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Nick Grono

@nickgrono.bsky.social
492 followers 252 following 88 posts

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.

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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
"I was in the house, but I was invisible.” @freedomfund.bsky.social's Ruth Kimani has penned a powerful piece about the experiences of many of Africa's 6.3m child domestic workers, who are highly vulnerable to exploitation and abuse behind closed doors: www.moretoherstory.com/stories/behi...
moretoherstory.com
Behind Closed Doors, Millions of Girls Are Working Instead of Learning — More to Her Story
Across Africa, child domestic work remains one of the most invisible forms of exploitation faced by girls.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
New piece from @devex.com reflects on the myriad reasons why collaborative funding is growing, with insights from @bridgespangroup.bsky.social's Alison Powell. Next, we need more awareness among donors and better infrastructure to help them navigate existing funds. www.devex.com/news/collabo...
devex.com
Collaborative philanthropy is taking off — here's why
More and more funders are joining forces and pooling funding. Why are they doing it? What are the benefits? And what does it mean for the organizations they fund?
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
An engaged and supportive board has been a critical ingredient in @freedomfund.bsky.social's impact and growth. I spoke with @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social about the role nonprofit leaders can play in building healthy board relations. My thoughts here: www.philanthropy.com/solutions/bu...
philanthropy.com
Build a Supportive, Active Board: 3 Proven Tactics
Seasoned leaders share advice on what it takes to create a healthy dynamic between nonprofit boards and executives.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Collaborative funds are a bright spot in philanthropy, and it's more than just a warm and fuzzy feeling. Jehan Velji of Hewlett Foundation explains why on the Center for Effective Philanthropy blog: cep.org/blog/why-col...
cep.org
Why Collaborative Funds Give Me Hope Right Now | The Center for Effective Philanthropy
New research reveals a key factor behind the success of highly rated collaborative funds: how they partner with grantees.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
For years, children born in Bangladesh's brothels have lacked birth certificates. But @freedomfund.bsky.social’s work with frontline partners is enabling them to secure the documents they need to access school, healthcare & basic rights. @theguardian.com reports: www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
‘Invisible’ children born in the brothels of Bangladesh finally get birth certificates
Destined to a perilous life with no right to an education or to vote, state recognition ‘gives them hope’, campaigners say
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Last week I had the pleasure of leading a webinar on nonprofit leadership through Niche Academy. Using the framework set out in my book, I shared about the importance of centering people, purpose and partners to drive sustainable change in the world. Watch here: www.nicheacademy.com/blog/webinar...
nicheacademy.com
Webinar: Purpose, People and Partners: A Practical Framework for Nonprofit Leadership
In this free webinar, Nick Grono shares a practical, purpose-centered framework tailored to the challenges and opportunities of nonprofit leadership.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Reports from Cambodia indicate that thousands of workers have fled or been released from online scam centers, many of them suspected survivors of trafficking. Their protection should be highest priority. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/j...
theguardian.com
Thousands of workers flee Cambodia scam centres, officials say
Amnesty International deeply concerned for scores of people ‘walking around in search of assistance’
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
For a new piece in @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social, I shared about @freedomfund.bsky.social's experience of receiving our 2nd MacKenzie Scott gift and why we'll be directing as much funding as possible to 190+ frontline partners. More on our thinking: www.philanthropy.com/solutions/ma...
philanthropy.com
MacKenzie Scott Gave Us $60 Million. We're Giving It Away.
This marks the second unrestricted gift the organization has received from the billionaire philanthropist.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
It's been a busy (and inspiring) few months at @freedomfund.bsky.social. We've just launched a quarterly newsletter capturing some recent highlights, including a new short film, our recent gift from MacKenzie Scott and a corporate accountability seed fund in SE Asia. READ: mailchi.mp/freedomfund/...
mailchi.mp
Launching our quarterly impact newsletter
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Organised crime is increasingly turning to human trafficking to generate outsized profits. @economist.com shows that gangs in Latin America are trafficking people into industries like gold mining and commercial sex, and they’re doing it at scale: www.economist.com/the-americas...
economist.com
Trafficking humans is the drug-gangs’ grimmest business
Mass migration and sex tourism are causing a new wave of exploitation across Latin America
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
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...
chinafile.com
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 ...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
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...
freedomfund.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
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...
mondediplo.com
Forced labour concerns: US bans import of Giant’s Taiwan-made bikes
by Peter Bengtsen (Le Monde diplomatique - English edition, October 2025)
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
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...
csis.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
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...
bridgespan.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 18/08/2025
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...
opendemocracy.net
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
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
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...
chinalaborwatch.org
Fast Fashion, Slow Justice: Labor Conditions in Shein’s Supply Workshops Kangle Village, Guangzhou : China Labor Watch
Download Report
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 31/07/2025
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...
freedomfund.org
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...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
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...
freedomfund.org
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
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
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...
freedomfund.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 03/07/2025
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...
cep.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
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
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
@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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
“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...
ssir.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
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...
alliancemagazine.org
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...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
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-...
jamesbeard.org
The 2025 James Beard Media Award Winners
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
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-...
freedomfund.org
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...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
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...
linkedin.com
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...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 30/05/2025
"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...
thebureauinvestigates.com
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
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 26/05/2025
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
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 30/04/2025
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...
philanthropy.com
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 23/04/2025
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...
theguardian.com
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
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
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...
ssir.org
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.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 15/04/2025
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...
alliancemagazine.org
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...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 11/04/2025
500k Ethiopian women are migrating to Saudi as domestic workers. New reforms offer hope—but challenges like illegal fees persist. New @freedomfund.bsky.social report explores the effects of these changes through the experiences of 25 women preparing to go abroad: www.freedomfund.org/news/balanci...
freedomfund.org
Balancing hopes and dreams | Freedom Fund
A new study by New York University and The Freedom Fund sheds light on Ethiopian women migrating to Saudi Arabia
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
“The most essential work of the leader is to create more leaders.” In my recent chat with @tonymart.bsky.social on Nonprofit Radio, I shared reflections on effective leadership and my experience over the past 10+ years leading @freedomfund.bsky.social. Listen: tonymartignetti.com/2025/04/nonp...
tonymartignetti.com
Nonprofit Radio for April 7, 2025: Nonprofit Leadership For Current & Aspiring | Tony Martignetti
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
The first-known death of a migrant worker linked to the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia has been confirmed. Human rights groups warned of the potential harms to workers when Saudi Arabia was named World Cup host in December. From @theguardian.com: www.theguardian.com/global-devel...
theguardian.com
First migrant worker dies building a World Cup stadium in Saudi Arabia
Muhammad Arshad, from Pakistan, was a foreman building Aramco Stadium in Al Khobar, one of 11 new venues for 2034
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
AI use is growing in the nonprofit sector. Will it help or harm efforts to address trafficking? As with all anti-trafficking interventions, lived experience experts can help ensure that these tools don't target already marginalised people. From@foreignpolicy.com: foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/28/a...
foreignpolicy.com
AI Is Fighting Modern Slavery, for Better or Worse
New technology is transforming the fight against trafficking.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
Should nonprofits be led more like businesses? It's a common refrain to #nonprofit leaders, but what does it mean? I explore in this substack post. nickgrono.substack.com/p/should-non...
nickgrono.substack.com
Should nonprofits be led more like businesses?
Understanding the differences between impact and purpose for businesses and nonprofits can usefully inform the leadership of both
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
In a new piece for @ssireview.bsky.social, @bridgespangroup.bsky.social examines the recent growth of collaborative funds, arguing that collaboratives must clearly understand and communicate their distinct role to avoid diluting the potential for large-scale impact: ssir.org/articles/ent...
ssir.org
Learning From a Decade of Collaborative Philanthropy (SSIR)
A look at how donor collaboratives have evolved over time, and how fund leaders and donors can sharpen their strategies today.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
"It’s a cycle of abuse that no one is addressing." A harrowing new piece from @nytimes.com sheds light on the untold stories of Ugandan and Kenyan domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and the powerful people complicit in their abuse and exploitation: www.nytimes.com/2025/03/16/w...
nytimes.com
Why Maids Keep Dying in Saudi Arabia
East African leaders and Saudi royals are among those profiting off a lucrative, deadly trade in domestic workers.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 11/03/2025
In honour of #IWD, Philanthropy Age profiled Florence Keya's powerful efforts to support and protect Kenyan child domestic workers through @freedomfund.bsky.social partner Maisha Girls Safe House: www.philanthropyage.org/articles/end...
philanthropyage.org
Ending the exploitation
How philanthropy is helping frontline NGOs to support society’s most vulnerable.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
What does “systems change” look like in the context of tackling modern slavery? @freedomfund.bsky.social's new report identifies 7 types of interventions & offers examples, from enforcing minimum wage laws to changing mindsets of child domestic worker employers: www.freedomfund.org/news/systems...
freedomfund.org
Systems change | modern slavery | Freedom Fund
The Freedom Fund has developed two reports on achieving and measuring systems change in the anti-slavery sector.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Everyone's talking about the importance of systems change, but effective measurement proves much more challenging. New @freedomfund.bsky.social reports document how we invest in systems change to end modern slavery and how we measure it. Read the reports here:
freedomfund.org
Systems change | modern slavery | Freedom Fund
The Freedom Fund has developed two reports on achieving and measuring systems change in the anti-slavery sector.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
Another important investigation by @transparentem.bsky.social has found forced labour in the supply chains of major outdoor apparel, tech and bottling brands sourcing from Taiwan - including exorbitant recruitment fees, ID confiscation and restriction of movement: transparentem.org/report/taiwa...
transparentem.org
Following the Thread - Labor Abuses in Taiwan’s Textile Industry - Transparentem
This overview describes Transparentem’s initial investigation, which began in 2022, followed by our engagement with companies starting in February 2024 and the companies’ efforts to remediate the prob...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
Being a first-time CEO at a nonprofit can feel quite overwhelming. Funders should do more to support new CEOs and ensure that the leaders and organizations they invest in are equipped to thrive during a leadership change. www.philanthropy.com/article/fund...
philanthropy.com
Funders Should Support Nonprofit Leadership Transitions — Now
Offering individualized support to new CEOs can increase their chances of success and stabilize organizations during times of change. Here are key ways funders can make an impact.
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 10/02/2025
I paid a flying visit to Salt Lake City last week - my first trip to Utah. I got such a warm welcome, and had the opportunity to speak to an engaged audience on nonprofit leadership and the work of @freedomfund.bsky.social to combat modern slavery. www.techbuzznews.com/cynosure-gro...
techbuzznews.com
Philanthropy in Action: How The Cynosure Group Supports Global Change
The Cynosure Group, an investment firm and family office, merges philanthropy with investing. The firm hosted Nick Grono, a London-based human rights leader who discussed global efforts to combat mode...
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
Saudi Arabia's new national policy on forced labour is the first of its kind in the region, but the proof will be in its implementation. www.walkfree.org/news/2025/sa... @walkfree.bsky.social
walkfree.org
Saudi Arabia becomes first Arab country to launch National Policy on forced labour and worker rights
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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Sonder has rapidly become one of my favourite words*. I'm not sure if it is a good or bad thing for leadership (views welcome), but it's certainly good for human connection. *It's a "neologism", which I've just learnt is a newly coined word that has either emerged or is gaining recognition.
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