Funding Small Studies — and Life-Changing Cures
For decades, Cures Within Reach has supported efforts ignored by most other grant makers. The results should make philanthropy pay attention.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
The Power of Pairing Money With Mentorship
With $70 million from MacKenzie Scott, Native Forward Scholars Fund is expanding its successful hands-on program — something that others hoping to grow can learn from.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
How Unlikely Allies Help One Nonprofit Get Results in a Deep Red State
By staying disciplined and creating broad coalitions, a small criminal justice group has carved out improbable victories in Republican-dominated Alabama
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Trump Posed an Existential Threat. This Nonpartisan Group Pushed Back
The Partnership for Public Service has long worked with Republicans and Democrats to strengthen the federal work force. After Trump’s return to office, it found itself in direct conflict with an administration bent on dismantling the civil service and upending its mission.
By Jim Rendon
Executive Editor
Craigslist Founder Signs Giving Pledge and Narrows Focus
Craig Newmark's philanthropic strategy is shaped as much by what didn’t work as by what did — leading to an approach that favors scale, networks, and trusted intermediaries over scattershot giving.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
How a Notorious Billionaire’s Foundation Is Saving Lives in Rural America
A 16-year effort by Leona Helmsley’s philanthropy to improve rural health care offers lessons for other grant makers.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Wikipedia’s Army of Volunteers Is Its Superpower
The massive online encyclopedia is driven not by a CEO or board but by 250,000 volunteers who rule by democratic consensus and help fund the group.
How Youth Villages Finds Success Where Others Fail
The group, which works to keep families together and out of the foster care system, leans on deep data analysis, adaptability, and a book-loving CEO.
By David L. Wheeler
Contributor
Spending It All: How a Small Foundation’s Big Bet Is Changing Lives
By focusing on patience, flexibility, and a willingness to forge relationships with grantees, a Maine foundation discovered that focused investments over many years can yield meaningful success.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
How Highlighting Slavery’s Legacy Helped This Tiny Louisiana Nonprofit Boost Its Revenues 10-Fold
The Descendants Project used a compelling message, social media, and a personal touch to convey its unique approach to the environment and history.
By Stephanie Beasley
Senior Writer and Fellowship Director