This Year at the UNGA, Philanthropies Unite Behind Democracy and Locally Led Development

This Year at the UNGA, Philanthropies Unite Behind Democracy and Locally Led Development

Reflecting sector-wide trends, philanthropies threw their weight behind two collaborative global development efforts, seeking to bolster citizen engagement and shift power to those close to the ground.

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Affirmative Action Counteraction Requires Philanthropy to Step Up

Affirmative Action Counteraction Requires Philanthropy to Step Up

In this guest article, Equal Justice Works CEO Verna Williams makes a case for funders to sustain and step up their support for diversity and inclusion, giving people of color a better chance to enter fields like the legal profession.

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This Megadonor’s Attempt to Curtail Ohio Voters’ Rights Is a Symptom of Our Larger Problem

This Megadonor’s Attempt to Curtail Ohio Voters’ Rights Is a Symptom of Our Larger Problem

An effort in Ohio to raise the vote threshold needed for a state constitutional amendment failed, despite a big push from a wealthy conservative donor. It’s yet another reminder of the inescapable influence of wealthy donors.

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As Book Banning Campaigns Spread, this Funder is Defending the Right to Read

As Book Banning Campaigns Spread, this Funder is Defending the Right to Read

Across the country, conservative groups are working to ban books. The American Library Association is standing up to these challenges, with a big boost from Solidarity Giving, founded by billionaires Brian and Tegan Acton.

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Fair-Weather Friends? Progressive Nonprofits' Dangerous Dependence on the Liberal Rich

Fair-Weather Friends? Progressive Nonprofits' Dangerous Dependence on the Liberal Rich

As left-of-center groups grow ever more reliant on big funders, is there a price to be paid? If and when the liberal donor class pulls back, the fallout may leave its beneficiaries impoverished in multiple ways.

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More Cuts at Open Society Foundations: Nearly Half of Staff to Depart, Offices Close

More Cuts at Open Society Foundations: Nearly Half of Staff to Depart, Offices Close

OSF plans to let go of 40% of staff as it reaches a new stage in its longtime bid to bring focus to its legendarily complex operations. Critics point to a consolidation of power amid low morale and a shrinking global footprint.

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“The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation

“The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation

After 18 years, Ibargüen announced he would step down as head of this influential media funder. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss his career trajectory, philanthropy’s role in society, and much more.

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As Government Budgets Pull Back, a Look at Philanthropy’s Role in Funding Public Libraries

As Government Budgets Pull Back, a Look at Philanthropy’s Role in Funding Public Libraries

Libraries are an indispensable public good, but from the start, private wealth has played a major part in their creation and expansion. As library budgets are threatened, we take a deep dive into philanthropy’s support.

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Six Questions for Cathy Cha, President and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

Six Questions for Cathy Cha, President and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund

We spoke with the leader of this prominent California social justice funder to discuss her career, her experience as the daughter of Korean immigrants, threats to American democracy, and more.

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The D.C. Power List: The Most Influential Philanthropists Shaping National Policy

The D.C. Power List: The Most Influential Philanthropists Shaping National Policy

Top philanthropists have become ever more adept at working the levers of power in order to shape federal policy. Here are the living donors who wield the most influence in the nation’s capital.

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The Education Culture Wars Are Only Growing Fiercer. These Funders Are Fighting Back

The Education Culture Wars Are Only Growing Fiercer. These Funders Are Fighting Back

A handful of philanthropies are supporting grassroots efforts to push back against well-funded attacks on public education. They’re hoping more funders will take a stand.

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Inside the Omidyar Network’s Push to Build a “Culture of Belonging” in America

Inside the Omidyar Network’s Push to Build a “Culture of Belonging” in America

Launched in October, the Omidyar Network’s newest focus area seeks to cultivate a sense of belonging among the body politic. We walk through its work with Senior VP of Programs Michele Jawando and Director David Hsu.

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The Evolution of the Woodcock Foundation: A Progressive Family Funder Branches Out

The Evolution of the Woodcock Foundation: A Progressive Family Funder Branches Out

As this family foundation heads into its third generation, it’s backing social enterprises, taking on new issue areas, and exploring practices like impact investing and trust-based philanthropy.

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“A Fragile Political Moment.” A Seasoned Donor Advisor on the State of Democracy Funding

“A Fragile Political Moment.” A Seasoned Donor Advisor on the State of Democracy Funding

Mike Berkowitz is the co-founder and executive director of the Democracy Funders Network. We check in with him to discuss the network’s approach, trends in democracy giving, what’s keeping donors up at night, and more.

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With the Right Wing in Charge in Israel, Jewish Donors Can't Afford to Turn Away

With the Right Wing in Charge in Israel, Jewish Donors Can't Afford to Turn Away

Donors from the U.S. helped sow the seeds for Israel’s current right-wing leadership. Guest author Jo-Ann Mort discusses how that happened and calls on liberal and progressive Jewish donors to step up at a critical moment.

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Omidyar’s Latest Effort to “Reimagine Capitalism” — Funding Intrepid Journalists

Omidyar’s Latest Effort to “Reimagine Capitalism” — Funding Intrepid Journalists

The Omidyar Network’s Reporters in Residence program is backing journalists who cover economic issues neglected by the mainstream media. It’s the latest philanthropic effort to boost a struggling field — and spur systemic change.

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Out of One, Many: The Role of Individual Giving in Safeguarding Democracy’s Future

Out of One, Many: The Role of Individual Giving in Safeguarding Democracy’s Future

While some threats to American democracy were averted in the 2022 midterms, much work remains. Guest author Leslie Gross from The Philanthropy Workshop encourages individual and family donors to take the lead.

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