As Attacks on Social-Justice Groups Rise in the Trump Era, Foundations Must Show Courage
Donors to nonprofits are now facing public scrutiny, making it more important than ever that grant makers help grass-roots charities and others prepare to handle crisis communications.
By DEEPAK BHARGAVA
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: How the Rich Stash Charitable and Other Assets Offshore
In other news and features, a report on affluent people who leave their “wealth bubble” to help in other neighborhoods; the GOP proposes ending tax exemptions on private-activity bonds, which provide tax-free borrowing for large hospitals and universities; a troubled Massachusetts museum plans to sell Norman Rockwell paintings over the objections of the late artist’s sons; and much more.
Video: Starting From Nothing but Raising Big Sums
Michael Lomax talks about how the National Museum of African American History and Culture attracted $275 million — as well as donations of important artifacts — to create the popular institution.
Believe Me, I’ll Make Charities Great Again: What Trump Might Tell Nonprofits
The president seems to believe nonprofits can pick up anything government stops doing.
By CURT WEEDEN
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Helping Charities Pays Off for Corporations
Other articles in a New York Times special section on giving includes a piece on how donors are using bitcoin and how to do research on giving. In other news and features, donor data was exposed in a Denver Art Museum hack, a former accountant at Arc in Hawaii has now been accused of stealing $7 million; environmental groups are trying to involve more minorities; and more news about endowments, Congress, and tax policy.
Podcast: How One Foundation Rewards Risk-Takers Tackling Big Issues
This week in the Business of Giving, Jim Bildner, CEO of the Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation, discusses a distinctive approach to funding social entrepreneur projects, both nonprofit and for-profit.
Daily Update: Harvey Weinstein Linked to Criminal Inquiry Into AIDS Charity Fundraiser
Prosecutors are examining transactions and contracts between New York-based charity amfAR, Mr. Weinstein, and the American Repertory Theater, sources told The New York Times. In other news, questions about a drug’s effectiveness leads an Alzheimer’s nonprofit to sever ties with Avanir Pharmaceuticals, and Apple executive Phil Schiller gives $35 million to help build a new science institute at Boston College.
Protecting Fundraisers From Sexual Harassment by Donors: Advice From Experts
Leaders, managers, and board members play a crucial role in helping employees fend off a problem that doesn’t often get discussed: donors who expect sexual favors.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Daily Update: Gates, Jobs, and Chan Rated ‘Most Powerful Women’ in Philanthropy
In other news, nonprofits find themselves at the center of an FBI investigation involving NCAA basketball, a youth center is involved in a Medicaid fraud scheme, and an Arkansas senator ends a company’s contract with a nonprofit drug-rehabilitation program after labor complaints.
A Power Imbalance Gets in the Way of Setting Smart Policy on Donor-Advised Funds
Why charities aren’t able to get their voices heard as Congress is asked to impose payout rules on the fastest-growing type of philanthropic fund.
By Alan M. Cantor
Reporter
Daily News Roundup: Obama Seeks to Help Young Leaders Organize
In a speech at his first leadership summit, the president said he wanted to give grass-roots organizers the tools they need to work for a cause. In other news, the University of Chicago’s economics department got a $125 million gift; donors withdraw contributions from a W.Va. Big Brothers Big Sisters over staff training on LGBT issues; and Oxfam has dismissed 22 employees over allegations of sexual abuse in the past year.
Unicef Leader Takes Risks in Push Toward $1 Billion Goal
With an innovation lab, an eye on “customer service,” and market research on donors, CEO Caryl Stern has doubled revenue at Unicef USA.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Rodents Show Surprising Versatility to Help Fight Tuberculosis
A Dutch nonprofit first employed African giant-pouched rats to sniff out land mines; now they’re helping health officials move faster to identify carriers of TB.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Fixing Journalism’s Ability to Promote Civic Good Should Be the Focus of Philanthropic Giving
Low-income people, mulitracial neighborhoods, and others are losing access to the news they need to improve their communities.
By Josh Wilson
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Jeff Bezos Philanthropy Still a Wild Card
In other news, the new focus of the Koch brothers’ push for public funding of private and charter schools is on Hispanics; the head of the Broad Foundation talks about her vision for the grant maker; the billionaire founder of Chobani yogurt says philanthropy is embedded in his company; and much more.
Foundations Must Speak Up About the Poor and Vulnerable Who Will Be Hurt by GOP Tax Plan
It’s not just changes that affect charitable giving that are at stake; crucial benefits for workers, families, and other needy people could put philanthropy’s goals at risk.
By John Mullaney
Contributor