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
Daily News Roundup: Houston Charities Still Waiting on $76 Million in Disaster Relief Pledges
Two months after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, the nonprofits are still waiting for companies, foundations, and individuals to make good on their promises. In other news, celebrity chef José Andrés promises a long-term focus on feeding victims of natural disasters, and nonprofits are hit unevenly by federal efforts to roll back the Affordable Care Act.
Tax Bill Likely to Soften Rule Barring Politicking by Nonprofits
Some opponents of the shift say that many Republicans quietly oppose the change but are reluctant to come out publicly against it.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Racism Is Not the Cause of Racial Disparities, Philanthropy Roundtable Speaker Says
A Wall Street Journal columnist attacked the NAACP and Black Lives Matter, while other speakers offered ideas on the role of philanthropy in a democracy and how donors could help curb the opioid crisis.
By Timothy Sandoval
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: $2.4 Trillion Wealth Transfer Expected
A new report predicts that aging billionaires will pass a record amount of money to their children and charities. In other news. the Justice Department settles with Tea Party nonprofits that claimed the IRS treated them unfairly; J.J. Watt has announced what he plans to do with the $37 million he raised for hurricane relief; U. Of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign gets $150 million; and more news and features.
Daily News Roundup: New NAACP Strategy Puts Spotlight on Discrimination
The group issued a warning Tuesday that African-Americans could face discrimination if they fly on American Airlines. In other news, the $1 billion that Congress approved a year ago to fight the opioid crisis is finally making its way to the people who need it, but with mixed results; the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s efforts so far appear focused on fixing problems by changing laws; financier David Rubenstein is stepping down from the Carlyle Group to concentrate on his philanthropy; and more.
Daily News Roundup : Alumnus Gives $100 Million to Notre Dame
It’s highly unusual for such a large amount, committed by alumnus Kenneth Ricci, to be given for any purpose the recipient chooses. In other news, the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative commits $45 million for political activity directed toward ending mass incarceration and addressing housing problems; Bill Gates makes a bold prediction about polio, and former President Obama faces community resistance to his library.
Video: The Future of Philanthropy With Emmett Carson
The chief executive of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation explains why he’s optimistic about the future of philanthropy despite the fact that nonprofits and foundations have been slow to adapt to generational differences.
By Nidhi Singh
Contributor
Daily News Roundup: Gates Foundation Seeks Comment on School Spending
The grant maker wants to hear from organizations that have improved education through school “networks” before it seeks proposals for its $1 billion-plus commitment. In other news, the philanthropic Sackler family’s fortune was built on a pharmaceutical company that some blame for the opioid crisis; one nonprofit sees drone technology as the future for education and jobs in coal country; and other news and features on grant seeking, gifts, museums, and more.
Self-Interest or Public Interest: What Matters to Charities?
Positions nonprofits take on the estate tax and charitable deductions raise questions about whether they are looking out sufficiently for donors and the people they serve.