In this installment of CMF Community Voices, Jonathan Pulley, program manager at Rocket Community Fund and CMF’s 2023 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy honoree, shares key learnings that have emerged through his lived experiences and how it has impacted his work and his advice for finding your “why” to advance change.
CMF Community Voices features a series of conversations and insights from leaders across our community of philanthropy. This curated collection of blogs and Q&As lifts up inspiring voices from changemakers providing reflections in the areas of Equity, People, Practice and Policy, with equity at the center.
By Jonathan Pulley, program manager, Rocket Community Fund; 2023 CMF Philanthropy Award Honoree (Emerging Leader in Philanthropy); 2023 Rocket Companies Rock Honors Award Winner; Former CMF Leadership Development & Mentoring Program Emerging Leader Participant, Former EPIP Michigan Steering Committee Member and Change Collective Inaugural Member.
I began my philanthropy journey about six years ago, as an intern at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s national systems change team. Prior to joining, I was doing college access and success work at Western Michigan University.
For context, I chose to be in education because my mother was a teacher for 35+ years and poured her life into a field of work that takes grit, persistence, time, energy and love. As I was growing up, I was able to recognize some key observations in why the kids in my neighborhood didn’t get afforded an opportunity to go to college or even feel like they belonged. As an early teen, I realized that there are disadvantages that Black and Brown communities face that are intergenerational in nature and lack of programming and exposure to advance our economic journey.
My parents instilled core principles that have shaped me into the man I am today. My dad, a 78-year-old Vietnam veteran, taught me the importance of principle, integrity, determination and the willingness to be different. My mother, known as “Ma Pulley” in her school, showed me that you could make a change in your community by serving in local nonprofits, participating actively in volunteerism, and being the change on a block.
These principles have deeply shaped how I see my career and my contributions to this world. When I obtained my degree(s), I realized I had made it to where I am because of the people who stood before me.
When you look at impactful people, you might wonder how they got to where they are and why they made the decisions they made. It boils down to understanding your “why.” Michael Jr., a comedic thought leader, once said, “When you know your why, your what becomes more impactful!”
Early on in my journey, I didn’t feel like I belonged in certain spaces because I didn’t have a degree from an Ivy League school, connections to policymakers or even access to wealth. In my time at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, I discovered ways we can inform the community around us, amplify community voices, embrace the genius that exists within communities, and support local community leaders in pioneering change.
Through this philosophy, I was able to see myself as a leader, connect within my local community and do something about pressing issues. I joined the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Board to assist in creating programs, administer grants and work to (1) end homelessness in Kalamazoo, (2) invest in early childhood education, and (3) take a 2-generation approach to education and workforce outcomes. I also wanted to deepen my knowledge, network and expertise as a philanthropist. I was afforded the opportunity to serve on the Emerging Leaders in Philanthropy (EPIP) Michigan Chapter Steering Committee and convene local philanthropy, develop programs for rising philanthropy leaders and have access to leadership opportunities.
Some have asked me, “How did you get in the field, how did you network, and what can I do to get in?” My advice is always to be aware of your “why” in this work, volunteer, and contribute locally! Philanthropy needs people who are intimately familiar with the issues of our communities, are close enough to inform a solution, and are bold enough to think big and try.
My effort to remain grounded in community, understanding philanthropy and the nuances that affect Black and Brown communities' ability to succeed in education has allowed me to build solutions that confront these issues at the core.
I am proud to lead the inaugural portfolio for Post-Secondary Success at the Rocket Community Fund. In just over a year, I have:
I encourage everyone who has the desire to make change to reflect on what experiences they have that motivate them day in and day out. Ask yourself, “What talent of mine can I voluntarily contribute that will provide solutions to change?” How can you get closer to an issue and work to change it?
Want more?
Read more CMF Community Voices blogs from across our community of philanthropy.
Jonathan Pulley was honored with the 2023 Emerging Leader in Philanthropy Award during the CMF 51st Annual Conference in Detroit in November. We invite you to watch the award presentation.
