The Surdna Foundation is known for being a trailblazer among progressive foundations. But how does that role play out in terms of where grants actually go? Here’s a quick peak.
Read MoreA growing range of foundations is giving to build housing for the homeless, looking for a more permanent solution to a chronic problem. Here’s the latest example of how these capital projects come together.
Read MoreA couple of years ago, Detroit's Marygrove College was running out of cash. Now, it's the fulcrum of a big push by the Kresge Foundation to use a higher ed institution to drive place-based development.
Read MoreJPMorgan Chase has been blazing a more sophisticated trail for corporate philanthropy. But as the bank giant rolls out its newest program of grants and investments, can it really claim it’s engaged in “systems change?”
Read MoreThe Gates Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative have both been ramping up anti-poverty work. Now, they’re teaming up to back a policy shop founded by one of the hottest scholars in this space: Raj Chetty.
Read MoreSelf-driving vehicles stand to change cities radically, for better or worse, with big implications for equity and the environment. One foundation is trying to give residents more say in how this plays out.
Read MoreThe San Francisco Foundation shifted to an equity grantmaking strategy over two years ago, an early adopter of a focus that’s become a driving force in philanthropy. How’s that been working out? And what are key takeaways for other funders?
Read MoreAs Jeff and MacKenzie Bezos turn to large-scale giving, they’re targeting two urgent but neglected areas. That’s smart. But if Jeff is really worried about inequality, his real power lies in changing how Amazon operates.
Read MoreAs a prominent smart growth advocate and program director at Ford, Don Chen worked alongside Surdna as it evolved into an influential social justice funder. We talk to Chen about his future role leading it into its next phase.
Read MoreKresge released an outside assessment of its giving at the intersection of climate, equity and urban water. It identified needs in the sector for more education and funding—especially of community-based leaders.
Read MoreSince 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.
Read MoreFreshwater 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.
Read MoreRational policymaking may not always win out in D.C., but funders like Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Arnold Foundation want to make it easier on the local level. Success may depend on targeting the right issue areas.
Read MoreCities 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.
Read MoreKresge’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.
Read MoreSalesforce’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?
Read MoreEven 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.
Read MoreCorporate 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.
Read MoreCommunity 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.
Read MoreThe fight against homelessness in Silicon Valley keeps gaining momentum, most recently with what may be the largest-ever corporate contribution to address this issue, by Cisco. What's the game plan here?
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