What Is “Risk” in Philanthropy, and Are We Still Giving Funders Too Much Credit for It?

What Is “Risk” in Philanthropy, and Are We Still Giving Funders Too Much Credit for It?

We’ve seen some high-profile cases lately of philanthropy backing away from big, difficult challenges. At the same time, more are yielding control with trust-based giving practices. But are either of these really all that risky?

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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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The Leader of This Growing West Coast Funder Is Zeroing in on the Promise and Perils of AI

The Leader of This Growing West Coast Funder Is Zeroing in on the Promise and Perils of AI

The Heising-Simons Foundation’s CEO Fund allows the head of the foundation to choose a priority area to support. Sushma Raman reflects on why she chose to focus on AI, and on her first year as head of the foundation.

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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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10 Funders to Watch in 2024

10 Funders to Watch in 2024

Several large funding institutions will be in flux this year and others are emerging as major players. Meanwhile, national and global events will put leading funders to the test. Here are 10 we’re watching closely in 2024.

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New Support for Slashing Super Pollutant Emissions, as Major Green Funders Pledge $450 Million

New Support for Slashing Super Pollutant Emissions, as Major Green Funders Pledge $450 Million

For years, a handful of major funders have been involved in the fight to curb methane emissions and other super pollutants. That support just got a big boost surrounding COP28, with new funders and more money.

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This Chicago-Based Initiative Is Combining Grants and Investments to Cultivate Black Ownership

This Chicago-Based Initiative Is Combining Grants and Investments to Cultivate Black Ownership

One of the factors driving the racial wealth gap is a lack of owned commercial property. In an effort to remedy that, a multifaceted initiative is purchasing properties to house local businesses in communities of color.

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At a Critical Moment for Action, Uncertainty Looms in Climate Philanthropy

At a Critical Moment for Action, Uncertainty Looms in Climate Philanthropy

With federal spending on the way and climate impacts becoming more extreme, it’s an all-hands-on-deck moment for climate action. But several climate funders are in a state of flux, causing anxiety among grantees.

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"The Solutions Are There." Funding Challenge Backs Community-Led Efforts to Save Mothers and Infants

"The Solutions Are There." Funding Challenge Backs Community-Led Efforts to Save Mothers and Infants

The winners of the Maternal & Infant Health Award, organized by Lever for Change and several funding partners, are working in high-need communities to save the lives of mothers and infants.

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How John Palfrey Is Leading MacArthur Into a New Era of Philanthropy

How John Palfrey Is Leading MacArthur Into a New Era of Philanthropy

John Palfrey has led this $8 billion foundation through a time of great change — a racial reckoning, the rise of trust-based philanthropy, and program shifts at MacArthur. We take stock of how Palfrey’s done so far, and what’s next.

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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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As Funders Press Forward for Local Journalism, Doubts Persist Around the Role of Racial Equity

As Funders Press Forward for Local Journalism, Doubts Persist Around the Role of Racial Equity

Several criticisms have circulated around Press Forward, a recently-announced $500 million local news initiative backed by a host of funders. One issue stands out: its vague, noncommittal language around racial equity.

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Climate Philanthropy Giants Launch $180 Million Fund to Implement Federal Legislation

Climate Philanthropy Giants Launch $180 Million Fund to Implement Federal Legislation

Some of the largest foundations backing climate action have created a three-year funding effort to support access to huge federal spending on the horizon. Here’s a rundown of who’s involved and where the money’s going.

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Two Years in, The 1954 Project is Moving the Needle on Funding for Black Leaders in Education

Two Years in, The 1954 Project is Moving the Needle on Funding for Black Leaders in Education

For Black-led education organizations, accessing philanthropic dollars is far tougher than for their white counterparts. This pooled funding effort is prying open doors — and philanthropic coffers.

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“Defend, Develop, Decolonize.” Inside NDN Collective, a Thriving Backer of Indigenous Causes

“Defend, Develop, Decolonize.” Inside NDN Collective, a Thriving Backer of Indigenous Causes

NDN Collective, a growing philanthropic intermediary and organizing force, works to build Indigenous power and has racked up an impressive array of backers. Its leaders would still like to see philanthropy go further and move faster.

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Funders Back an Organization that Puts People Impacted by the Justice System in Front

Funders Back an Organization that Puts People Impacted by the Justice System in Front

The MacArthur Foundation and Blue Meridian Partners are some of the major national funders supporting JustLeadershipUSA’s efforts to give people who’ve experienced the criminal justice system a voice in its reform.

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Seven Questions for Cate Fox, Director of the Center for Cultural Innovation's AmbitioUS Program

Seven Questions for Cate Fox, Director of the Center for Cultural Innovation's AmbitioUS Program

Cate Fox, formerly of MacArthur, leads AmbitioUS, which invests in alternative economic models for creative communities. We chatted with her about her work, the limits of philanthropy’s self-examination, and more.

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Four Years After Launch, Here’s How MacArthur’s Lever for Change Is Galvanizing Big Giving

Four Years After Launch, Here’s How MacArthur’s Lever for Change Is Galvanizing Big Giving

In 2019, the MacArthur Foundation launched Lever for Change, enabling funders to run their own prize competitions. We check in with CEO Cecilia Conrad to discuss how it came together, lessons learned and what’s next.

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Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: The Best and Worst Ways Foundations End Funding Relationships

Breaking Up Is Hard to Do: The Best and Worst Ways Foundations End Funding Relationships

Regardless of the reason, it’s always painful when a funder winds down a program or a longstanding funding relationship. Some foundations handle it better than others.

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Green Heavyweights: The Nation’s 25 Largest Environmental Grantmakers

Green Heavyweights: The Nation’s 25 Largest Environmental Grantmakers

We compiled a list of the top green funders in the U.S., based on the most recent full year of giving data available. One big takeaway: Living billionaires now dominate the list.

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