Philanthropy’s New Activism in Public Safety
After George Floyd’s murder by police a year ago, foundations, corporations, and individuals donated billions of dollars to nonprofits in support of racial-justice and equity efforts. But the increase in funding comes at a time when homicide rates are on the rise so grant makers may come under pressure to change course — especially from politicians in regions with strong support for the police.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
$60 Million in New Grants Help Nonprofits Innovate Quickly to Close Financial Equity Gaps
Blue Meridian, a donor collaborative, is helping nonprofits experiment with rapid testing and other approaches that speed up their work as they seek to ensure that marginalized people get an even shot at the nation’s economic recovery from the pandemic.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Gates Foundation Pours $2.1 Billion Into Women’s Causes
The money will go toward women’s economic empowerment; family planning and health; and expanding women’s access to leadership positions.
By Alex Daniels and Maria Di Mento
Billions Flood Into Blue Meridian as It Seeks to Help Innovative Nonprofits
The group is aggregating huge amounts of cash to give patient, no-strings-attached capital — as well as coaching and guidance — to organizations that have developed promising ways to solve social problems.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Nonprofit Helps Parents Talk to Their Children About Race
A gush of money from corporations, foundations, and others was given to EmbraceRace in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Now the group is looking to keep the funds flowing to help fight racism.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Soros’s Open Society Returns More Focus to Fight Authoritarianism Around the Globe
The transition will lead to cuts in grant-making programs that focus on scholarship, migration, and the future of work. It will also involve elimination of 200 jobs at Open Society.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Grant Maker Bolsters Human Connection as a Way to Take on Polarization
The need for human connection drives a new strategy at the Einhorn Collaborative. Along with other foundations, it is creating a $100 million fund to support nonprofits that help people who are dug in on opposite sides of an issue see the humanity in their counterparts.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
The San Francisco Foundation Expands Support for Grassroots Leaders
A program at the San Francisco Foundation seeks to put money in the hands of people who are already recognized as local leaders, even though they don’t always have the bona fides of an official title, elected office, or established business. Plus: See the rest of our special report on <a href="https://sandbox.philanthropy.com/package/emerging-from-crisis-how-a-tumultuous-year-is-shaping-grant-making">How a Tumultuous Year Is Shaping Grant Making</a>.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
A New Approach to Research Empowers the Girls and Young Women a Foundation Serves
Girls and young women helped design the surveys and interviewed their peers — and gleaned more information than a rigid scientific study ever could, according to the foundation’s leaders.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Foundation Embarks on New ‘Equitable’ Approach to Grant Making
The Kataly Foundation funds nonprofits in areas that have been shut out of the economic mainstream, makes sure investment returns stay in those neighborhoods, and builds relationships with small organizations led by people of color.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations