Facebook’s Bare-Knuckle Tactics Are Just One Sign of a Media Culture That Philanthropy Can Help Fix
Fifty years ago, grant makers had a hand in developing public broadcasting to deliver programs not designed to maximize profits but to provide vital educational, cultural, and news shows. It can follow that same playbook for social media today.
By Vince Stehle
Contributor
$100 Million Gift to Help Refugee Kids: Daily News Roundup
The Lego Foundation gift to Sesame Workshop will allow it to intensify its work creating play-based educational opportunities. In other articles, the University of Southern California is facing a backlash from big donors after its interim president decided to force out a dean over his handling of accusations against faculty and staff; NPR CEO Jarl Mohn has announced he will step down in June; and much more news, plus articles about big gifts and grants, health care, and opinion.
Here’s Why Nonprofits Still Have Problems With Diversity and How to Fix It
A series of new reports from Georgetown University’s Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership say lack of commitment by boards is just one of many challenges.
By Julian Wyllie
Contributor
Opioid-Abuse and Pediatric-Patient Care Programs Each Receive $50 Million: Grants Roundup
Also, the Knight Foundation gives $37 million to bolster arts organizations in Miami, and Patagonia pledges its $10 million tax windfall to environmental groups.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Facebook Exposes Charities to Hackers: Daily News Roundup
Some nonprofit leaders say that as Facebook has introduced new fundraising tools, it hasn’t added appropriate customer support for groups that use its products. Plus, Hungary’s prime minister has forced the university founded by George Soros out of the country; St. Jude Hospital got $50 million from a biopharmaceutical company; a federal investigation is looking into possible corruption by former officials of a Missouri-based mental-health nonprofit working in Arkansas; and much more.
Two private foundations have helped fuel Chattanooga’s 30-plus-year revitalization. Now they’re trying to spread the benefits of the improving economy to low-income people who have yet to gain from it.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Nonprofit Founder Made Millions Housing Migrant Children; Daily News Roundup
The founder of Southwest Key Programs may also have engaged in self-dealing with top executives. Plus, the National Rifle Association has awarded millions of dollars in contracts to people with close ties to the group; critics are noting that the American system that allows some wealthy philanthropists to build fortunes contributes to the social ills their gifts are attempting to alleviate; companies that use the “buy one, give one” strategy are now key to some entrepreneurs; and more.
Richard Branson Announces $105-Million Fund for Eye Disease, Backed by Gates and Others
The investment follows news of major American foundations and drug companies funding research and treatment.
By Julian Wyllie
Contributor
House Republicans Want to Rescind New Tax on Nonprofits: Daily News Roundup
An amendment has been introduced that would kill a new tax on certain fringe benefits that churches, colleges, and other nonprofits provide for employees. Plus, Bloomberg Philanthropies plans to give $50 million to fight the opioid epidemic; Sheryl Sandberg reportedly asked Facebook’s communications staff to do research on George Soros’s financial interests after his criticisms of tech companies; and more news and articles on big donors, ideas, and powerful women in philanthropy.
Giving Circles Grow in Diversity and Get an Assist From Gates Foundation
Two studies say the programs are reaching new donors and helping a broader array of causes. Meanwhile, the Gates Foundation announced a $250,000 grant to Amplifier, a network of giving circles.
By Julian Wyllie
Contributor
San Francisco Official Wants Zuckerberg Name Removed From Public Hospital: Daily News Roundup
The request was made in light of the controversy over Facebook’s handling of user data and its use of opposition research. Plus, Patagonia gave $10 million it got from GOP tax cuts to environmental groups; the NRA’s income dropped by $55 million last year; a new nonprofit, started by critics of the Trump administration’s policies on student loans, will work with state and local lawmakers to protect student borrowers; the Berkshire Museum got $53 million from the sale of 40 artworks; and more.
Why Grant Makers Must Talk About Anti-Black Racism
A group of Washington foundations have realized that unless they work to curb biases in education, criminal justice, and elsewhere, they can’t advance important grant-making goals.
By Tamara Copeland
Contributor
Nonprofit Investment Returns Average Only 6.7%: Daily News Roundup
A 2009-16 study shows that they underperform even U.S Treasurys. Plus, charities are anxiously anticipating a drop in year-end giving because of the new tax law; a musician has announced a new foundation for prison overhaul; the president of Dillard University is chiding philanthropists for giving less to historically black colleges and universities; Mary’s Place, one of Jeff Bezos’s favorite charities, is launching a campaign to raise $2 million for a new shelter; and much more.
NFL Gives $15 Million to Study Concussions: Grants Roundup
Also, the Gates Foundation donates $18 million for family-planning efforts throughout Africa, and Direct Relief commits $2 million for wildfire recovery in California.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Giving to Hospitals and Other Health Institutions Grew 2.9% in 2017, Report Says
Organizations that had at least seven fundraisers did the best, the report noted.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Soros Foundation Closes in Turkey: Daily News Roundup
Days before the shutdown, President Tayyip Erdogan said George Soros “assigns people to divide nations and shatter them.” Plus, Chef Jose Andres has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize; the Trump Foundation made no donations last year; the Trump Organization gave more than $500,000 to the Trump Foundation in 2017, according to a tax return; an effort to encourage people to include charities in their estate planning aims to raise $1 trillion; plus, articles about Giving Tuesday and more.