Daily News Roundup: Companies Use Charitible Giving as ‘Tax-Exempt Influence Seeking,’ Says Study
A group of economists published an analysis of corporate philanthropy that paints a picture of giving that is more like lobbying. In other articles, the head of the Smithsonian Institution announced an effort to showcase achievements by women but stopped short of supporting a new museum; Detroit has built up a team of grant seekers that has helped attract tens of millions in grants and loans; and Fast Company looks at five ways nonprofits can solve their thorniest problems.
Putting ‘New Power’ to Work in Philanthropy
A rich and deeply researched new book expertly delineates the fundamental shift in how people get things done in a hyperconnected world, offering lessons every foundation and nonprofit leader should heed.
By Phil Buchanan
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Unanswered Questions About Sex Abuse at Global Aid Groups
Bad behavior among aid workers tends to be covered up or overlooked for the sake of the group’s image. In other articles, donors can now tell Alexa to send money to charity; the Minneapolis Foundation racks up $100 million as its donor-advised funds gain in popularity. Plus more, including how Melinda Gates is working to promote equality for women; a look at what artificial intelligence can do for nonprofits; and an interview with Planned Parenthood’s Cecile Richards.
How to Plan for the Unexpected in Challenging Times
Assess strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, be proactive about making change, keep your trustees informed, and promote advocacy
By Katie Leonberger
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: #MeToo Can Put Charities in a Tough Spot When It Taints Benefactors
Philanthropic efforts have suffered when powerful men they have relied on are brought down by allegations of sexual misconduct. In other articles, a drug distributor has pledged $100 million to start a foundation to fight the opioid epidemic; a look at why big donors give cash to business schools; the Kendeda Fund is giving $5.3 million to 10 public radio stations for reporting on gun violence; and more news, including the Schwarzman naming gift and a fight over a museum’s expansion.
Daily News Roundup: NRA Finances Look Shaky Over the Long Term
In other news, the CEO of InterAction is promising steps to avoid sexual misconduct; a plan to rename a high school after billion donor Stephen Schwarzman raises hackles; and more about the arts and giving and other news.
Podcast: Using Apps and Data to Fight Disease in the Developing World
Chuck Slaughter explains how Living Goods puts technology in the hands of trained health-care workers — mostly women in local communities in Africa — to battle illnesses that kill nearly 6 million children every year.
Daily News Roundup: Planned Parenthood Gets $9 Million for New Tex. Clinics
The money came from an unnamed donor for two new clinics in the western part of the state. In other news, the Department of Education has converted grants to student loans for thousands of teachers in low-income areas; after the Parkland shooting, gifts to the National Rifle Association tripled; an ex-congressman has been accused of spending $450,000 in charitable gifts for personal use; a controversial Wellesley program backed by the Charles Koch Foundation is being overhauled; and much more.
Daily News Roundup: Jewish Philanthropy Increasingly Dominated by Big Donors
A new study says a larger share of philanthropy is coming from wealthy individuals and foundations, which are wielding greater influence as a result. In other articles, fair-housing groups are suing Facebook over ads that they say discriminate; the National Rifle Association says it accepts foreign funds but that they aren’t used for election purposes; lurid charges have been made against a former Michigan State dean, who supervised Larry Nassar; and much more about giving and other nonprofit news. are exercising greater influence on Jewish communal priorities Read more: https://forward.com/news/breaking-news/397508/mega-donors-are-taking-over-jewish-philanthropy-new-study-says/ are exercising greater influence on Jewish communal priorities Read more: https://forward.com/news/breaking-news/397508/mega-donors-are-taking-over-jewish-philanthropy-new-study-says/
Daily News Roundup: Giving Drops $10 Million to Twin Cities United Way
The decline in workplace giving is to blame. In other articles, John and Laura Arnold are pouring money into efforts to lower or rethink drug prices; the University of Oklahoma’s next president will be a former oil executive and big donor; many activists suffer privately; “March for Our Lives” cost $5 million, leaving several million dollars left for advocacy; and much more about the arts and other news.
Spruill to Leave Council on Foundations and Return to Ocean Conservation
After six years leading the council through budget challenges, Spruill said her new job returns her to her “central passion.”
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Understanding Culture Is Key for Social-Change Advocates
Learning about the attitudes and beliefs that affect public views is essential to shaping campaigns that will transform society, says Nat Kendall-Taylor, head of the Frameworks Institute.
By NAT KENDALL-TAYLOR
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Nonprofits Provided Key Resources for Gun-Control March
Groups like Gabrielle Giffords’s nonprofit provided important support. In other news, a veterans nonprofit will close under a settlement with the New York attorney general for soliciting allegedly sham charities; eight weeks after the departure of CEO Wayne Pacelle, the Humane Society’s sexual-harassment scandal still causes headaches; PBS has filed a countersuit against former talk-show host Tavis Smiley, describing over a dozen complaints of sexual harassment; and much more.
Daily News Roundup: Tax Law Could Hurt College Giving
It could dampen the incentive for alumni to give. Other articles include an examination of how donors decide whom to trust with their gifts. Also, the Supreme Court is being asked to examine a case involving the practice of giving charities and others unaffiliated with a legal case money left over from class-action settlements; student marchers have vowed to make gun laws an issue in the next election; and other articles on giving, the #MeToo movement, and more.
How One Angry Mother Built an Army of Activists to Curb Gun Violence
The success Shannon Watts has achieved in building a group with 4.5 million members and a growing roster of legislative victories comes from her marketing expertise and passion. But she’s frustrated more grant makers don’t understand that successful organizing takes money, writes Tom Watson, a Chronicle columnist.
By TOM WATSON
Contributor
Podcast: Reimagining Civics Education for High-School Students
The nonprofit Generation Citizen wants young people to experience civics not only as a right and responsibility but as a tool to bring about change.