Notable Philanthropy Books of 2015
Larissa MacFarquhar explores what drives extraordinarily generous people, David Rieff explains the limits of technology to do good, and Peter Singer urges donors to look beyond personal passions when they give.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Literacy Nonprofit Expands With Book Sales and More Goods
First Book, a charity founded 23 years ago in Washington, D.C., to foster early reading among low-income children, has grown into a sophisticated national organization offering discounted as well as donated books and a growing array of supplies for disadvantaged households, The Washington Post writes.
Learning From Mistakes Crucial in Spend-Down of Facebook Fortune, Chan Says
The young philanthropist said in an email interview with The Chronicle that she and her husband, Mark Zuckerberg, will measure progress over decades to achieve desired results.
By Megan O’Neil
Contributor
Billions at Stake as IPO Charity Set-Asides Become Routine
After years of sporadic interest, the technology start-up community is embracing the practice of setting aside company stock before going public, creating the potential for windfalls for nonprofits.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Ford’s $190 Million Renovation Carries Message About Philanthropy
President Darren Walker rejects “intimidating and hierarchical” architecture in favor of a space that feels welcoming to nonprofits and other foundations.
By Alex Daniels
Contributor
Pay-for-Success Financing: Anatomy of a Deal
In the second of three video briefings, experts share advice on pay-for-success financing.
Education Charity Sees Cost-Cutting, Not Fundraising, as Key to Growth
College Summit is trimming staff and programs to focus on what it does best and make its services more affordable.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Demand for Results Dampens Fundraising, Survey Says
Forty-seven percent of leaders say donors’ requests for results data can make it tougher to attract gifts.
By HEATHER JOSLYN
Contributor
Pay-for-Success Financing: An Overview
In the first of three video briefings, experts share their learnings and advice on pay-for-success financing.
Using For-Profits to Funnel Big Sums to Charities Raises Transparency Concerns
Critics say that by setting up a limited-liability company to oversee their philanthropy, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg and his wife can avoid disclosure rules and engage in activities that stretch the definition of charity.
By Alex Daniels and NICOLE WALLACE
Zuckerberg’s Previous Giving Focused on Health and Public Education
The Facebook co-founder, who signed the Giving Pledge in 2010 at age 26, has provided plenty of signals about where his philanthropic interests lie.
By Maria Di Mento and Megan O’Neil
Goodwill Makes It Easy for Shoppers to Donate Goods by Mail — for Free
The nonprofit covers the shipping costs in its Give Back Box campaign. Fourteen retailers are promoting the campaign on their sites, and Levi Strauss is giving the charity $5 for every box shipped, up to a total of $50,000.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Foundations Are Cautious on Impact Investing
The idea is catching fire on Wall Street, but few grant makers are making it a priority.
By Ben Gose
Senior Editor
Charities Incorporate Virtual Reality Into Donor Pitches
Nonprofits such as Charity: Water and Pencils of Promise are exploring the immersive technology as a way to give donors a clearer view of their mission and work, The Wall Street Journal writes.
SXSW Award Winners Include Ali Gohar for Peace Efforts in Pakistan
The awards, for which the recipients get $1,000 and an opportunity to discuss their work, honor the late Dewey Winburne, a co-founder of the South by Southwest Interactive conference.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor
Backed by Huge Audiences, Video-Game Stars Get Into Giving Tuesday
How much can international gamer celebrities like Athene raise for charity? Save the Children will find out with its #GamingTuesday.
By Rebecca Koenig
Contributor