To Mark Black Philanthropy Month, Grant Makers Need to Double Down on Fight for Racial Justice
Even as the headlines have moved on to other crises, donors must recommit to efforts sparked by the 2020 racial reckoning. They must be true partners to Black leaders whose innovative ideas and relentless focus are driving this movement for change.
By Cheryl L. Dorsey
Contributor
Elitist Grant-Making Practices Stand in the Way of Equitable and Effective Public Policy
In the policy world, foundation funds typically flow to think tanks and advocacy groups staffed by people with traditionally impressive education and employment credentials. These practices leave out organizations and leaders from the communities most affected by policy choices — and prevent the development of strong policy.
By Emma Vadehra
Contributor
Philanthropy’s Love of Data Must Extend to Underfunded and Frequently Ignored Indigenous People
Indigenous people are typically reduced to an asterisk in research focused on BIPOC groups. As a result, the needs and aspirations of this population are nearly invisible to grant makers and governments.
By Erik Stegman and Carly Bad Heart Bull
The Federal Whiplash on Climate Is a Wake-up Call for Better Grant Making
As the political winds continue to shift on climate change, philanthropy needs to set its sights on organizations that have worked for decades with minimal funding — the environmental justice groups that understand best how to clean up communities and create a healthy planet.
By Ansje Miller
Contributor
Leaders Must Confront Declining Trust in the Nonprofit World — Before It’s Too Late
Recent surveys show people are increasingly skeptical of nonprofits’ role and effectiveness — a perception that is reinforced by critiques from activists on the left and right. Halting this trend is critical but will require a willingness to ask hard questions and change some long-held practices.
By Greg Berman
Contributor
As people seeking abortions struggle to hide their digital trails, nonprofits and foundations should look deeply at their own tech practices and how they may be harming those they aim to help.
By Lucy Bernholz
Contributor
Why Must I Relive My Deepest Trauma to Convince Donors to Fund My Organization?
The head of a Baltimore nonprofit implores grant makers to stop asking him to tell his story about the night he was shot and nearly died. When, he asks, will Black nonprofit leaders no longer need to recount their near-death experiences to be deemed worthy of funding?
By Damion J. Cooper
Contributor
A Message to Ford Foundation in Gates Spending Approach: Give More Now
Bill Gates’s $20 billion donation to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the decision to increase its payout rate to charities should be seen as a lesson for trustees of the nation’s second largest philanthropy — the Ford Foundation — about the perils of maintaining the organization forever.
By Howard Husock
Contributor
What Made Congress Finally Do Something About Gun Violence? Philanthropy-Backed Evidence.
The data produced by nonprofits was central to passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. But increased funding is needed to make the evidence case for more expansive gun policy.
By Ellen S. Alberding
Contributor
To Increase Their Impact, the Early-Childhood and Climate Movements Need to Join Forces
Grant makers should recognize the power both movements bring to addressing the harmful effects of climate change on young children — and break down funding barriers that keep them apart.
By JOE WATERS and Elliot Haspel