Grant Makers Facing Racial-Equity Fatigue Should Rethink Approaches That Are Blocking Progress
Foundation leaders need to be honest with themselves about why lofty language about race and diversity hasn’t translated into real change at their organizations. In some cases, they may need to consider adopting different words — and unexpected messengers.
By Benjamin Abtan
Contributor
Why We Need to Keep an Eye on the Gates Foundation’s Board Expansion
The addition of three outsiders to the family fund is an important first step, but we need to keep our eye on how the new trustees deal with demands for a power shift and greater feedback from the people the philanthropy serves.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Education and Climate Donors Should Join Forces to Develop Green Schools, Expand Climate Instruction
Addressing the accelerating climate crisis must include the creation of environmentally friendly schools and curricula that educate young people about the perils of climate change — and the role they can play in fighting it.
By Jonathan Klein, Jennifer Moses and Sara Ross
A collaborative of grant makers supported nonprofits in more than 100 countries — and learned that bravery, resilience, and organizing power point the way to successful philanthropy.
By Ruby Johnson and Jody Myrum
As Nonprofit Leaders Pass the Baton, Let’s Use This Moment to Close the Race Gap.
Half of nonprofit CEOs are getting ready to make a transition, a study released today finds. Since many of them are white, we have a chance to make a big stride on diversity — but only if foundations, nonprofits, and others tackle succession planning, training, and funding.
Donor-Advised Funds Are Essential to Democratizing Philanthropy
Proponents of federal regulation say the accounts are piggy banks for the wealthy. But they are missing out on how essential DAFs are for encouraging people of more moderate means to give generously.
By Kathleen Enright
Contributor
To Help Nonprofits as Omicron Surges, Foundations Should Maintain and Expand New Giving Approaches
Nonprofit leaders and staffs are exhausted from two years of continuing crises. Philanthropies need to respond by doubling down on the more equitable and less burdensome grant-making practices put in place early in the pandemic.
By Ellie Buteau and Phil Buchanan
Foundations That Fund Medical Research Should Require a Diverse Pool of Study Participants
For too long, most data for health studies has come from white people or those of predominantly European ancestry. Philanthropy can play an important role in ensuring that people of color are represented in studies that guide treatments for diseases like Covid-19.
The Metaverse Is Coming, and Philanthropy Needs to Be Prepared
By intervening early in the development of the metaverse, philanthropy can head off the problems that plague Facebook and help build virtual worlds where democratic values flourish and problems are solved with empathy and understanding.
By Hollie Russon Gilman and Ari Wallach
To Save American Democracy, Donors Should Trade Tax Breaks for Political Wins
One year after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, grant makers need a much more powerful response to the continuing spread of right-wing extremism. That should include more direct funding of political organizations and candidates — and a less exclusive focus on organizations with charity status.
By PAMELA SHIFMAN and Lateefah Simon