In a Landmark Voting Case, Philanthropy and Nonprofits Were Crucial Players. Now We Need to Do More
Civil-rights and advocacy groups, powered by money from charitable donors, won a victory for Black voters, who are too often left out of decisions in Alabama and elsewhere. Now is a key moment to capitalize on that work to safeguard our democracy.
By Evan Milligan and Janai Nelson
Shubert Foundation Awards $37.9 Million in Unrestricted Grants to Performing-Arts Groups
Also, the Houston Endowment gave $15 million to four charities that aim to reduce homelessness, and the new Emmett Till and Mamie Till-Mobley National Monument has received $3 million from the Mellon Foundation and Fund II Foundation.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Extreme Rhetoric on Policing Has Led Donors Down an Unproductive Path
Grant makers need to make sure the loudest voices in the room aren’t stopping them from investing in meaningful community-engagement efforts that bring police and residents together to develop just and effective approaches to public safety.
Opinion | Criticism of Open Society Foundations’ Layoffs Misses the Historical Context
Shifting its focus from operating programs to primarily giving grants means far less staff is needed to achieve group’s goals, says President Emeritus Aryeh Neier.
Larry Kramer to Leave Hewlett Fund to Head the London School of Economics
As leader of one of the nation’s wealthiest philanthropies, Kramer expanded grant making for climate change, cybersecurity, protecting democracy, and advancing racial equity. He’s also backed a major effort to rethink capitalism.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
In the New Green Economy, Philanthropy Must Take a Smarter Approach to Creating Good Jobs
As federal climate investments open up millions of new jobs, grant makers have a chance to rectify past mistakes and support efforts to create employment opportunities that truly help low-income workers build wealth and advance in their careers.
By Maureen Conway and Amy Brown
Ballmer Group Gives $24 Million to Boys & Girls Clubs of America for Los Angeles County Programs
Also, the Peterson Center on Healthcare creates a $50 million institute to improve health outcomes, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum received $25 million toward its capital campaign.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
George Soros’s Open Society Foundations Plans to Limit Grant Making Until February
The nonprofit is transitioning to a new operating model run by billionaire investor George Soros’s son, Alex. The foundation says the pause will not affect current grantees.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press
Opinion | Sports Still Has Huge Hurdles to Overcome to Achieve Diversity
Reader objects to characterization of the sports world as a model for philanthropic efforts to devise alternatives to affirmative action.
Bezos Earth Fund Commits $400 Million Through Its Greening America’s Cities Program
Also, the Lilly Endowment gave $92 million to 77 recipients through its Christian Parenting and Caregiving Initiative, and the Lemelson Foundation has committed $50 million to back climate activism.
By M.J. Prest and Jim Rendon
Following Court Ruling, Foundation Officials Urge Sharing Power With Grantees
In an open letter, executives of large foundations said the recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action at colleges should lead philanthropy to do more to combat racial inequity.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Philanthropy Should Redirect Anger at the Supreme Court Toward Solving Underlying Social Problems
Rulings on affirmative action, loan forgiveness, and LGBTQ rights should spur the nonprofit world to double down on efforts to address the larger problems of race, discrimination, and education.
By Leslie Lenkowsky
Contributor
U.S. foundations need to join efforts to eradicate a practice that harms millions of women physically and emotionally, preventing them from becoming productive members of their communities, says a victim of the procedure.
By Nimco Ali
Contributor
Sunderland Foundation Awards $100 Million to the U. of Kansas Cancer Center
Also, the Bezos Earth Fund has given $50 million for conservation and sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon region, and the Ray Charles Foundation has given $1 million to continue Cedars-Sinai’s neurosurgery scholarship program for students from historically Black colleges and universities.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
4 Essential Shifts Foundations Can Make to Advance Social Movements
Outdated strategies and lack of money for the infrastructure of community-organizing groups are limiting their effectiveness just at a moment when we need to fight profound threats – especially to our democracy.
By Deepak Bhargava and Barbara Picower
George Soros’s Open Society Foundations to Lay Off 40 Percent of Staff Under Son’s New Leadership
The organization employs about 800 staff members and maintains offices in more than 20 countries.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press