky.social gave cameras to child domestic workers in Ethiopia, they captured these and much more: the harsh realities of work, hopes for the future and changes in their living conditions. www.freedomfund.org/news/through...
Empowering child domestic workers through Photovoice
Discover how photovoice can empower child domestic workers to document their lives, share their struggles, and advocate for change
www.freedomfund.org
July 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM
A bowl of potatoes, a pink slipper, a family dinner. When @freedomfund.bsky.social gave cameras to child domestic workers in Ethiopia, they captured these and much more: the harsh realities of work, hopes for the future and changes in their living conditions. www.freedomfund.org/news/through...
Thousands of boys live on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The Freedom Fund’s new report exposes the harsh realities these children face: exploitation, hunger, violence, and a constant struggle to survive. Read more: www.freedomfund.org/news/beneath...
The Freedom Fund’s new report exposes the harsh realities these children face: exploitation, hunger, violence, and a constant struggle to survive. Read more: www.freedomfund.org/news/beneath...
Beneath the Surface | Bangladesh | Freedom Fund
Report explores the socio-economic risks faced by street-connected boys in Bangladesh—migration, abuse, exploitation, and protection needs.
www.freedomfund.org
July 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Thousands of boys live on the streets of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The Freedom Fund’s new report exposes the harsh realities these children face: exploitation, hunger, violence, and a constant struggle to survive. Read more: www.freedomfund.org/news/beneath...
The Freedom Fund’s new report exposes the harsh realities these children face: exploitation, hunger, violence, and a constant struggle to survive. Read more: www.freedomfund.org/news/beneath...
Why do some collaborative funds thrive while others stall? In my latest piece for the Center for Effective Philanthropy, I explore the various ways collaborative funds are formed, the different donor types they attract, and how these factors can shape their long-term impact: cep.org/blog/the-man...
The Many Paths to Launching and Scaling a Collaborative Fund | The Center for Effective Philanthropy
Freedom Fund CEO argues that the way a collaborative fund is launched and who joins along the way matters deeply to its long-term impact.
cep.org
July 3, 2025 at 3:39 PM
Why do some collaborative funds thrive while others stall? In my latest piece for the Center for Effective Philanthropy, I explore the various ways collaborative funds are formed, the different donor types they attract, and how these factors can shape their long-term impact: cep.org/blog/the-man...
The anti-slavery and climate justice movements need one another, and philanthropy has a critical role to play. My longtime colleague Ginny Baumann's new @ssir.org article explores how community-led efforts against slavery are also essential to climate resilience.
ssir.org/articles/ent...
ssir.org/articles/ent...
What the Anti-Slavery Movement Can Offer for a Livable Climate (SSIR)
Climate change and slavery form a vicious cycle. Collective action for a free and livable future is an opportunity to combat both at once.
ssir.org
June 30, 2025 at 3:08 PM
The anti-slavery and climate justice movements need one another, and philanthropy has a critical role to play. My longtime colleague Ginny Baumann's new @ssir.org article explores how community-led efforts against slavery are also essential to climate resilience.
ssir.org/articles/ent...
ssir.org/articles/ent...
@humanityunitedorg.bsky.social has been a deeply valued partner to @freedomfund.bsky.social over many years, particularly in our shared efforts to tackle forced labour in the seafood industry. Their commitment to understanding and funding complex systems change has informed our own approach.
Our new blog reflects on more than a decade of systems work with @freedomfund.bsky.social in seafood supply chains - grounded in equity, proximity, and long-term strategy - and explores what it truly takes to shift structural harm.
humanityunited.org/perspectives...
humanityunited.org/perspectives...
June 27, 2025 at 1:21 PM
@humanityunitedorg.bsky.social has been a deeply valued partner to @freedomfund.bsky.social over many years, particularly in our shared efforts to tackle forced labour in the seafood industry. Their commitment to understanding and funding complex systems change has informed our own approach.
“Now is the time for funders to back local leaders who are making lasting improvements to people’s lives.” Co-Impact ’s Olivia Leland makes this call in her recent @ssir.org piece, drawing on case studies of systems change from around the world: ssir.org/articles/ent...
Local Leaders Are Driving Systems Change. Philanthropy Must Follow. (SSIR)
Now is the time for funders to back local leaders who are making lasting improvements to people's lives and the systems that shape them, even amidst global disruption.
ssir.org
June 25, 2025 at 6:32 PM
“Now is the time for funders to back local leaders who are making lasting improvements to people’s lives.” Co-Impact ’s Olivia Leland makes this call in her recent @ssir.org piece, drawing on case studies of systems change from around the world: ssir.org/articles/ent...
In an insightful new Alliance Magazine conversation, Ashif Shaikh speaks with Yasmin Madan (Co-Impact) & @gabucher.bsky.social (@fundhumanrights.bsky.social) about how funders can build more effective relationships with movements on the frontlines: www.alliancemagazine.org/feature/in-c...
In conversation: People’s Courage International, Co-Impact, and Fund for Global Human Rights - Alliance magazine
In a field increasingly defined by questions of power, accountability, and scale, guest editor Ashif Shaikh convenes a conversation across the philanthropic spectrum. Joining him are Yasmin Madan, dir...
www.alliancemagazine.org
June 19, 2025 at 5:22 PM
In an insightful new Alliance Magazine conversation, Ashif Shaikh speaks with Yasmin Madan (Co-Impact) & @gabucher.bsky.social (@fundhumanrights.bsky.social) about how funders can build more effective relationships with movements on the frontlines: www.alliancemagazine.org/feature/in-c...
Investigative journalists play a critical role in exposing forced labour and holding corporates to account. Glad to see that James Beard Foundation has recognised Ian Urbina's Outlaw Ocean Project for their courageous reporting on abuses in the seafood sector. www.jamesbeard.org/stories/the-...
The 2025 James Beard Media Award Winners
www.jamesbeard.org
June 17, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Investigative journalists play a critical role in exposing forced labour and holding corporates to account. Glad to see that James Beard Foundation has recognised Ian Urbina's Outlaw Ocean Project for their courageous reporting on abuses in the seafood sector. www.jamesbeard.org/stories/the-...
An independent evaluation of @freedomfund.bsky.social's Freedom Rising program finds alumni have built confidence, skills and trust and are collaborating to change systems. Their organizations are adopting more inclusive policies and practices. Read the report: www.freedomfund.org/news/rising-...
Rising to lead | Freedom Rising | Freedom Fund
Transforming leadership to build stronger and inclusive voices in the fight against modern slavery The Freedom Rising program, developed by the Freedom Fund, set out to foster a more inclusive and res...
www.freedomfund.org
June 11, 2025 at 6:43 PM
An independent evaluation of @freedomfund.bsky.social's Freedom Rising program finds alumni have built confidence, skills and trust and are collaborating to change systems. Their organizations are adopting more inclusive policies and practices. Read the report: www.freedomfund.org/news/rising-...
I took the stage at @hrf.org 's @oslofreedomforum.com to speak about the role funders like @freedomfund.bsky.social can play in supporting civil society groups working in repressive environments. Congratulations to HRF for providing a powerful platform for courageous activists.
June 6, 2025 at 8:39 AM
I took the stage at @hrf.org 's @oslofreedomforum.com to speak about the role funders like @freedomfund.bsky.social can play in supporting civil society groups working in repressive environments. Congratulations to HRF for providing a powerful platform for courageous activists.
The anti-slavery sector is at a crossroads. Honoured to provide remarks at today's roundtable on contemporary forms of slavery, co-hosted by @freedomfund.bsky.social and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. My full reflections on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/posts/nickgr...
It feels like the anti-slavery sector is at a crossroads.
This morning I… | Nick Grono
It feels like the anti-slavery sector is at a crossroads.
This morning I was honoured to provide remarks at a roundtable on contemporary forms of slavery, co-hosted by The Freedom Fund and United Nat...
www.linkedin.com
June 3, 2025 at 3:17 PM
The anti-slavery sector is at a crossroads. Honoured to provide remarks at today's roundtable on contemporary forms of slavery, co-hosted by @freedomfund.bsky.social and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. My full reflections on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/posts/nickgr...
"It seems increasingly difficult to buy Chinese goods without running the risk of tapping into a regime of exploitation." Explosive new reporting from @tbij.bsky.social links 100+ global brands to Uyghur forced labour in China, using social media videos. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
China’s economy runs on Uyghur forced labour
More than 100 global brands are linked to a scheme that ships Xinjiang ethnic minorities to work in factories thousands of miles away
www.thebureauinvestigates.com
May 30, 2025 at 4:04 PM
"It seems increasingly difficult to buy Chinese goods without running the risk of tapping into a regime of exploitation." Explosive new reporting from @tbij.bsky.social links 100+ global brands to Uyghur forced labour in China, using social media videos. www.thebureauinvestigates.com/stories/2025...
I'm looking forward to talking about innovative ways funders can fund frontline organisations working in repressive environments at #oslofreedomforum @osloff.bsky.social today with @gladstein.bsky.social @hrf.org
May 26, 2025 at 9:06 AM
I'm looking forward to talking about innovative ways funders can fund frontline organisations working in repressive environments at #oslofreedomforum @osloff.bsky.social today with @gladstein.bsky.social @hrf.org
The board-CEO relationship can be existential for nonprofits. So I enjoyed joining Stacy Palmer’s new podcast, Nonprofits Now, to discuss how leaders can work with more effectively with their boards. Thanks to @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social for hosting.
www.philanthropy.com/article/list...
www.philanthropy.com/article/list...
Listen Now: Proven Ways to Ger Your Board to Fundraise
Board members can make a big difference to fundraising and fiscal planning, especially in today’s economic turbulence. Hear from two experienced leaders about the best ways to get the board involved.
www.philanthropy.com
April 30, 2025 at 3:56 AM
The board-CEO relationship can be existential for nonprofits. So I enjoyed joining Stacy Palmer’s new podcast, Nonprofits Now, to discuss how leaders can work with more effectively with their boards. Thanks to @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social for hosting.
www.philanthropy.com/article/list...
www.philanthropy.com/article/list...
In a win for advocates, the UK government has just announced it will block public procurement of solar panels made with forced labour in China. We won't have a "just transition" if it is fuelled by the exploitation of vulnerable minorities. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Ed Miliband bows to pressure with ban on solar panels linked to Chinese slavery
Energy secretary to force Great British Energy to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in its supply chain
www.theguardian.com
April 23, 2025 at 3:22 PM
In a win for advocates, the UK government has just announced it will block public procurement of solar panels made with forced labour in China. We won't have a "just transition" if it is fuelled by the exploitation of vulnerable minorities. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
We need more donor champions who boldly advocate for collaborative funding amongst their peers. Great conversation in @ssir.org between a funder and fund leader: “I’m not an expert in what communities need. Collaboratives let me fund faster with others.”
Read more: ssir.org/articles/ent...
Read more: ssir.org/articles/ent...
Partnering to Advance Grassroots Movements Through Collaboratives (SSIR)
A collaborative funder and fund leader discuss partnerships with local leaders, how to get funds moving where they need to go, and human-centered impact.
ssir.org
April 22, 2025 at 8:19 PM
We need more donor champions who boldly advocate for collaborative funding amongst their peers. Great conversation in @ssir.org between a funder and fund leader: “I’m not an expert in what communities need. Collaboratives let me fund faster with others.”
Read more: ssir.org/articles/ent...
Read more: ssir.org/articles/ent...
Insightful interview with @nowrojeeosf.bsky.social in Alliance Mag today. Her reflections on lived experience leadership resonate with @freedomfund.bsky.social's approach to partnership: "Our role is to support their efforts instead of dictating."
🔗 www.alliancemagazine.org/interview/bi...
🔗 www.alliancemagazine.org/interview/bi...
Meeting the new moment: OSF’s new president on philanthropy, power, and the future of social justice - Alliance magazine
‘Philanthropy must move beyond throwing money at problems and instead invest in the infrastructure of lasting change.’ So said Binaifer Nowrojee, President of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), durin...
www.alliancemagazine.org
April 15, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Insightful interview with @nowrojeeosf.bsky.social in Alliance Mag today. Her reflections on lived experience leadership resonate with @freedomfund.bsky.social's approach to partnership: "Our role is to support their efforts instead of dictating."
🔗 www.alliancemagazine.org/interview/bi...
🔗 www.alliancemagazine.org/interview/bi...