In the Pandemic, We’re All in This Together. Going It Alone Won’t Work, Grant Makers
New research on how foundations solve big problems demonstrates that meaningful and deliberate coordination is the key to success, a lesson that needs to guide philanthropy’s response to today’s crises.
By Lija Farnham and Zoe Tamaki
What Role Should Consultants Play in the Nonprofit World?
As foundations and charities seek to figure out how to transform their operations in the wake of the pandemic, they will hire outside help. Let’s better understand how consultants can contribute in ways that make a difference, says a scholar who has been studying these firms.
By Leah Reisman
Contributor
There Is No Better Time Than Now for Philanthropy to Spend Itself Out of Existence
If we are to live our values, we must ask ourselves and our peers, “What are we saving our endowments for?” say three foundation leaders whose organizations are set to distribute all their assets in the next several years.
By Ellen Friedman, Glen Galaich and Pia Infante
Philanthropy Can’t Achieve Its Goals Unless Democracy Works
In 2019, philanthropy and democracy celebrated a new milestone in their long partnership: the nation’s more than 100,000 foundations distributed the highest dollar amount on record, more than $75 billion to support public goods including cutting-edge medical research, early-childhood education,…
By STEPHEN HEINTZ
Contributor
Editor’s Notebook: Philanthropy’s Quickened Pace
Racial justice grant making is taking off but a debate is raging over whether philanthropy is doing enough fast enough.
Personal networks and connections strongly influence the funding decisions of wealthy donors, leaving out the very groups that need help most, especially those led by people of color, say the authors of a new study.
Safely Reopening America Requires Reinvesting in Public Spaces
The pandemic has revealed the power of our public parks, plazas, and trails to provide social connection and a respite from our homebound lives. But it has also magnified enormous disparities in quality and access to these spaces, say the leaders of a philanthropic effort to transform the nation’s civic commons.
By Judilee Reed, Chantel Rush, Sam Gill and Dana Bourland
Commercial DAFs Keep Touting Their Donors’ Crisis Giving. Here’s What They Aren’t Saying.
Fidelity and other big providers do little to spur giving. That’s why charities need to persuade donors to act — or Congress needs to step in.
By Alan M. Cantor
Reporter
To White Leaders of Philanthropy: Do It Differently This Time
The drive to act immediately is understandable. But first recognize that when white-led institutions impose their definition of action during moments like these, it can be an obstacle to the actual work needed to create systemic change.
By Ajuah Helton and Kishshana Palmer
How a Record-Breaking Injection of Funds Can Best Power Black-Led Groups
The ACLU saw a deluge of funds after Trump’s election similar to what is happening today — and it learned that investing the money in new staff and capabilities paid big dividends in expanding its mission, says its leader.
By Anthony Romero
Contributor