Daily News Roundup: House Takes Step to Weaken Church-Politicking Ban
The Appropriations Committee approved language in a spending bill aimed at curbing IRS enforcement of the ban on electioneering by houses of worship. Also, big foundations take big financial hits as a private-equity fund popular with charitable investors goes bust.
Daily News Roundup: New Coalition of Big Aid Charities Tackling Hunger Crisis
Eight of the world’s largest relief groups will raise money together to alleviate starvation in three African countries and Yemen. Also, the University of Louisville Foundation comes under state investigation, and Howard Buffett gives a philanthropic boost to his adopted Illinois hometown.
Daily News Roundup: Knight Foundation Arm Sues Over Trump’s Twitter Blocks
The Knight First Amendment Institute says the president’s account is a “public forum” and he violates the free-speech rights of users he prevents from posting responses. Plus, a Philadelphia public broadcaster’s executive pay arouses ire, and Melinda Gates slams White House policies on family planning.
Grants Roundup: James and Alice Clark Fund Gives $10 Million to Expand Retreat for Veterans
Other notable grants include $20 million from the Paul G. Allen Frontiers Group to create new centers for brain and cell research.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Red Ink Prompts March of Dimes to Sell Headquarters
The iconic charity put its national office on the market following years of multimillion-dollar losses. Also, Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy winners talk about the roots of their giving, and conservative philanthropy leaders make a case against impact investing.
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Brain Trust Draws People From Varied Backgrounds
The Facebook couple is plowing millions of dollars into for-profit companies it believes can address social problems, but key hires have plenty of ties to the foundation and charity worlds as well.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Congress Moves to Restrict IRS Oversight of Nonprofit Politicking
Language in House spending bills would bar the agency from using appropriated funds to scrutinize “dark money” 501(c)(4) groups. Also, how a federal investigation of antiquities imports by Hobby Lobby could affect the new Bible museum backed by the store chain’s owners.
A New Approach to Scholarship Aid Deserves Foundation Attention
Experiments that tie future income to scholarships could replenish funds that now are inadequate to guarantee that low- and middle-income students have a chance to go to college.
By Daniel Pianko
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Charities Got $200 Million From Suspect in Massive Malaysia Fraud
Also, Leonard Lauder reaffirms his $1 billion art pledge to the Metropolitan Museum of Art amid the institution’s organizational upheaval, and the head of the Obama Foundation talks about the postpresidential charity’s goals for boosting civic engagement.
Grants Roundup: Microsoft Gives $25.8 Million for Markle Fund Jobs Program
Other notable awards include $5 million from Taube Philanthropies for the Museum of the Jewish People in Israel.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
10 Ways Generous Donors Can Make Big Bets for Social Change
Paying general operating expenses, building knowledge, and financing advocacy campaigns are among the ways philanthropists can transform the world.
By Gail Perreault and Elise Tosun
Sloan Foundation Names Academic Veteran as New Leader
Adam Falk, a physicist, was once awarded a research fellowship by Sloan and has served as president of Williams College since 2010.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Daily News Roundup: Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Restructures as Endowment Dwindles
The operator of the historic Virginia site will shed jobs and outsource operations following steep financial losses. Also, Harvard gets set to overhaul its endowment portfolio, and a jury backs the government’s long-running effort to seize a Manhattan skyscraper from an Iran-linked charity.
Daily News Roundup: GuideStar Sued Over ‘Hate Group’ Labels
Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal nonprofit, said it was defamed by the since-removed tags at the charity tracker’s website. Also, two states are looking into Trump lawyer Jay Sekulow’s charity operations, and the Kellogg Foundation commits $24 million to organizations battling racism.
Middling Returns Have Nonprofits Rethinking Investments and Spending, Survey Finds
Low interest rates and sluggish endowment growth have many organizations looking to reallocate their assets or cut back on spending, according to a recent survey.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Trump Lawyer and His Family Got Millions From His Nonprofit
A media report details the financial dealings of Trump defense attorney Jay Sekulow’s Christian charity network. Also, Los Angeles lawmakers approve George Lucas’s plan to build his $1 billion museum in the city, and the internet gets it wrong on Mitch McConnell’s childhood polio treatment.