Bezos Earth Fund Grants $60 Million to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Plus, the Smithsonian Institution received $40 million for its sesquicentennial programs in 2026, and the Mellon Foundation committed $25 million to support artists along the U.S.-Mexico border.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Why Billionaire Philanthropy Might Not Be as Generous as You Think
When donated wealth comes from big business, labor practices, impact on communities and environment, and tax practices may come under scrutiny.
By Tobias Jung
Contributor
Melinda French Gates Has Exited the Gates Foundation, but Her Vision for Gender Equality Remains
The division she helped shape, now run by Anita Zaidi, is pushing forward with ambitious plans for women’s health care and economic power.
By Sara Herschander
Contributor
Washington and Lee U. Goes Need-Blind Thanks to $132 Million Gift
Plus, Rochester businessman Phil Saunders gave the University of Rochester Medical Center $30 million to support orthopedics, nursing, and medical school faculty.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Rep. Derek Kilmer Will Lead Rockefeller Foundation’s U.S. Program and Policy Team
Also, Keisha Browder will be the first Black CEO of United Way Bay Area, and Local Initiatives Support Corporation has named the inaugural president of LISC Green.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
A.I. Is Being Used to Send $1,000 Cash Relief to Some Households Impacted by Hurricanes
GiveDirectly is using a Google-developed artificial intelligence tool to pinpoint areas with high concentrations of poverty and storm damage.
By Gabriela Aoun Angueira
Associated Press
The Importance of Investing in Nonprofit Leaders
What role do leaders play in the success of nonprofits and how can donors better support effective nonprofit leaders?
The California Endowment Had a $1 Billion Plan. Then It Threw Out Its Playbook
The foundation’s decade-long Building Healthy Communities initiative set out to improve health in 14 California regions. It ended up redefining its approach to community change.
By Sara Herschander
Contributor
Audacious Project Commits $60 Million to Repurpose Drugs for Rare Diseases
Also, Colorado State U. received $50 million to help build a new engineering facility, and the Stuart Foundation pledged $30 million to the California Thriving Youth Initiative.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Despite the Election’s Distraction, Younger, More Diverse Donors Still Plan to Give
Giving to charity remains a priority among some donors. Here’s how your organization can reach out amid campaign noise.
By Jie Jenny Zou
Contributor