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Import bans are vital to the fight against forced labour

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Aug 18

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 one of the few ways to hit companies where it hurts. Critics should think twice before undermining them

www.opendemocracy.net

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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Aug 8

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

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jul 31

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...

Empowering child domestic workers through Photovoice

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jul 17

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...

Discover how photovoice can empower child domestic workers to document their lives, share their struggles, and advocate for change

Beneath the Surface | Bangladesh | Freedom Fund

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jul 10

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...

Report explores the socio-economic risks faced by street-connected boys in Bangladesh—migration, abuse, exploitation, and protection needs.

The Many Paths to Launching and Scaling a Collaborative Fund | The Center for Effective Philanthropy

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jul 3

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...

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

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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 30

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...

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

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 27

@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.

Humanity United @humanityunitedorg.bsky.social · Jun 25

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...

Local Leaders Are Driving Systems Change. Philanthropy Must Follow. (SSIR)

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 25

“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...

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

In conversation: People’s Courage International, Co-Impact, and Fund for Global Human Rights - Alliance magazine

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 19

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 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

The 2025 James Beard Media Award Winners

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 17

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-...

www.jamesbeard.org

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 11

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...

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 6

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.

It feels like the anti-slavery sector is at a crossroads. This morning I… | Nick Grono

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Jun 3

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 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

China’s economy runs on Uyghur forced labour

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · May 30

"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...

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

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · May 26

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

Listen Now: Proven Ways to Ger Your Board to Fundraise

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Apr 30

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...

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

Ed Miliband bows to pressure with ban on solar panels linked to Chinese slavery

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Apr 23

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...

Energy secretary to force Great British Energy to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking in its supply chain

www.theguardian.com

Partnering to Advance Grassroots Movements Through Collaboratives (SSIR)

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Apr 22

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...

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

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Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Apr 15

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...

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

Balancing hopes and dreams | Freedom Fund

Nick Grono @nickgrono.bsky.social · Apr 11

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...

A new study by New York University and The Freedom Fund sheds light on Ethiopian women migrating to Saudi Arabia