A new Ford Foundation-backed project aims to mend toxic societal divisions that threaten philanthropy’s most fundamental work, including its ability to bring people together to address enormous challenges such as systemic racism and climate change.
By HILARY PENNINGTON and Mark Freeman
MacKenzie Scott’s Investment in the Global Queer and Transgender Movement Is a Game Changer
For years LGBTIQ groups have received scraps from philanthropy despite continuing mistreatment and a growing backlash against the community worldwide. Scott’s generous support for groups like ours shows why giving more is critical.
By Katie Hultquist
Contributor
Persistent Myths About Disaster Giving Continue to Create Major Funding Shortfalls
Philanthropy stepped up in a big way to address the pandemic, but its support for relief and recovery efforts following other climate-driven and humanitarian disasters remains stunningly low. Grant makers need to break out of old patterns that stand in the way of increased giving.
By Regine A. Webster
Contributor
Education Grant Makers Need to Leave Their Covid Comfort Zones and Spend Time in Schools
A lack of physical proximity to teachers, administrators, and students has diminished philanthropy’s role in schools during the pandemic. To regain trust and relevance, education donors need to take creative steps to get back in schools and resume in-person convenings.
By Celine Coggins
Contributor
Grant Makers Should Stop Resisting Nonprofits’ Pleas for Increased Technology Funding
A lack of coordination among foundation IT and program staff is one of several factors that prevent nonprofits from getting the funding they need to upgrade their technology and become fully functioning participants in the digital age. Plus: Read our cover story on cybersecurity.
By Chantal Forster
Contributor
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.