New Poll, Old News: Philanthropy Lobby Is Still Out of Step with Public Opinion on Charity Reform

New Poll, Old News: Philanthropy Lobby Is Still Out of Step with Public Opinion on Charity Reform

Despite philanthropy sector groups’ continued defense of the status quo, there is strong public support for charity reform. Guest authors Chuck Collins and Dan Petegorsky unpack the findings of a new national poll.

Read More

The True Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy: How the Taxpayer Subsidizes Stockpiled Wealth

The True Cost of Billionaire Philanthropy: How the Taxpayer Subsidizes Stockpiled Wealth

Drawing on their newly released report, guest authors Chuck Collins and Helen Flannery further their case that top-heavy philanthropy by the ultra-rich comes at a price — for charities and for U.S. society at large.

Read More

Big Change Requires Bold Funding: Why We're Upping Our Annual Grantee Payout to 11%

Big Change Requires Bold Funding: Why We're Upping Our Annual Grantee Payout to 11%

Amid ongoing backlash against equity and social justice efforts, guest author and Woods Fund Chicago Board Chair L. Anton Seals lays out why progressive funders have a responsibility to open up their pocketbooks.

Read More

“Ask Yourself Those Hard Questions.” How — and Why — a Regional Funder Plans to Sunset

“Ask Yourself Those Hard Questions.” How — and Why — a Regional Funder Plans to Sunset

James B. McClatchy Foundation just published a plan to spend down by 2030. CEO Priscilla Enriquez explains how they came to this decision, challenges along the way, and why funders are so protective of their assets.

Read More

“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More

“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More

Denver's Bonfils-Stanton Foundation made a lot of changes amid the tumult of 2020, but leaders knew there was more work to be done. President and CEO Gary Steuer walks us through the foundation’s ongoing evolution.

Read More

Three Questions We Have About a Philanthropic Future Dominated by DAFs

Three Questions We Have About a Philanthropic Future Dominated by DAFs

As of last year, American donors are putting quite a lot more into donor-advised funds than they are into foundations. Even as calls for reform persist, we consider what the future might look like should this trend continue.

Read More

Staying the Course: The Need for Mission-Driven Spending in Turbulent Times

Staying the Course: The Need for Mission-Driven Spending in Turbulent Times

In recent years, more foundations have made payout decisions based on mission and need, not just market forces. Guest author Dimple Abichandani encourages funders to continue this practice, even in a volatile economy.

Read More