Scholar Lester M. Salamon Changed How We Think About the Nonprofit World
Salamon’s prolific research and writing punctured the myth of nonprofit independence from the fields of government and business but also showed the value of these partnerships in helping those in need.
By Leslie Lenkowsky
Contributor
Philanthropic Support for Communities of Color Is More Robust Than the Data Suggest
Recent research purports to show that philanthropy has fallen well short of what’s needed to support communities of color. But the research itself falls short by focusing on grants to groups that combat systemic racism rather than those that address day-to-day hardships.
By Howard Husock
Contributor
Can the Gates Foundation Cede Power to Those It Seeks to Help?
Recent events, including the impending divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates, are an opportunity for the world’s wealthiest philanthropy not only to diversify its board but to let those it serves participate in the grant-making process.
By Meg Massey and Ben Wrobel
Most Nonprofits Are Highly Effective. Check the Data.
Over the past six years, ImpactMatters and then Charity Navigator analyzed data on both the cost effectiveness and overall success of nonprofits. They came to a clear conclusion: The myth of nonprofit ineffectiveness is just that — a myth.
By Elijah Goldberg
Contributor
Author Edgar Villanueva Calls for Donors to Work More for Diversity and Inclusion
Institutionalized philanthropy in the United States perpetuates practices that marginalize people of color, he says. The second edition of his “Decolonizing Wealth” book explores how to heal division and restore balance.
Critical Race Theory’s Growing Influence Shows Why Philanthropy Needs to Play the Long Game
An academic treatise first published 25 years ago has propelled a long-overdue reckoning with racial injustice in this country. Critical Race Theory’s journey offers lessons for grant makers on the importance of patience when it comes to changing social narratives.
By Gara LaMarche and Diane Wachtell
Philanthropy Can Help Communities Weed Out Inequity in Automated Decision Making Tools
Foundations should work with governments and advocates to ensure new data technology advances social good — and protects people from harm.
By Chris Kingsley and Stephen Plank
What Nonprofits Fail to Say When They’re Recruiting Volunteers — but Truly Matters
Working for a good cause helps strangers build social bonds, gain control over their time, and improve their health. And after too much time in quarantine, that’s the message that will resonate with the people nonprofits want to reach, says a longtime volunteer.
By Susan McPherson
Contributor
A New Report Raises Concerns About Philanthropy’s Trustworthiness. How Alarmed Should We Be?
Independent Sector found a decline in trust of nonprofits, especially philanthropic organizations. But there are likely many factors that account for this finding — not all of them as bad.
By Leslie Lenkowsky
Contributor
3 Takeaways as Melinda French Gates and MacKenzie Scott Team Up to Fund Women’s and Girls’ Causes
Women and men alike pay attention when women give to help women and girls.