Wringing the Most Good Out of a Facebook Fortune
Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz are using academic research, among other things, to identify overlooked funding opportunities with a high potential for success.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Large endowments that are never spent shouldn’t be allowed to accumulate, tax-free.
By Michael Ryan Fricke
Contributor
Endowments Show Strong Gains — and Provoke Controversy
A survey and analysis by The Chronicle shows big asset gains that are being used to launch new projects and better prepare balance sheets for the future. But impact investing and divestment are growing points of contention.
Silicon Valley Flexes Its Muscles — Again
The announcement by Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, that they will dedicate nearly all of their Facebook stock to doing good marks another milestone in the rise of technology titans as major forces in philanthropy.
Gates Is Spearheading Multibillion-Dollar Clean-Energy Effort
As landmark U.N. climate talks get under way in Paris on Monday, Bill Gates is set to announce a global fund backed by governments and philanthropy to research and develop new clean-energy technologies, Greenwire and The New York Times report.
Lilly Fund Gives $100 Million to Indiana Arts Groups
The Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment made grants of $5 million to $10 million aimed at boosting the long-term financial stability of 14 cultural organizations in its home state, reports The Indianapolis Star.
Colo. Shooting Further Roils Planned Parenthood Debate
The killing of three people Friday by a gunman at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colo., could escalate the political battles in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail over the women’s health nonprofit, The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal write.
Senate Panel Scrutinizing Private Art Museums’ Tax Breaks
The Senate Finance Committee is seeking financial and operational information from several galleries and museums opened by wealthy art collectors to determine whether the centers provide enough public benefit to justify their tax exemptions, writes The New York Times.
Charities Incorporate Virtual Reality Into Donor Pitches
Nonprofits such as Charity: Water and Pencils of Promise are exploring the immersive technology as a way to give donors a clearer view of their mission and work, The Wall Street Journal writes.
Link to Chinese Messaging App Pays Off for Medical Charity
Users of the popular Chinese social-networking application WeChat are providing a steady source of donations to Watsi, a crowdfunding nonprofit that raises money for people around the world to pay for medical care, CNN Money reports.
As Lawmakers Balk at Syrian Refugees, Nonprofits Get Support to Aid Those Who Fled
Local charities see a rise in donations as some Americans get frustrated by the politicized climate.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Putting Yourself in Your Donor’s Shoes
In this episode of the Fundraising Fundamentals podcast, experts discuss ways to better understand your donors by seeing things from their perspective.
By Tony Martignetti
Contributor
Planned Parenthood Goes to Court in Tex. Over Medicaid Funds
Texas is the latest in a series of Republican-led states the nonprofit has sued this year for seeking to block federal reimbursements to its clinics for non-abortion health services, reports The New York Times.
Emails Show Coke’s Hand in Shaping Anti-Obesity Nonprofit
Communications between Coca-Cola executives and leaders of an anti-obesity organization that received $1.5 million from the beverage giant show that the company has had significant input on the group’s leadership and work, the Associated Press reports.
$75 Million Gift Builds Endowment for U. of Texas Hospital
The University of Texas Health Center in Houston will rename its medical school in recognition of the donation from the John P. McGovern Foundation to endow scholarships, faculty chairs, and research, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Box-Office Slide Tightens Belts at Philadelphia Orchestra
The orchestra saw attendance and ticket sales decline in the 2014-15 season and has cut spending to balance its budget for the current year, writes The Philadelphia Inquirer.