Yes! And when their personalities shine, anything is possible.

One of our new goals at Donors Forum is to share with you — our Members — news of emerging ideas and practices from around the world.

We want to share what is possible — and inspire and influence our work here in Illinois.

I am excited to kick off our Emerging Ideas monthly feature with this video of Ford Foundation CEO Darren Walker. It's been making the rounds on social media — and for good reason! I laughed out loud with joy as I watched Walker celebrate, unabashedly, one of Ford’s long-standing nonprofit partnerships by expressing his personal love of dance.

Getting a glimpse inside one of philanthropy’s most established and respected institutions is no small thing. Intentionally showing its leader as himself — creative and fun-loving — feels like an even bolder move.

Ford's idea to use social media in a creative way to celebrate one of their grantees truly engages us, and suddenly this venerable grantmaking institution is accessible and 'personal.'

What do you think? What can we learn from Ford’s example? And how are you already embodying this spirit of celebration, fun, and transparency?  Tell us. Or better yet, show. Click on "leave a new comment" below (log-in required). We’ll go get our dancing shoes.

— Lisa May Simpson, Director, Member Services