Companies Should Make Their Philanthropy More Racially Equitable. Here’s How.
Companies can improve outreach to underrepresented youths, offer paid internships, broaden the definition of impact, and publicly compare their diversity data with their goals.
By Brandolon Barnett
Contributor
Providing Clothing to Families Facing Poverty Should Be More Than a Funding Accessory
Those of us in the business of offering free clothes to struggling families receive almost no help from grant makers. But ensuring children have shoes, underwear, and apparel that fits is a basic need worthy of philanthropic support.
By Deborah Blatt
Contributor
Synchrony Pledges $50 Million to Expand Access to Education and Skills Training
Also, the Ballmer Group awards $38 million to train more behavioral-health specialists in Washington State, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has made its first round of grants toward its $500 million commitment to organizations led by people of color.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Foundations, the Solution to Our Democracy Deficit Lies in Plain Sight
Conservative grant makers have done an outstanding job of training their leaders. Now progressive funds need to do the same — and put the focus on what activists of all generations need most.
By Deepak Bhargava and Gara LaMarche
Bill and Melinda Gates: Philanthropy Caught in the Crosshairs of Society’s Obsession With Celebrity
When does an extremely normal event become global headline news, and when does a “historic achievement for humanity” fail to create much of a ripple in the news cycle? When the key players in both stories are high-profile philanthropists.
By Beth Breeze and Genevieve G. Shaker
Fighting Falsehoods Must Be at the Center of All That Nonprofits and Foundations Do
As lies and disinformation increasingly threaten the work of nonprofits, they should incorporate tools that will help dismantle falsehoods and replace them with accurate and more emotionally compelling narratives.
Joyce Foundation Commits $250 Million for Economic and Racial Equity in the Great Lakes Region
Also, Google and Comcast NBCUniversal have pledged millions in grants in honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
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
Increased AmeriCorps Funding Opens Door for More Philanthropic Investment in Service Opportunities
By combining philanthropic dollars with funds from AmeriCorps and state governments, philanthropy can play a pivotal role in boosting national service. To encourage grant makers to join in this work, the Schultz Family Foundation today is launching a $1 million challenge to match grants of $100,000 to $250,000 to AmeriCorps state service commissions that are working with philanthropy to expand national service.
By Tyra A. Mariani
Contributor
Philanthropy’s Failed Covid Test
While large sums have been given, the wealthiest are still richer than before the pandemic hit. And grant makers have been reluctant to say they will permanently lift restrictions on grants. What’s more, when it comes to vaccines, the world’s neediest are still waiting.
By Benjamin Soskis
Contributor
Grant makers are urging investment managers to vote for corporate board members and proposals that will put pressure on companies to do more to aid people of color.
By dan.parks
Contributor
Soros’s Open Society Returns More Focus to Fight Authoritarianism Around the Globe
The transition will lead to cuts in grant-making programs that focus on scholarship, migration, and the future of work. It will also involve elimination of 200 jobs at Open Society.
By Alex Daniels
Senior Editor, Foundations
Rockefeller Heirs Launch Campaign to Block Oil and Gas Development
After putting in $30 million of their own into the fund, the Rockefeller descendants want to raise $100 million to cut off the supply of fossil fuels by supporting legal challenges and protest activities.
By dan.parks
Contributor
An effort spearheaded by U.N. Women and the governments of Mexico and France calls on philanthropic, government, and business leaders to address the profound imbalance in funding for feminist organizations.
Heinz Endowments Commits $30 Million to Center for Shared Prosperity at Carnegie Mellon U.
Also, the Liberty Mutual Foundation gave $40 million to 450 nonprofit groups, and the Mastercard Impact Fund committed $10 million to help contain the current Covid-19 surge in India.
By M.J. Prest
Senior Editor, Solutions
Gates Divorce Raises Questions About the Future of Billions in Philanthropic Cash
The split between the billionaire co-founders of the world’s largest private foundation is sure to have very public consequences, with the breakup having already sent a wave of anxious uncertainty through the worlds of philanthropy and community health.
By Haleluya Hadero and Glenn Gamboa