Opinion Archives

Opinion

Bill Gates Is Wrong: This Is No Time to Back Down on Climate

“Conservation is not a luxury of stable times. It is the test of whether civilization can save itself.”

By Daniel Katz and Anna Veldman

A large, diverse crowd of protesters on a street, many wearing red, shouting and raising fists. A central sign features the Brazilian flag with "SEM ANISTIA" (No Amnesty), while another sign reads "DITADURA NUNCA MAIS" (Dictatorship Never Again). Red flags and a rainbow flag are visible.

Opinion

How to Stop Authoritarianism: What Every Funder Needs to Know

This two-step strategy has helped other countries halt democratic backsliding. It can work in the U.S. if we act quickly.

By Joe Goldman, Laleh Ispahani and Deepak Bhargava

A lush, multi-level urban garden with dense green trees, ferns, and shrubs. Modern buildings are visible through the foliage, and stone stairs with handrails traverse the sloped landscape. A rectangular pond is in the mid-ground, and a person is gardening on the left.

Opinion

Stop Giving Funders Tax Breaks for High Salaries, Fancy Offices

To ensure foundations contribute more to charity, Congress should target expenses — not just the payout rate.

By Craig Kennedy
Contributor

A large crowd of diverse people at an outdoor protest rally, holding numerous signs and banners advocating for climate action, renewable energy, and environmental justice in New York. Signs read "Climate Action Now," "Renewable Energy Now," "No Pilgrim Oil Pipelines," and "Make the Road New York." Some signs feature raised fists and wind turbine cutouts.

The Commons | Opinion

Invisible, Essential, Ignored: Philanthropy’s Missing Asset

In today's political climate, the gritty work of creating big-tent coalitions is essential to notching wins on climate and other big issues

By Eva Hernandez
Contributor

Illustration of a woman and a robot working on laptops, each sitting on top of an hourglass. The woman's hourglass is about two-thirds full, while the robot's is almost completely full.

Opinion

The Trick to Effective AI Use? Slow Down

AI can help nonprofits make clear-headed decisions, bolstering trust and equity. Here’s how.

By Sam Illingworth
Contributor

A diverse group of people attend an outdoor press conference in front of ambulances and an emergency building. A speaker addresses microphones.

Opinion

Want a Healthy Democracy? Here’s How to Support Local Leaders

Local officials are battling multiple crises created by federal actions. Their leadership is critical to halting authoritarianism and deserves more attention from philanthropy.

By Na Eng
Contributor

People receiving groceries and supplies from tables at an outdoor community food distribution event.

The Commons | Opinion

‘Food Insecurity’ and Other Words That Sanitize Poverty

How soft euphemisms turn the suffering of millions into an abstraction stripped of emotion or urgency. Plus, examples of straight talk that will rally supporters.