Philanthropy Must Help Heal the Breakdown in Democracy
The government shutdown and the rancor between the parties are threatening the policies that foundations want to push forward.
By Robert L. Gallucci
Contributor
3 Ways Nonprofits Can Improve Their Performance by Learning From the People They Serve
A growing number of groups are improving their performance by setting up formal ways to get feedback from clients or enlisting them to help.
By Willa Seldon and Matthew Forti
The Council on Foundations Needs to Make Itself Relevant Again
As charities face a new age of austerity, grant makers says it’s time to shift the association’s chief focus to public-policy advocacy.
By DOUG BAUER
Contributor
Community Medical Clinics Should Not Be Coerced Into Charging for Their Services
Nonprofit health groups should resist pressure from the Affordable Care Act to alter their original goals.
By Howard C. Mandel
Contributor
Collaboration Can Bring Big Payoffs When It’s Done Right
Two grant-making experts say efforts to work together often falter because of power imbalances, competition, and egos.
By Jane Wei-Skillern
Contributor
Charity Navigator’s Superficial Ratings Miss Major Flaws in Charities
One example is its praise of the American Endowment Foundation, an organization run largely by family members that has a cozy relationship with investors who steer donations its way.
By Alan M. Cantor
Reporter
Mott Fund Shouldn’t Drop Effort to Help Tiny Groups
The foundation did what few big philanthropies do: give small sums to strengthen grass-roots groups. But now that may change.
By PABLO EISENBERG
Contributor
Opinion: Taxpayers Help Finance Harvard’s Fundraising Drive
Harvard University’s record $6.5-billion capital campaign will benefit from an effective government subsidy of more than $2.1-billion in the form of tax deductions for donors, according to a Chronicle of Higher Education opinion piece.
Leave the Solutions to Social Problems to the Real Experts: People in the Trenches
A veteran organizer says foundations need to do more to listen to people who work in the trenches every day to solve social problems.
By Joe Szakos
Contributor
Confusion Over Conflict-of-Interest Laws Fuels Inappropriate Accusations
Instead of debating differences in policies, activists increasingly raise questions about conflicts.
By Suzanne Garment and LESLIE LENKOWSKY