Tough Economy Takes a Toll on Nonprofits Designed to Serve Rural Americans
Changes in foundation priorities added to the woes for nonprofits that work in areas with high poverty and dwindling populations.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
In a Tiny Neb. Town, a Community Fund Serves as a Model for Giving to Rural Charities
In Shickley, Neb., 60 percent of the town’s residents give to the local community fund. Now people in other desolate areas hope to emulate its success.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Rural Causes Lack Support as Foundations Focus Resources Elsewhere
The bad economy and shifting philanthropic priorities are among the reasons that grant makers failed to meet a senator’s challenge to double spending.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
How Grant Makers Can Move Quickly
A philanthropy expert offers advice on how to seize unanticipated opportunities.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
A Foundation Acts Fast to Help Researchers Study Japan’s Disaster
The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation raced to make a grant for a scientific expedition that would have been pointless if not undertaken right away. The experience provides a case study for how other grant makers can quickly handle complicated problems.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Nonprofits Weigh the Costs of Paying Debts With Endowment Assets
Board members are typically divided on the wisdom of the move, largely depending on their appetite for risk.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
A Boston Fund Mixes Research and Advocacy With Writing Checks
The Boston Foundation has plunged with gusto into the rough-and-tumble world of influencing public policy.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
The Boston Foundation: An Overview
Although increasingly known for its public-policy work, the Boston Foundation also has overhauled its approach to grant making in a bid for greater effectiveness. About $300-million of the $800-million foundation’s assets are unrestricted, allowing the foundation to fully control about $17-million…
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
An Innovative Program Helps Tame Some of Boston’s Toughest Citizens
The Boston Foundation’s effort to connect gang members with job training, mental-health services, and other aid is keeping them away from violence.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Community Foundation Leaders Take Advocacy Role
Many funds are redefining their role to focus on influencing public policy, not just raising and giving away money.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor