Philanthropy Needs a New Playbook to Fund Systems Change
If we’re serious about tackling the root cause of problems, we need long-term grants and more unrestricted aid. What’s more, we need grant makers who acknowledge what they don’t know and who turn to social entrepreneurs for their expertise.
By Michael Zakaras and Manmeet Mehta
Why Vested Interests Don’t Want Donor-Advised Funds to Do More for Charities
Wall Street companies, donors’ financial advisers, and even associations of nonprofits opposed a mild regulatory effort in California, a sign of how difficult it is to change the system.
By Alan M. Cantor
Reporter
Foundation Founders Must Focus on What Matters Right From the Start
When creating foundations, too many wealthy people focus on issues like taxes and family roles rather than what their money can do to improve the world.
By IAN DAVID MOSS
Contributor
How Philanthropy Can Test Innovative Ideas for Climate Change
More than 70 organizations have joined forces to focus on vulnerable islands, which are on the front lines of this evolving catastrophe and small and nimble enough to pursue what works to build resilience.
How Films and Philanthropy Can Bring About Social Change
The Oscars are one way of judging a movie’s success, but other measurements tell far more about how films can influence people and policies.
By Vincent Stehle
Contributor
Ideas for Innovation That Deserve More Attention in Philanthropy
The death last month of Harvard Business School’s Clayton M. Christensen should remind donors and nonprofit entrepreneurs to pay more attention to his focus on creating disruptive change that spreads limited resources to more people.
By LESLIE LENKOWSKY
Contributor
As Super Tuesday Approaches, Philanthropy Must Stay Above the Fray but in the Fight
As the need to combat misinformation, hold fair and free elections, and stand up for the rights of everyone intensifies in 2020, foundations should send extra support this year to nonprofits working on these essential issues.
By JOE GOLDMAN
Contributor
The public can’t assess whether large-scale philanthropy makes a difference when donors won’t provide details. And that is a big problem when concerns about inequality and capitalism are on the rise.
By BENJAMIN SOSKIS
Contributor
After #MeToo, Next Steps for Nonprofits
As Harvey Weinstein’s conviction Monday marked a key moment in the #MeToo movement, it is an important reminder to nonprofit leaders and fundraising executives that they need to redouble their efforts to protect employees from abuse.
By SARAH BEAULIEU
Contributor
Financial Leaders at America’s Foundations Have the Power to Reshape Philanthropy
A hotter planet, increased gun violence, America’s crippled democracy, and an ever-precarious economy are stretching our households and communities to the breaking point. That’s why we need financial executives to join forces with grant-making colleagues to ensure all of a foundation’s assets advance social-justice missions.
By TYLER NICKERSON
Contributor