AmeriCorps Turns 20 Amid Stymied Growth
Partisan politics and budget woes have hampered President Obama’s goal of expanding the program, but new strategies, some involving Congress and some not, make the future look brighter.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Ford CEO Sees the Arts as a Way to Work Toward Social Justice
Darren Walker doesn’t buy the idea that the fund’s focus on helping the poor means it shouldn’t spend on art.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
New VPs at Ford: a Promotion and 2 Outside Hires
Darren Walker’s biggest changes have been in personnel, recruiting former senior officials from the Obama administration and the Gates foundation.
Blackbaud Extends Reach With $160-Million Acquisition of MicroEdge
The deal would expand the fundraising-software company’s reach to foundations, large donors, and corporations, which use MicroEdge to track gifts and social-responsibility programs.
By TOM HELD
Contributor
More Feedback Would Improve Foundations’ Service to Society
Seven foundations are announcing today a plan to award at least $15-million to jump-start projects that promote better openness about what works.
By HILARY PENNINGTON
Contributor
Foundation CEOs Need Candid Feedback to Succeed in Driving Change
Ford’s CEO says in a letter released today that lack of constructive criticism is his biggest challenge. So let’s give him and other leaders what they need.
By PHIL BUCHANAN
Contributor
New Leader Steers Ford Foundation Back Toward Familiar Ground
Darren Walker is refocusing the organization on urban issues, as well as peace and global security.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Donors Often Overlook Benefits of Giving Appreciated Stock
As the stock market hits new highs, fundraisers are missing out if they don’t explain the tax breaks and savings on capital-gains taxes.
By Holly Hall
Contributor
After Ferguson, Grant Makers Seek Solutions to Racial-Justice Issues
The shooting of an unarmed black man is prompting thoughts on on what might be done to tackle problems of stereotypes, police accountability, and suburban poverty.
By SUZANNE PERRY
Contributor
Fox Releases Series Pilot Early After Charity Goal Is Met
Five charities will receive a total of $100,000 from the broadcasting company because fans met a “flock to unlock” challenge to release the “Red Band Society” online before its TV debut.
By Avi Wolfman-Arent
Contributor
How 4 Suicide-Prevention Groups Responded to the Death of Robin Williams
The leaders discuss very different approaches to responding to one of their cause’s biggest media moments.
By Avi Wolfman-Arent
Contributor
Foundations Create Fund to Respond to Ebola Crisis in Africa
The money will go to community groups working on relief or on warning people in rural areas about the dangers of the disease.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Paul Allen Foundation Pledges $2.8-Million to Fight Ebola
The money went to the American Red Cross, which says it’s the largest gift so far in the fight against the outbreak in West Africa.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Grant Makers Join Forces to Aid Immigrant Children
At least two new collaborative efforts by foundations, mostly in California, are taking shape to provide emergency relief.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
New Tack Helps Gifts to Popular Museum Jump 90%
Board members as well as visitors have responded to appeals to give more and encourage others to do so.
By Holly Hall
Contributor
Despite All the Buzz About Innovation, Foundations Are Playing It Too Safe
Many grant makers keep turning to safe investments with predesignated results, but a few are breaking out of that mold.
By Gabriel Kasper and JUSTIN MARCOUX