Biden Transition Team Signals Big Role for Nonprofits Throughout Government
People from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Environmental Defense Fund are planning priorities for the Biden-Harris White House, as are foundations like Arnold Ventures, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Marguerite Casey Foundation.
By dan.parks
Contributor
Nonprofit Advocates Urge Donors to Support ‘Pillars’ of U.S. Democracy
Concerned about “serious threats” in the wake of the 2020 election, leaders at more than two-dozen nonprofit association signed a letter urging philanthropic leaders to support efforts to safeguard America’s democratic institutions.
By Michael Theis
Contributor
Foundations Have Increased Giving and Loosened Restrictions Since Pandemic
Covid-19 is forcing foundations to change the way they work, with many increasing their payout, embracing looser grant restrictions, and reducing “what is asked of grantees,” according to a report released Thursday from the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
By Michael Theis
Contributor
Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation Plans to Ramp Up Giving
Blank, who co-founded Home Depot and whose net worth pegged at $6.2 billion, also says he plans to give “99 percent” of his fortune to his foundation.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Ford, Kellogg, and Omidyar Network Pool Grants to Continue Grassroots Groups’ Election Momentum
Also, the Lilly Endowment is awarding $25 million for youth services in Indiana, and the Gates Foundation has provided $10 million for a Covid-19 vaccine entering human clinical trials in young and older adults.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Philanthropy Must Push Back as the Trump Administration Continues to Harm Democracy
While the president and Republicans in Congress peddle falsehoods about the election results, grant makers can support critical work underway to ensure an effective transition and bolster democratic institutions.
By MIKE BERKOWITZ
Contributor
What Can Philanthropy Do to Fix Democracy? Listen and Learn.
Grant makers are racing to declare what the 2020 elections taught us about next steps. But perhaps we should just be quiet, keep moving money to our partners, and reflect on what is working best.
By Lisa Pilar Cowan
Contributor
The Boom and Bust Election Funding Cycle Harms Grassroots Groups and Needs to Stop
As in the past, state and local nonprofits received a large boost in donations leading up to the 2020 election, fueling critical get-out-the-vote efforts. But their work doesn’t stop when the voting ends – and neither should their funding.
By Becca Guerra
Contributor
American Express Promises $50 Million to Charities Led by People of Color
Also, Morgan Stanley is giving $12 million to provide scholarships for students at historically Black colleges and universities, and the Knight Foundation has granted $3 million to help journalists halt the spread of misinformation online.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Philanthropy’s Efforts to Protect Voting Rights and Strengthen Democracy
To mark Election Day, we’ve collected the Chronicle’s best recent reporting on philanthropy’s role in shoring up democratic institutions and protecting voting rights.
Black Philanthropy Month Organizers Produce Checklist for Donors and Investors
Donors are invited to sign a pledge that they will adhere to the principles. If they do, they can affix a badge to their websites and social-media accounts.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Domestic Violence Affects the Work of Many Foundations — Whether or Not They Know It
During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, grant makers who support social issues should take time to understand how domestic violence intersects with their work and what they can do to address the problem.
By Debbie I. Chang
Contributor
Foundations Prepare to Help Grantees Respond to Election-Related Chaos
Many grant makers’ emergency funds are tapped out for the year already, but some are looking to approve more spending to deal with disputes over which votes get counted. They’re also looking toward renewed efforts on issues like immigration and climate change after the election.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Rockefeller Uses Bond Offering to Finance $1 Billion Commitment to Green Energy and Covid Relief
It’s the latest grant maker to use a debt offering to free up hundreds of millions of charitable dollars without digging into its endowment.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Rockefeller Foundation Shifts Priorities, Pledges $1 Billion for Covid-19 Recovery
Also, JPMorgan Chase has given $35 million to organizations in five U.S. cities for career-readiness programs, and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation granted $20 million for stuttering research and education.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Black Girls Must Be a Focus — Not an Afterthought — of Racial-Justice Giving
Philanthropic funding for our country’s 65 million women and girls of color is minuscule at a time when their struggles should be central to efforts to achieve racial equity.
By Monique W. Morris
Contributor