Big and Getting Bigger: JPMorgan Chase Philanthropy Is Getting a Boost

Big and Getting Bigger: JPMorgan Chase Philanthropy Is Getting a Boost

The bank is already one of the biggest and most important corporate funders, focusing on workforce skills and urban development. Now its philanthropic arm will have even more money to work with.  

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Systemic Failure: Four Reasons Philanthropy Keeps Losing the Battle Against Inequality

Systemic Failure: Four Reasons Philanthropy Keeps Losing the Battle Against Inequality

In recent years, many foundations have put equity front and center in their work. But economic stratification only seems to be getting worse in America. Here's where funders have gone wrong. 

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Game Changer? Just Maybe. Why Gates' Move Into Anti-Poverty Work Is a Big Deal

Game Changer? Just Maybe. Why Gates' Move Into Anti-Poverty Work Is a Big Deal

In a major strategic shift, the Gates Foundation is investing in curbing poverty at home. While it’s starting relatively small, with a $158 million initiative, the move has big implications for the anti-poverty field.

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Banking Against Urban Poverty: Inside JPMorgan Chase Philanthropy

Banking Against Urban Poverty: Inside JPMorgan Chase Philanthropy

The giant bank has become a surprising leader in philanthropy's push for inclusive economic growth. We take a deep dive into the backstory—and what JPMorgan brings to the table that's new. 

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Rust Belt Bellwether: Behind an Innovative Partnership to Build the "Workforce of Tomorrow"

Rust Belt Bellwether: Behind an Innovative Partnership to Build the "Workforce of Tomorrow"

We’re seeing more partnerships between corporations, universities and philanthropy to upskill workers so they can thrive in a global economy. Here’s another case study out of central Michigan.

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In All Its Forms: Ford's VP of Inclusive Economies Talks Strategy

In All Its Forms: Ford's VP of Inclusive Economies Talks Strategy

Since its restructuring, the iconic Ford Foundation has been tackling key drivers of inequality. Xavier de Souza Briggs, who leads Ford’s economic grantmaking, gives us an in-depth look at what that means.

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Levers of Influence: How These Top Donors Back Conservative Causes

Levers of Influence: How These Top Donors Back Conservative Causes

Richard and Elizabeth Uihlein have drawn attention as leading mega-donors to the GOP. But they’ve been equally energetic in pushing their views through philanthropy. Here’s a quick primer.

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Millions to Improve Job Skills From a Top Funder May Help Workers Move Up. But How Far?

Millions to Improve Job Skills From a Top Funder May Help Workers Move Up. But How Far?

Steve and Connie Ballmer are among the big funders who are putting new money into workforce development. But what can this approach achieve in the face of large-scale structural inequities that hurt workers?

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Behind a Major Think Tank’s New Fund for Promising Problem Solvers

Behind a Major Think Tank’s New Fund for Promising Problem Solvers

The Aspen Institute and a trustee’s family foundation have been backing leaders across social issues through an annual prize. They just raised a new $1.2 million fund to increase their support, focusing on growth opportunities in a wide range of fields. 

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A Push for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Chicago by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation

A Push for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Chicago by the Blackstone Charitable Foundation

Aside from its global aspirations, the Blackstone Charitable Foundation has a strong Chicago connection and close relationship with Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Here’s what this entrepreneurship funder is supporting in the city.

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How This Justice Funder is Backing Water Infrastructure in American Cities

How This Justice Funder is Backing Water Infrastructure in American Cities

Freshwater management has lately emerged as a major philanthropic issue. The Surdna Foundation is a leader in this space, as part of its broader work in backing green infrastructure for sustainability and equity.

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For Global Companies, Giving to Upskill Workers Makes a Lot of Sense

For Global Companies, Giving to Upskill Workers Makes a Lot of Sense

Two big new commitments from Google and Accenture offer a window into the biggest trend in corporate philanthropy right now. What’s behind all the focus on the “future of work”?

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War of Ideas: Conservative Intellectuals Have a Friend in This Foundation

War of Ideas: Conservative Intellectuals Have a Friend in This Foundation

The Bradley Foundation funds many elements of the conservative infrastructure. But most notable is its investments in ideas. Its Bradley Prizes, awarded annually, stand as something of a flagship of this grantmaking.

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Philanthropy’s Fixing Up Parks and Public Spaces. How Do We Know It's Helping Communities?  

Philanthropy’s Fixing Up Parks and Public Spaces. How Do We Know It's Helping Communities?  

Cities nationwide are mixing public and private funds to upgrade shared spaces. But what are the social, economic and civic effects? A funder-backed initiative is developing the metrics and data to find out.

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How a Foundation's Focus on Cities Made it a Leader in a Changing Environmental Movement

How a Foundation's Focus on Cities Made it a Leader in a Changing Environmental Movement

Kresge’s green giving is not quite like any other large foundation’s, entirely supporting climate resilience in cities, and with a unique focus on equity. We take a deep dive into its environmental program.

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A Tech Giant Steps Up for the Homeless. What's Not to Like?

A Tech Giant Steps Up for the Homeless. What's Not to Like?

Salesforce’s new office tower in San Francisco looms as a symbol of tech omnipotence in a region with deepening stratification. The company and its CEO are also leaders in philanthropy. But are they bold enough?

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Reinforcements: The New Muscle Swinging Behind Affordable Housing

Reinforcements: The New Muscle Swinging Behind Affordable Housing

Even as foundations step up their work on homelessness and affordable housing, some new heavy-hitters are coming to this issue, including health insurers. The rise of impact investing is also creating exciting new possibilities.

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Unlocking Potential: Behind a Corporate Gift to Upskill Women in the Bronx

Unlocking Potential: Behind a Corporate Gift to Upskill Women in the Bronx

A recent gift by PepsiCo illustrates several threads weaving through corporate philanthropy right now, with its focus on tackling urban inequities, empowering women, and equipping young people of color for STEM jobs.

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Hubs of Opportunity: A Big Bank Rolls Out More Urban Support

Hubs of Opportunity: A Big Bank Rolls Out More Urban Support

Corporate philanthropy is getting much more strategic these days, and for the big banks, inclusive urban prosperity is a top priority. Along with JPMorgan Chase, Citi Foundation is a key player here.

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The Latest Push for Cities That Are Both More Sustainable and Equitable

The Latest Push for Cities That Are Both More Sustainable and Equitable

Community engagement is the name of the game for the latest round of matching grants from a group of funders who want to see more voices at the table in conversations about urban sustainability.

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