Grassroots Efforts Play Key Role in Hurricane Ida Relief
Mutual aid groups that enable people to pool resources and distribute donations to care for one another have moved swiftly to help people in Louisiana and elsewhere harmed by the devastating storm.
By GLENN GAMBOA and HALELUYA HADERO
A Third of Foundations Increased Their Giving in 2020
Fueled by a strong stock market, private foundations reported an average 13.1 percent return on their investment assets and community foundations 12.1 percent, allowing many to maintain or increase their giving, according to a new survey.
By Michael Theis
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
Bill Gates’s Personal Values and Actions Are Relevant to His Philanthropic Work
The head of CharityWatch takes issue with a recent opinion piece saying the media shouldn’t focus on the billionaire’s “personal foibles.”
Bloomberg Philanthropies Commits Additional $31 Million to Partnership for Healthy Cities
Also, four foundations partnered to create a $5.7 million fund that will back grassroots organizations in Detroit, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has given $2.3 million to expand news coverage of health, race, equity, and poverty in the South.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
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
Also, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation gives almost $18 million to fight wildfires in Greece.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
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
Ford and Robert Wood Johnson Foundations Put $7.5 Million Into Efforts to Give Tenants Clout
The funding takes a very different tack from most philanthropic work on housing. It seeks to build organizing power for those at risk of eviction rather than making low-cost loans, for instance.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
How Women Will Shape Philanthropy in the Decade Ahead: Watch Our Online Briefing
Liz Thompson, a major donor, and Abby Falik, CEO of Global Citizen Year, discussed how women’s giving differs from men’s and offered advice on how fundraisers can best cultivate women donors.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Bucknell U. Receives $40 Million for Scholarships and Athletics
Plus, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Berklee College of Music, and others landed big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
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
Also, two foundations gave $20 million to expand internet access for households in the Cleveland area, and the Knight Foundation awarded $1.5 million to back Black and women entrepreneurs in Macon, Ga.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
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
Philanthropy Can Help Rebuild Main Street for a Post-Pandemic World
The challenges facing downtown areas, especially in communities of color, were exacerbated by the pandemic but have existed for years. Local philanthropy is particularly well-suited to help them recover.
By Nancy Rauch Douzinas and Ann Golob
NYU’s Business School Lands $50 Million From Namesake Donor
Plus, five additional universities received big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor