To Mark Black Philanthropy Month, Grant Makers Need to Double Down on Fight for Racial Justice
Even as the headlines have moved on to other crises, donors must recommit to efforts sparked by the 2020 racial reckoning. They must be true partners to Black leaders whose innovative ideas and relentless focus are driving this movement for change.
By Cheryl L. Dorsey
Contributor
How Bloomberg Philanthropies Is Working to Build Black Wealth
While racial-justice efforts have commanded the most attention in philanthropy, the foundation says it hopes others will also look at ways to help ensure Black people have more opportunities to accumulate assets. Its first focus has been on relief from medical debt.
By Kay Dervishi
Contributor
Elitist Grant-Making Practices Stand in the Way of Equitable and Effective Public Policy
In the policy world, foundation funds typically flow to think tanks and advocacy groups staffed by people with traditionally impressive education and employment credentials. These practices leave out organizations and leaders from the communities most affected by policy choices — and prevent the development of strong policy.
By Emma Vadehra
Contributor
MacKenzie Scott Gives $55 Million for Affordable Housing Efforts in Los Angeles
Plus, three universities received large donations to support music programs, campus construction, and better understanding of U.S. institutions.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Clinton Initiative’s N.Y.C. Return Includes José Andrés and Queen Rania
This year’s meeting will focus on creating partnerships among political, business, and philanthropic leaders.
By Glenn Gamboa
Associated Press
2 Years On, Foundations Stand By Issuing Bonds in Pandemic
The move made sense in response to the pandemic and George Floyd’s murder, they say, but they are unlikely to do it again any time soon.
6 Foundations and Universities Give $205 Million to Build the Giant Magellan Telescope
Also, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts received $50 million to name the new theater that will house the New York Philharmonic, and Panda Express awarded $1 million to support Asian American and Pacific Islander storytellers who are working in the arts, media, and film.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
3 Women Share Lessons From Running Family Foundations
Stacy Schusterman, Regan Pritzker, and Anne Earhart explain whether recent global crises have changed their giving and talk about the power of philanthropy to improve people’s lives.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Philanthropy’s Love of Data Must Extend to Underfunded and Frequently Ignored Indigenous People
Indigenous people are typically reduced to an asterisk in research focused on BIPOC groups. As a result, the needs and aspirations of this population are nearly invisible to grant makers and governments.
By Erik Stegman and Carly Bad Heart Bull
Big Dollars for Little Kids: Early Childhood Education
Grant makers’ support of early-childhood education is boosting grassroots organizing and bipartisan advocacy — and spurring more government investment.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
For Early-Childhood Grant Makers, Collaboration Is Key
Through pooled funds and other arrangements, foundations are supporting the child-care work force and improving pediatric visits to prioritize child development. Plus: See our special report on early childhood education.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
Wendy Schmidt Gives Big to Protect the Ocean and Fight Climate Change
She and her husband, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, have poured nearly $2.2 billion into their philanthropies since 2019.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Wendy Schmidt’s Advice for Donors
Wendy Schmidt leads her and her husband’s broad network of philanthropies, the largest of which is the $2 billion Schmidt Family Foundation, which they started in 2006.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Financier and Wife Give $25 Million to Work-Force Development Charity
Plus, Ken and Kathryn Chenault give $1 million to help formerly incarcerated people, and three universities and an art museum in Michigan land big gifts.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
Foundations Launch $100 Million Plan to Support Local Health Workers
The money will go to 10 countries, mostly in Africa, to support 200,000 community health workers by 2030.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press
The Federal Whiplash on Climate Is a Wake-up Call for Better Grant Making
As the political winds continue to shift on climate change, philanthropy needs to set its sights on organizations that have worked for decades with minimal funding — the environmental justice groups that understand best how to clean up communities and create a healthy planet.
By Ansje Miller
Contributor