I Said No to Wealth Hoarding and Left My Family Foundation Behind
The author learned lessons from her family’s approach to philanthropy that convinced her a different path was needed — for her and the larger sector.
By Katherine Hayes
Contributor
This Foundation Measures Its Impact by One Number. Is That a Model for Success?
The Lumina Foundation threw virtually all its resources at changing one metric. Now, with its holy grail in sight, it’s making the goal even harder to reach.
By Drew Lindsay
Contributor
$50 Million Gift Continues Billionaire’s Run of Medical Center Contributions
Plus, a South Dakota public school system and university are sharing a $33 million donation that will provide students and teachers scholarships.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Foundation Coffers Are Full as Pressure Mounts to Increase Giving
Foundation assets are at an all-time high following two years of solid investment returns. Projections suggest that will translate to increased giving in 2025, but how much?
By Drew Lindsay
Contributor
A Bold Experiment in How Community Foundations Can Galvanize Local Philanthropy
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving is using its centenary to raise funds for an unusually large scholarship program, in addition to other efforts to spur economic mobility.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Walton Family Foundation Loses Fourth Leader Since 2016
Stephanie Cornell will step down as executive director of the $7 billion Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropy Walmart built.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Philanthropy’s Road Forward: 6 Takeaways From Traveling the U.S. in Precarious Times
Over seven weeks, 22 book tour events, and discussions with thousands of funders, the message was clear: the structures of the past are damaging the sector and must change.
By Dimple Abichandani
Contributor
Why Big Gifts Dropped in 2025 and Will Soon Rise
Tax-code changes and other political and economic forces are causing some ultra-wealthy donors to wait until the end of the year or to give quietly.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
6 Proven Ways to Capture Grants That Increase Capacity
Foundation leaders share insights into what it takes to secure grants that enable organizational growth.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
And $2 Billion More — Phil and Penny Knight Strike Again With Mega-Gift
Their latest gift to Oregon Health & Science University for its Knight Cancer Institute is the biggest donation the Nike co-founder and his wife have ever given.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
What You Need to Know About the Barr Foundation’s New President
Ali Noorani, who will start in December, currently heads the U.S. democracy program at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
By Stephanie Beasley
Senior Writer and Fellowship Director
When Locals Lead Grant Making: 20 Years of Results From Colorado
El Pomar Foundation’s unique grant-making program offers a blueprint for community-based, locally led giving.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Ditch Grand Strategies and Focus on How Change Really Happens
Philanthropy reflexively tries to solve problems with sweeping plans. Instead, fix what matters most to people — from a broken stoplight to education — to set off a chain reaction of community-driven action.
By Richard Harwood
Contributor
How a Midlevel Program Can Boost Giving in a Time of Uncertainty
Midlevel donors are a reliable, although sometimes overlooked, source of revenue — and terrific candidates for planned gifts.
By Rasheeda Childress
Senior Editor, Fundraising
Weills Give $100 Million for Tech-Driven Cancer Research
Plus, tiny Harcum College, whose enrollment stands at about 1,150, received a $40 million bequest. Three other institutions received big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
What Is More Urgent Than Today? Why Some Foundations Are Choosing to Wind Down
Among the main reasons philanthropists decide to spend down: the desire to make an immediate impact and fear that future generations won’t adhere to their wishes.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations