Local Foundations Need Solid Local Journalism if They Hope to Advance Their Missions
Local philanthropic funding can transform journalism in a community, but too few donors make the connection between the issues they care about and maintaining vibrant newsrooms in their cities and towns.
By Josh Stearns and Teresa Gorman
Creating a Diverse Board Isn’t Easy, but It’s Well Worth the Effort
To achieve greater diversity, boards need to slow down, listen to different perspectives, and actively push fellow members to take difficult and occasionally uncomfortable steps.
By Ernest J. Wilson III
Contributor
Is the Nonprofit World Afraid of Feelings?
A personal and emotional connection to a cause, along with a strong sense of urgency, are the most important motivators for giving. Yet fundraisers continue to prioritize data-driven approaches that often discourage people from donating more.
By Asha Curran and Woodrow Rosenbaum
Donations to Small Nonprofits Hit Harder by Covid Than Gifts to Larger Ones, Study Shows
Four in 10 nonprofits with annual budgets of less than $500,000 saw a decrease in donations in 2020 compared with 29 percent of larger ones.
By dan.parks
Contributor
Tex. Nonprofit Tackles Lack of Board Diversity in One of America’s Most Diverse Cities
Mando Rayo’s New Philanthropists is building a pipeline of people of color.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Can the Gates Foundation Cede Power to Those It Seeks to Help?
Recent events, including the impending divorce of Bill and Melinda Gates, are an opportunity for the world’s wealthiest philanthropy not only to diversify its board but to let those it serves participate in the grant-making process.
By Meg Massey and Ben Wrobel
Gates Foundation Announces $15 Billion Gift From Founders and Expansion of the Board
The foundation also disclosed an agreement between the two philanthropists that could lead to the departure of Melinda French Gates if the couple finds working together too difficult.
By Drew Lindsay
Senior Editor, Special Projects
Your Nonprofit Coach: Advice for Executives and Board Members
The columnist Joan Garry tackles tough topics that face CEOs, board members, and other nonprofit leaders as they work together to advance important causes.
Blinded by my class and race privilege, it never occurred to me to probe the organization’s salary structure more closely and provide the support its leaders needed to continue their important work.
By Lisa Ranghelli
Contributor
Disaster Group Says Diversity Is High Priority
The board of National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster says its CEO was not fired because of his advocacy of a far-reaching diversity effort.
United Way Worldwide Names Board Member Neeraj Mehta as Interim CEO
He replaces Brian Gallagher, who recently announced he would resign following an investigation that found the organization should improve its workplace culture, morale, and procedures regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.
By dan.parks
Contributor
It’s Not Advice My Grantees Need. They Need My Access to Power and Money.
Too often financial supporters think they are helping by making recommendations to people who already know how to carry out nonprofit missions. Let’s focus on what we have to give that truly matters.
By Lisa Pilar Cowan
Contributor
Fundraisers’ Group Condemns Letting Donors and Board Members Jump the Vaccine Line
As reports proliferate that hospitals and other nonprofits are offering their donors access to Covid immunizations, the Association of Fundraising Professionals says the practice is not just unethical but possibly illegal.
By Eden Stiffman
Senior Editor
These tools can stifle diversity from the start, especially if those conducting the board search are making assumption about identity, leadership qualities, and expertise that reflect stereotypical white male notions about achievement.
By Kathy Johnson Bowles
Contributor
Mercy Corps Starts a Public Search for New Board Members
A growing number of nonprofits are embracing the trend as a way to make their boards more diverse.
By Emily Haynes
Senior Editor, Nonprofit Intelligence
Foundation Leaders, Now Is the Time to Make Sure All Election Votes Are Counted
Grant makers should call emergency board meetings to consider things like funding legal defense of all properly completed mail ballots; investigation of and possible legal action against the postal service and those who may have given it instructions; and immediate investigation of charges of voter suppression.