Daily News Roundup: Gates Foundation Seeks Comment on School Spending
The grant maker wants to hear from organizations that have improved education through school “networks” before it seeks proposals for its $1 billion-plus commitment. In other news, the philanthropic Sackler family’s fortune was built on a pharmaceutical company that some blame for the opioid crisis; one nonprofit sees drone technology as the future for education and jobs in coal country; and other news and features on grant seeking, gifts, museums, and more.
Daily News Roundup: NAACP Hires New Leader and Will Change IRS Status
Interim president Derrick Johnson will take the permanent role, as the organization shifts to become a social-welfare group to improve its ability to lobby. In other articles, today’s megadonors have eclipsed the Gilded Age philanthropists; the story of the #MeToo Movement leader who sought to give sexual-abuse victims a voice; what the wave of recent disasters means for charities; and much more.
Daily News Roundup: Gates Foundation to Invest $1.7 Billion in New Education Focus
The grant maker wants to shift its sights to building more collaborative school networks. In other news, Harvey Weinstein and Kenneth Cole have been accused of covering up a suspicious deal involving a nonprofit group; a charity once led by Roy Moore did not report to the IRS that it guaranteed $498,000 in back pay to him; the Heritage Foundation is considering a White House aide to be its next leader; and why a children’s charity is holding its “dream gala” at Mar-a-Lago.
Daily News Roundup: $1.5 Billion Gift From Chinese Donor to Boost Conservation
The contribution, from He Qiaonv, is more than a third of her $3.6 billion net worth. In other news, Houston Methodist Hospital gets a $101 donation; the Clinton Foundation is keeping its gift from Harvey Weinstein; and donors are joining forces to tackle tough problems. Also read an opinion piece about the philanthropy of Bill Cosby and Harvey Weinstein.
Daily News Roundup: Red Cross Fell Through After Harvey, Say Tex. Officials
In some counties, the Red Cross failed to show up as promised. In other news, distributing aid in Puerto Rico has been a challenge — even though supplies are there. GoFundMe has raised more than $8 million for Las Vegas shooting victims, Warren Buffett urges more action to fight poverty, and Lincoln Center scraps its $500 million Geffen Hall renovation.
Asking What’s Next and Encouraging Offbeat Ideas: Essential Ingredients for Innovation
Experimenting with new approaches to advance their missions requires nonprofits — and grant makers — to transform how they work.
By Nidhi Sahni and Amira Bliss
Video: Raising $275 Million From Scratch
Chronicle reporter Megan O’Neil sits down with Adrienne Brooks of the National Museum of African American History and Culture to discuss its successful capital campaign, its membership program, and the museum’s next steps.
By Nidhi Singh
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Volunteer ‘Moles’ Rescue Mexican Earthquake Victims
Mexican rescue operation uses typically small men and women volunteers known for their bravery and skill to pull people to safety; and Houston arts groups are struggling to find a new venue after theater is damaged. In other news, a dispute between Kenneth Cole and Harvey Weinstein has rocked a prominent AIDS group, and Alice Walton has launched a new venture to lend artwork.
MacArthur Names 4 Finalists in $100 Million Grant Challenge
Catholic Relief Services, HarvestPlus, Rice University’ global-health institute, and the International Rescue Committee and Sesame Workshop are still in the running.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Little Progress on Food Insecurity in U.S.
Despite a government report citing a “downward trend,” tens of millions are going hungry. In other news, a charity canceled its triathlon after a Trump name change; Carlos Slim’s foundation is increasing efforts to help Mexicans become U.S. citizens; and a U.N. innovation could transform international aid distribution.
Daily News Roundup: J.J. Watt’s $33 Million Haul for Harvey Victims: Where Will It Go?
Also, faith groups play an integral role in disaster recovery in coordination with state and federal agencies, and Time profiles the immigrant billionaire who has made one of the biggest gifts for hurricane relief. In other news, Phillip Morris commits $1 billion for anti-tobacco efforts; mid-Manhattan library gets $55 million; and Chicago’s South and West sides get $40 million commitment.
Daily News Roundup: $14.5 Million Raised in Star-Studded Benefit for Hurricane Relief
Also, Caribbean survivors of Irma worry they will be forgotten. In other news, George Soros’s foundation has a new acting leader, a billionaire WhatsApp co-founder is starting a foundation, and the Obama Foundation has announced a summit and training sessions to get students and young adults more active in civic life.
How Jewish Community Groups Are Collaborating on Planned-Gift Fundraising
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation provides coaching, training, and incentive grants to encourage nonprofits to seek long-term sustainability by pursuing legacy gifts together.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Facebook Expands its Charitable Fundraising Tools to Europe
Nonprofits in 16 European countries will soon be able to use the tools, including donate buttons that can be placed on page headers, individual posts, and live video feeds.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Trump Tweets Support for Churches Seeking Disaster Aid
Also, some contributions for hurricane relief won’t be used until spring. In other news, nonprofits are seeking help from branding and marketing professionals to get their message out, and a philanthropist explains why she won’t be hosting events at Mar-a-Lago anymore.
Podcasts: What $100 Million Could Do
See a series of interviews with the eight semifinalists in the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition. The winner will receive $100 million to pursue an effort to make measurable progress solving a critical problem.