Can a Lottery Winner Run an Effective Foundation? Meet Roy Cockrum
How a onetime comic actor turned $60 million of Powerball winnings into a grant-making engine that has backed ambitious theater since 2014.
By George Anders
Contributor
Will Giving Grants Based on Race Survive the Fearless Fund Case?
The 11th Circuit decision in American Alliance for Equal Rights v. Fearless Fund has put grant makers on notice: Any grants limited to members of a specific race could be illegal. But there remain plenty of unknowns.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation Gives $25 Million to Cleveland Museum of Art
Also, the Nomis Foundation committed $20 million to the Salk Institute for neuroimmunology research, and Coca-Cola Foundation gave $10 million to clean up plastic waste and reduce water pollution on seven African islands.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Trust Issues Could Plague Nonprofits, Philanthropy Ahead of Election
Americans’ trust in nonprofits is the highest it’s been since 2020, a new survey shows. However, many don’t believe nonprofits can be unbiased advocates for policy changes or voter engagement.
By Stephanie Beasley
Senior Writer and Fellowship Director
Giving Continues Its Decline, Down 2.1% in 2023. Can Fundraisers Turn the Tide in 2024?
‘Giving USA’ found that inflation took a bite out of giving again last year, but nonprofits are cautiously optimistic about 2024.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Ambry Genetics’ Charlie Dunlop Boosts Bio Sciences With $50 Million Gift
Plus, hedge funder Anthony Melchiorre gave $30 million to back a new cancer center, a Wyoming businessman gave $1 million to help get medical supplies to Ukraine, and Portland Community College’s first-generation college students got a big boost.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Kauffman Foundation Taps Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Programs
Also, GivingTuesday has named two new executives, and the Fred L. Emerson Foundation has appointed its next president.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
How a Grassroots Lahaina Fundraiser Found a Better Way to Help Fire Survivors
Help Maui Rise fund has drawn praise for its transparency and a commitment to disbursing donations more equitably by using data.
By Matthew Leonard
Honolulu Civil Beat
A $150 Million Grant Will Strengthen Catholic Education in Northwest Indiana
Plus, the Shubert Foundation awarded $40 million in unrestricted grants to 653 nonprofit arts and culture organizations, and the Helmsley Charitable Trust gave $15 million to remove 15 million pounds of floating plastic from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
The founder of the philanthropy consulting firm for left-leaning donors blames the Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling for injecting billions of dollars into the political process.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations