Changing Systems, Changing Lives: Reflecting on 20 Years by the Nicholson Foundation

Changing Systems, Changing Lives: Reflecting on 20 Years (The Nicholson Foundation, 2021) tells the story of the Nicholson Foundation and its approach to philanthropy in New Jersey and beyond, and from inception in 2002 to sunset in 2021. Far from a procedural description of grantmaking, the chapters of this volume lay out a rationale for why systems change is necessary and offers a roadmap and lessons learned for addressing social, economic, and health disparities. It explains for the reader that “government policies and safety net service systems are our society’s front-line response to the inequity problem” (The Nicholson Foundation, 2021, p. 5), and in doing so, makes a compelling case for ensuring that purposeful effort be focused on change at the systems levels. The stated goal of the foundation “was to augment or change these systems so that the services they provide individuals, families, and communities would be more accessible, more effective, and not work at cross-purposes” (The Nicholson Foundation, 2021, p. 116). This volume accomplishes this goal and serves as a call to action to other foundations, community organizations, and changemakers to undertake transformation so that systems provide accessible, effective and equitable services, and wellbeing can be achieved. This concise volume is essential reading for anyone engaged in making the U.S. a better place for children and families.