4 Essential Shifts Foundations Can Make to Advance Social Movements
Outdated strategies and lack of money for the infrastructure of community-organizing groups are limiting their effectiveness just at a moment when we need to fight profound threats – especially to our democracy.
By Deepak Bhargava and Barbara Picower
George Soros’s Open Society Foundations to Lay Off 40 Percent of Staff Under Son’s New Leadership
The organization employs about 800 staff members and maintains offices in more than 20 countries.
By Thalia Beaty
Associated Press
Foundation Funding for LGBTQ Advocacy: Where the Money Goes — and Where It Comes From
Grant making has surged after a long period of small ups and downs.
By Yesica Balderrama
Contributor
Many Foundations Are Taking a Step Back After 2 Years of Steep Increases in Grants Budgets
More than a quarter of grant makers plan to give less this year than they did in 2022.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
T. Boone Pickens Foundation Gives Another $120 Million to Oklahoma State U.
Also, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation has awarded $26 million to the Obama Foundation for its presidential center and leadership program, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America has received $10 million to better support the mental and emotional well-being of children nationwide.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
The South’s Not Done Fighting for Abortion Rights. Donors, Don’t Abandon Us.
The infusion of funds following the Dobbs decision has become a trickle in Southern states, where bans have halted or significantly curtailed abortion. But many clinics and nonprofits are in this for the long haul and need more support.
By Kwajelyn Jackson and Zaena Zamora
‘Rage Giving’ Prompted by the End of Roe Has Dropped Off, Abortion Access Groups Say
Philanthropy’s response has varied, but the need for services had grown. Background from the Chronicle: Read an interview with the head of the National Network of Abortion Funds.
By Thalia Beaty and Glenn Gamboa
Associated Press
Drop in Giving From 2021 to ‘22 Was Among the Steepest Ever, ‘Giving USA’ Found
International aid was the only cause that raised enough to beat inflation, as individual donors contributed 13 percent less than 2021. Plus, see the Giving USA data in four charts.
By Rasheeda Childress and Emily Haynes
He plans to continue to make payments to five foundations throughout his lifetime, as he promised in the statements he made announcing the pledges in 2006.
By Maria Di Mento
Senior Editor
George Soros Hands Control Over His Family’s Philanthropy to Son Alex
The new chair of Open Society Foundations says he is “more political” than his father and that he’s likely to make political donations that advance voting rights and abortion rights.
By Armin Langer
Contributor
Mellon Foundation Awards $25 Million to 9 Cities Through Its Monuments Project
Plus, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has pledged $50 million over five years to continue the Global Health Drug Discovery Institute, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation will give $3.8 million to protect and preserve 40 historic sites through its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
On Dobbs Anniversary, Donors Must Take the Long View in Response to Abortion-Access Crisis
As more states peel back abortion rights or ban the procedure entirely, philanthropy needs to maintain a crisis response while also planning for a fight that could go on for years.
By Jonathan Wittenberg and Wendy Sealey
Why Grant Makers Should Reject Shiny New Things
Social change takes a lot of time. Too often, foundation officials get bored and forget that.
By Lisa Pilar Cowan
Contributor
Economic and racial justice won’t happen if Black people can’t buy homes and build wealth at the same level as white Americans. The philanthropic world should be a leader in this fight.
Carbon to Sea Initiative Receives $50 Million to Use the Ocean to Remove Atmospheric Carbon
Plus, the Anschutz Foundation gave $50 million to the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus to improve patient care, and the Open Road Fund will make $50 million in grants to the Black descendants of enslaved Americans.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Billionaire Arthur Blank got his family involved in setting priorities. Mental health and democracy are also getting attention while grants in arts and early-childhood education will be discontinued.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations