The Wallace Foundation

As arts organizations grow beyond their founders, what happens to the legacy that shaped them? A new ethnographic study of Chicago Sinfonietta explores how founder Paul Freeman’s vision continues to inform the orchestra’s programming, partnerships, and mission years after his tenure as music director. Freeman’s commitment to elevating Black composers, advancing local talent, and building relationships within Chicago’s Black cultural community helped define the organization’s identity. Research suggests that preserving and understanding the histories of Black-founded and -led arts organizations may help support future leaders and staff members as organizations expand. https://bit.ly/4aLBi0N

Nonprofit organizations across the country are navigating uncertainty—from shifting federal policies to evolving financial pressures. New resources in Wallace’s Strong Nonprofits toolkit are designed to help leaders make well-informed decisions and navigate business model risks in times of uncertainty. From Nonprofit GPS, which offers free webinars, peer learning, and access to financial consultants, to practical scenario planning tools that help organizations model strategic and financial choices, these resources can help support smarter decision-making in complex times. Explore the new tools: https://bit.ly/4jYDqFM

In many districts, school-based arts programming has declined, with schools serving students from low-income communities often offering fewer arts learning opportunities than those in higher-income areas. Community-based arts organizations are helping fill that gap. A report from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh examined “culture-centered, community-based youth arts” (CCYA) programs and found they do far more than teach artistic skills. They foster belonging, affirm identity, and support what researchers call “well-becoming” or a movement toward a hopeful future. Learn more about CCYA programs and their seven characteristics: https://bit.ly/4aOcZOF

Eight districts. Eight unique approaches to principal development. CALL for Equity-Centered Leadership released the first report from The Equity-Centered Pipeline Initiative (ECPI), revealing how eight large urban districts are building comprehensive leadership pathways to develop strong leaders who are committed to all students. Read the early insights into how districts are restructuring leadership development to ensure students have equitable access to opportunities and resources. https://bit.ly/3LGdl1x

In their Fall 2025 survey panels, RAND researchers surveyed students and district leaders about the extent to which they agreed that using AI for schoolwork harms students’ critical thinking skills. An increasingly large proportion of students now feel that it does, with 67% of students agreeing or strongly agreeing with the statement. In contrast, only 26% of superintendents agreed or strongly agreed. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/4rHfXvQ

What does it take to design a high-quality summer learning program? Effective programs often share these practices: ✅Start planning early ✅Structure programs for sufficient academic time on task ✅Use effective student recruitment practices ✅Hire effective instructional staff ✅Provide high-quality academic instruction ✅Foster a positive summer site climate ✅Maximize attendance ✅Strive for cost efficiencies Learn more about these research-backed practices that can help elementary school districts plan and launch effective summer learning programs. https://bit.ly/49wGx2F

Out-of-school-time systems are stronger when communities help lead them. Learn how Baltimore’s Family League evolved from coordinating programs to cultivating a community-powered OST ecosystem—centering grassroots organizations, youth voice, and equity in decision-making. https://bit.ly/4q8sEhn

Recent research from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine highlights how the youth development field has evolved over the last two decades and why its future depends on stronger coordination, investment in intermediaries, and support for the youth development workforce. Insights from researchers Deborah Moroney and Thomas Akiva help frame what’s changed and what’s needed next. https://bit.ly/4qLaTWn

Through our Advancing Well-Being in the Arts initiative, ethnographic research with Chicago Sinfonietta and The Union for Contemporary Art explore how legacy, trust, identity, and evolving definitions of diversity shape the work of arts organizations rooted in communities of color. From sustaining a founder’s vision to building credibility in historically underinvested neighborhoods, the lessons from both organizations point to a common theme: meaningful community requires intentional leadership, deep listening, and long-term commitment. https://bit.ly/4tCvqi9

To state policymakers and district leaders shaping education policy and practice: Understanding how districts are developing school leaders to meet local needs can offer solutions to educator retention and student achievement gaps. A new CALL for Equity-Centered Leadership report explores how eight large urban school districts have worked with their communities to develop unique strategies that address the challenges and priorities of their local contexts through highly effective school leaders. https://bit.ly/3LVumow