“Portraits of Us”: A Celebration of Black Women in Philanthropy

“Portraits of Us”: A Celebration of Black Women in Philanthropy

We connected with philanthropy veteran Toya Nash Randall about her book project exploring the contributions of Black women in philanthropy, the ongoing challenges they still face, and the value of sisterhood.

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This Women’s History Month, We Need More Funding – and More Optimism

This Women’s History Month, We Need More Funding – and More Optimism

Despite widespread fears over the impact of the new legal landscape on DEI-focused funding, here’s why guest author Elizabeth Barajas-Román is optimistic about the future for women and girls.

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Nonprofit Boards Remain Predominantly White. Do Funders Care?

Nonprofit Boards Remain Predominantly White. Do Funders Care?

Amid a status quo on nonprofit governance that remains mostly white, are socially conscious funders rewarding board diversity? For insight, we reached out to The New Philanthropists, an organization looking squarely at the issue.

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Have K-12 Funders Stepped Up for Racial Equity and Justice Since 2020? Not According to This Report

Have K-12 Funders Stepped Up for Racial Equity and Justice Since 2020? Not According to This Report

Sobering findings from the Schott Foundation for Public Education show that as 2020 recedes from view, ed philanthropy seems largely uncommitted to carrying on equity and justice funding over the long haul.

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This Economic Equality Intermediary Is Backing a Movement Whose Time Has Quietly Come

This Economic Equality Intermediary Is Backing a Movement Whose Time Has Quietly Come

Common Future is partnering with WorkFour — a new nonprofit advocating for a four-day workweek — providing funding and other support. Here’s why it’s a shrewd strategic move.

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This Detroit-Based Funder Has Gone All-In on Trust-Based Practices to Advance Equity

This Detroit-Based Funder Has Gone All-In on Trust-Based Practices to Advance Equity

The Transforming Power Fund embeds trust-based practices throughout its operations. Here’s how the fund works, and why its leaders are optimistic about the future of such practices and funding for racial justice.

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What We're Learning About How Funders Can Support Truth-Telling on the Border

What We're Learning About How Funders Can Support Truth-Telling on the Border

Popular media often reduces the southern border to a site of chaos and victimhood. Guest authors Favianna Rodriguez, Lane Harwell and Anita Khashu say funders should empower people there to tell their own stories.

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Groundswell’s Leaders on Funding Challenges for the Intersectional Reproductive Justice Movement

Groundswell’s Leaders on Funding Challenges for the Intersectional Reproductive Justice Movement

The staunch social justice funder is in a strong position, having raised $83 million toward a goal to move $100 million to reproductive rights work by 2025. But for the field, formidable funding challenges still stand in the way.

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Amid a Backlash Against Equity Work, This Racial Justice Fund Is Just Getting Started

Amid a Backlash Against Equity Work, This Racial Justice Fund Is Just Getting Started

Launched in the wake of the racial justice uprisings following George Floyd’s death, this California-based pooled fund is now looking to fundraise for an endowment to become an ongoing, standalone foundation.

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A Conversation With Jim Shelton of Blue Meridian Partners

A Conversation With Jim Shelton of Blue Meridian Partners

Jim Shelton is president of Blue Meridian Partners, a funding collaborative backed by multiple billionaire donors. We talk about his fascinating career path, what drew him to education, and his views on the role of philanthropy.

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After More Than $1 Billion in Funding, MacArthur’s Big Bets Are Winding Down. What Happens Now?

After More Than $1 Billion in Funding, MacArthur’s Big Bets Are Winding Down. What Happens Now?

Over the next few years, the MacArthur Foundation is bringing to a close four “Big Bets” on issues ranging from criminal justice to climate change. What impact did these programs have? And how will the shift affect grantees?

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This Foundation Is Highlighting the Link Between Opioids and Maternal and Infant Health Risks

This Foundation Is Highlighting the Link Between Opioids and Maternal and Infant Health Risks

The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) is supporting work to remove barriers to recovery and healthcare for pregnant women and new mothers with substance use disorder.

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Eight Questions for Ryan Easterly of WITH Foundation and the Disability & Philanthropy Forum

Eight Questions for Ryan Easterly of WITH Foundation and the Disability & Philanthropy Forum

In this in-depth conversation, Ryan Easterly discusses his foundation’s work backing healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities, and his efforts to expand overall philanthropic support for disability rights.

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From Anti-Apartheid to Land Back, Deborah Santana Reflects on Years of Social Justice Giving

From Anti-Apartheid to Land Back, Deborah Santana Reflects on Years of Social Justice Giving

Deborah Santana is a lifelong activist and donor, including work at the Milagro Foundation with former husband Carlos Santana, and her own charitable fund Do A Little. Santana talks with IP about her past work and future plans.

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What Does Cogenerational Funding Look Like? These 10 Grantees Paint a Picture

What Does Cogenerational Funding Look Like? These 10 Grantees Paint a Picture

Funding that supports people of different generations to solve an array of social problems is a small but growing niche in philanthropy. A round of grants from CoGenerate demonstrates how this type of giving works.

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A Conversation with Flozell Daniels Jr., CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

A Conversation with Flozell Daniels Jr., CEO of the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation

Flozell Daniels Jr. heads up this North Carolina-based funder focused on economic justice and racial equity in the South. In a candid chat, he reflects on his career, philanthropy’s blind spots and more.

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Culture Wars On Campus Are Raging, and Megadonors Are Key Figures on the Battlefield

Culture Wars On Campus Are Raging, and Megadonors Are Key Figures on the Battlefield

On the heels of Harvard President Claudine Gay’s resignation, activists are pivoting to hot-button issues like dismantling DEI programs. Major donors have played a key role, and will likely continue to do so.

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“Educating and Agitating.” Six Questions for Alice Y. Hom, Executive Director at CHANGE Philanthropy

“Educating and Agitating.” Six Questions for Alice Y. Hom, Executive Director at CHANGE Philanthropy

In 2023, Alice Y. Hom, Ph.D., took the lead at this coalition of groups challenging the sector to advance equity. We spoke with Hom about the organization’s role and what gives them hope for philanthropy.

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More Than a Check: Inside a Place-Based Funder Where Donors Offer Non-Monetary Support

More Than a Check: Inside a Place-Based Funder Where Donors Offer Non-Monetary Support

Chicago’s Springboard Foundation Fund’s Grantee Champions are donors that provide extensive non-financial support to nonprofits. Executive Director Sejal Shah-Myers walks us through its unique operational model.

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Steve Phillips Talks Progressive Philanthropy, the Sandler Legacy, and More

Steve Phillips Talks Progressive Philanthropy, the Sandler Legacy, and More

The author and political strategist reflects on his long career in progressive giving — including the early days of the Democracy Alliance, the Obama years, and working with his late wife Susan Sandler to back racial justice leaders.

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