Is Philanthropy Taking the Wrong Approach to Addressing Polarization?
Donors have responded to the nation’s growing political divisions by funding projects that aim to build a more pluralistic society. But developing effective solutions to this challenging work requires a clear understanding of what helps — and what doesn’t.
By Chris Stackaruk
Contributor
Conservatives Care About the Climate, Too. Philanthropy Should Stop Ignoring Them.
A growing network of center-right nonprofits is committed to emissions reduction and has the potential to drive durable bipartisan policy solutions to the climate crisis. Grant makers should take a closer look at them.
By Carlos Curbelo and Neil Chatterjee
Growing Public Support for Worker Rights Should be Matched by Increased Philanthropic Giving
As more employees organize and seek a voice in corporate decisions affecting their lives, grant makers have the best chance in decades to address labor-market issues that have long stood in the way of worker equity and opportunity.
By Don Howard and Rachel Korberg
What Nonprofit Advocate Pablo Eisenberg Taught Us All About Fighting for Change
Pablo Eisenberg, who died last week, was unparalleled in bringing passion, energy, and fierceness to the fight for justice. See also a tribute to him by the Chronicle’s editor.
By Gary D. Bass and Mark Rosenman
Recent federal momentum on addressing hunger and nutrition is an opportunity for grant makers to rethink funding practices that have failed to bring about lasting results.
By Nancy E. Roman
Contributor
No Thank You: Why One Foundation Leader Doesn’t Want Gratitude From Grantees
Grant makers aren’t giving away their own money so the conversation with their partners should always be about equals working to change the world — not as benefactor and supplicant.
By Lisa Pilar Cowan
Contributor
Urgent Philanthropic Action Is Needed as the Nation’s Water Crisis Claims Lives and Livelihoods
Climate giving too often focuses solely on future crises even though communities are already suffering the effects of drought, flooding, and other climate-driven water problems. Efforts to address the challenges facing two Western rivers demonstrate a better path forward for grant makers.
By Andrea Keller Helsel and Ted Kowalski
When grant makers turned down the author’s request 20 years ago to fund his fledgling organization, he quickly attributed it to institutionalized racism. His mentors’ response: Don’t you dare blame outside forces for preventing you from succeeding. Instead, refine your work and build something better.
By Eboo Patel
Contributor
Typical Post-Disaster Giving Practices Could Hamper Hurricane Ian Recovery
Large relief organizations continue to receive the bulk of philanthropic funds following disasters despite well-documented evidence that they are least capable of providing help on the ground. Tapping into community foundations and identifying effective local nonprofits are far better strategies for getting dollars where they need to go.
By Ben Smilowitz
Contributor
Major Federal Funding to Close the Digital Divide Won’t Succeed Without Philanthropic Support
Digital inequity touches nearly every issue grant makers care about. Yet connecting marginalize people has remained an elusive goal for decades. New government investments totaling $42 billion have the potential to finally change that picture but will require targeted donor dollars to reach their potential.
By Lynette Bell and Larry Irving