Writer’s Notebook; Big Names, Big Legacies in the Philanthropy 50
Staff writer Maria Di Mento details her often amusing interactions over the years with Seattle tech pioneer Paul Allen, Philadelphia businessman Gerry Lenfest, and private-equity titan Pete Peterson, all of whom died last year.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
The Blackstone financier placed a big bet on the study of artificial intelligence and landed at No. 4 on the Philanthropy 50, the Chronicle’s ranking of the top donors.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Power, Transparency, and New Ways to Give
The new trend in long-term, futuristic bets by some of the biggest U.S. philanthropists is drawing scrutiny by critics who say those enormous financial commitments need more public scrutiny and measurable goals.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
The people on the Philanthropy 50, the Chronicle’s annual list of the biggest U.S. donors, collectively gave more than $7.8 billion last year. Artificial intelligence and privacy were among their top concerns.
By Maria Di Mento and Ben Gose
How the Chronicle Compiled Its Annual List of Top 50 Donors
Inside the methodology for tallying which philanthropists gave away the most money in 2018.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Comedian Garry Shandling Left $15.2 Million to UCLA: Gifts Roundup
Plus four other universities, two medical centers, and a journalism group received big gifts
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
College Giving Rises 5%, With Harvard and Stanford Raising the Most
The nearly $47 billion institutions raised was fueled in part by a 66-percent leap in dollars channeled from donor-advised funds, according to a new study.
By HEATHER JOSLYN
Contributor
David Rockefeller’s Gift to Museum of Modern Art Tops $228 Million
When the philanthropist’s estate has sold off his artworks, the museum got $100 million more than it expected.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
2 Years Later, Fundraising’s ‘Trump Bump’ May Have Stopped Growing
At the ACLU, Sierra Club, and National Women’s Law Center, which have opposed the White House and its appointees, year-end giving was strong but not explosive. What does that mean for 2019?
By Heather Joslyn
Contributor
Nearly 9 in 10 Fundraisers Expect 2019 Giving to Match or Better 2018
Most participants in a new survey by the Association of Fundraising Professionals say the economy and new tax code had no impact on their donors.
By HEATHER JOSLYN
Contributor
Stanford Lands $25 Million for Library and Silicon Valley Archive: Gifts Roundup
Plus a botanical garden, two health care groups, and two other universities receive big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Center Aimed at Combating Family Violence Lands $20 Million: Gifts Roundup
In addition, Vanderbilt University, Lehigh University, and Morehouse College receive big donations.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Grant Making Up, Household Giving Will Be Nearly Flat This Year, Projections Say
Fundraisers are urged to focus on grant seeking and bequest fundraising and to invest in seeking donations of all kinds given the outlook for the next two years.
By HEATHER JOSLYN
Contributor
Plus, a youth arts center and five universities received big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Introvert or Extrovert: Who Makes a Better Fundraiser?
Mixing personality types can help you raise more money and hold on to staff members too.
Hedge-Fund Leader Gives $120 Million to Create New Data-Science School at U. of Virginia
The gift comes as a growing number of billionaires are making donations aimed at expanding research on artificial intelligence and watching out for growing ethical concerns.