There’s been lots of talk, but the vast majority of foundations are sticking with a century-old, bifurcated model of philanthropy: Money is given away on one side of the house, invested on the other, and never the twain shall meet.
By Marc Gunther
Contributor
Hewlett Foundation’s Leader Makes a Case Against Impact Investing
The strategy can do more harm than good, especially for big grant makers, says CEO Larry Kramer.
By Marc Gunther
Contributor
A Doctor’s Scientific Approach to a Grant Maker’s Investments
Ruth Shaber, a gynecologist, makes sure her fund’s grants and investments all focused on promoting women’s health.
By Marc Gunther
Contributor
Climate Change Spurs McKnight to Go Big on Impact Investing
The foundation has put $1 out of ever $3 in its endowment into companies and other efforts that advance its grant-making mission.
By Marc Gunther
Contributor
Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Names New Leader
Also, NPR’s CEO is stepping down to take a newly created job leading the network’s upcoming fundraising drive in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2020. Plus, other personnel news.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
A Voice for the Forgotten Minority
A microphone in Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi’s hands is a powerful weapon. At venues across the country she confronts foundation leaders, and sometimes gets them to change course.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
How Philanthropy Can Turn Dark Realities Into Hope
The president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund argues that civil society needs help from philanthropy at a fundamental level to deal with potentially catastrophic worldwide developments on multiple fronts.
By Stephen Heintz
Contributor
Dim the Lights: An Effort to Save the Night Sky
The International Dark-Sky Association helps avoid the problems posed by artificial light so astronomers — amateurs and professionals alike — can see the galaxy without a telescope.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
The Chronicle’s 2019 Resolution: Doing More to Help You Change the World
For the first time, the Chronicle is seeking support from foundations, corporations, and individuals. Transparency will be paramount. Our first grant comes from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Great Ideas Alone Don’t Advance Social Changes. Here’s What Does.
A growing cadre of entrepreneurial leaders are blazing new paths that meld the ambition, agility, and efficiency of technology businesses with the care, values, and ideals of nonprofits.
By Ann Mei Chang
Contributor
Donors Want Board Action, Not a Lawsuit, When Fraud Occurs
When an employee embezzles money, taking that person to court might result in justice for a nonprofit, but it isn’t necessarily the best way to stay in the good graces of donors, a new study suggests.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Facebook’s Bare-Knuckle Tactics Are Just One Sign of a Media Culture That Philanthropy Can Help Fix
Fifty years ago, grant makers had a hand in developing public broadcasting to deliver programs not designed to maximize profits but to provide vital educational, cultural, and news shows. It can follow that same playbook for social media today.
By Vince Stehle
Contributor
As the Bezos Billions Begin to Flow, a Picture of His Giving Philosophy Emerges
The Amazon founder has said little publicly about what motives his philanthropy, but a closer look at Mary’s Place and other early recipients of his giving reveals some common traits of nonprofits he likes.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
How to Make the Case for General Operating Support
Sell donors on giving unrestricted gifts by with clear goals, a grand vision, and storytelling that conveys results.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
How One Founder Started a Nonprofit — and Raised $1 Million
The daughter of an alcoholic wanted to help youths who had experienced trauma.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
10 Steps Nonprofits Can Take to Close the Pay Gap for Women
Experts share advice to help managers identify wage differences based on gender, work to erase them, and build a hiring process that ensures equal pay.
By Lisa Schohl
Director, Nonprofit Learning