Our Democracy Is Faltering, but We Can’t Rely on Philanthropy to Save It
When private wealth and philanthropy continually come to the rescue, we lose sight of the benefits of a representative democracy in which taxes provide for the common good and elected representatives uphold and respect the democratic process.
By Ellen Friedman
Contributor
Photo Competition Chronicles Life During Covid
The pictures document poignant stories of everyday people struggling to survive the disease and the economic fallout it has caused.
By NICOLE WALLACE
Features Editor
Nonprofit Influences on Trump Deserve Condemnation
The insurrection at the U.S. Capitol this week is a reminder that we can’t allow charitable organizations to become “moral launderers” for anti-democratic policies, writes the head of a nonprofit loan fund.
Philanthropy Can’t Replace Our Broken Government — but It Can Help Rebuild It
The Trump administration’s failures during the pandemic have revealed government’s essential role in protecting the public welfare. Philanthropists should work to restore that role, rather than simply stepping in to try to fill the breach.
By Loren McArthur
Contributor
Elizabeth McCormack: the Legacy of an Unofficial Power in Big Philanthropy
McCormack, who died in December at 98, was an adviser to the Rockefeller family and served as a trustee of many big foundations and nonprofits. She was one of the first women to have so much power over the distribution of big money, writes Gara LaMarche, her friend and a former president of Atlantic Philanthropies, on whose board she served.
By Gara LaMarche
Contributor
Grant Makers Urged to Stay Focused on Climate Change in Biden Administration
After four years playing defense, leaders fighting climate change have a friend in the White House. That’s no reason for foundations to dial back their efforts on the issue, advocates say.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Reporter
Can Philanthropy Make Itself Compatible With Democracy?
The new presidential administration will be much more open to the progressive goals shared by much of the philanthropic world. One of those goals should be eliminating its own democratic deficiencies, says the author of a major new book on philanthropy.
By Paul Vallely
Contributor
Biden Transition Team Signals Big Role for Nonprofits Throughout Government
People from organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and Environmental Defense Fund are planning priorities for the Biden-Harris White House, as are foundations like Arnold Ventures, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, and the Marguerite Casey Foundation.
By Dan Parks
Contributor
Philanthropy’s Agenda for Rebuilding Our Democracy
We’ve spent four years defending our nation against authoritarianism, but we can’t stop now. Philanthropy needs to embrace a bold plan to overhaul a system badly out of sync with democratic principles.
By Joe Goldman
Contributor
Nonprofit Advocates Urge Donors to Support ‘Pillars’ of U.S. Democracy
Concerned about “serious threats” in the wake of the 2020 election, leaders at more than two-dozen nonprofit association signed a letter urging philanthropic leaders to support efforts to safeguard America’s democratic institutions.
By Michael Theis
Contributor
Foundations Have Increased Giving and Loosened Restrictions Since Pandemic
Covid-19 is forcing foundations to change the way they work, with many increasing their payout, embracing looser grant restrictions, and reducing “what is asked of grantees,” according to a report released Thursday from the Center for Effective Philanthropy.
By Michael Theis
Contributor
Philanthropy Must Push Back as the Trump Administration Continues to Harm Democracy
While the president and Republicans in Congress peddle falsehoods about the election results, grant makers can support critical work underway to ensure an effective transition and bolster democratic institutions.
By MIKE BERKOWITZ
Contributor
Nonprofit Leaders Urged to Act Locally to Heal the Nation
Don’t rely on national leaders to bring the country back together in the wake of a highly contentious election, said New York Times columnist David Brooks, who helped found a national effort to bring people together.
By Dan Parks
Contributor
The Boom and Bust Election Funding Cycle Harms Grassroots Groups and Needs to Stop
As in the past, state and local nonprofits received a large boost in donations leading up to the 2020 election, fueling critical get-out-the-vote efforts. But their work doesn’t stop when the voting ends – and neither should their funding.
By Becca Guerra
Contributor
Trump’s Defeat Won’t End the Considerable Challenges Facing Nonprofits
The election results will create a more welcoming environment for nonprofits in the nation’s capital, but don’t expect significant changes when it comes to everything from pandemic assistance to tax laws.
Letters to the Editor on Domestic Violence and About Fidelity Charitable
Insights on the prevention of domestic violence and a critique of an article about influence peddling on policies affecting donor-advised funds.