The Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund shifted its grant reporting process from written reports to inviting conversations with partners. Executive Director Lauren Scott approached these conversations by asking open-ended questions, and listening. What she and her staff heard offered a window into what nonprofit leaders across the city were struggling with. Hear how Lauren opened up these conversations, and the actions taken to respond. The foundation funded and also created capacity building programs for grantees and the wider community of nonprofits. As Lauren reflects on this work, she asks,  "If our partners are asking for something, why wouldn't we provide it?"

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Lauren Scott is Executive Director of the Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund, a place-based family foundation in Galveston, Texas. A systems thinker and coalition builder, she aligns mission and values with strategy to advance the community’s vision for its future, delivering outsized impact through trust-based philanthropy, innovative investments, and intentional partnerships.