Donor-Advised Funds Are Essential to Democratizing Philanthropy
Proponents of federal regulation say the accounts are piggy banks for the wealthy. But they are missing out on how essential DAFs are for encouraging people of more moderate means to give generously.
By Kathleen Enright
Contributor
To Help Nonprofits as Omicron Surges, Foundations Should Maintain and Expand New Giving Approaches
Nonprofit leaders and staffs are exhausted from two years of continuing crises. Philanthropies need to respond by doubling down on the more equitable and less burdensome grant-making practices put in place early in the pandemic.
By Ellie Buteau and Phil Buchanan
Foundations That Fund Medical Research Should Require a Diverse Pool of Study Participants
For too long, most data for health studies has come from white people or those of predominantly European ancestry. Philanthropy can play an important role in ensuring that people of color are represented in studies that guide treatments for diseases like Covid-19.
The Metaverse Is Coming, and Philanthropy Needs to Be Prepared
By intervening early in the development of the metaverse, philanthropy can head off the problems that plague Facebook and help build virtual worlds where democratic values flourish and problems are solved with empathy and understanding.
By Hollie Russon Gilman and Ari Wallach
To Save American Democracy, Donors Should Trade Tax Breaks for Political Wins
One year after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, grant makers need a much more powerful response to the continuing spread of right-wing extremism. That should include more direct funding of political organizations and candidates — and a less exclusive focus on organizations with charity status.
By PAMELA SHIFMAN and Lateefah Simon
Vibrant local libraries, community centers, parks, and other forms of civic infrastructure foster a sense of pride and connection to one’s community — and help shut down polarized politics and anti-democratic impulses.
By Stephen Heintz
Contributor
Saving our democracy will require remaking a civil society that not only reckons with the legacy and harms caused by racism but intentionally brings together workers of all races, unites urban and rural communities, and creates opportunity for all Americans.
By Loren McArthur
Contributor
Franklin Thomas’s Legacy at the Ford Foundation Permeates Philanthropy Today
As the first leader of color to head a major philanthropy, Thomas averted the foundation’s financial dissolution, looked out for grantees, and made diversity a core part of the institution’s work, writes Susan Berresford, who succeeded him as president.
By Susan Berresford
Contributor
My Organization Is a Testament to Why Unrestricted Funding Matters
Eight years ago, the Vera Institute of Justice embarked on a strategy to attract more unrestricted giving. Now a majority of its funds are unrestricted, allowing the nonprofit to move quickly to address unexpected needs, expand staff, and bring more diverse voices to its work.
By Nicholas Turner
Contributor
Lessons for Philanthropy From the 2020 Census
Foundations and nonprofits joined forces at the national and local levels in ways that ensure that even the pandemic and political threats didn’t get in the way of an accurate count, an essential move given how important the census is to achieving grant makers’ missions.