… [Read more...] about 5 Ways Philanthropy Can Navigate the Coming Post-Trump Era
Gratis
Ford’s Big Strategic Reset Faces an Even Bigger Question
Building Movements, Taking Risks: Michele Lord Reflects on 25 Years at NEO Philanthropy
Philanthropy Got a Message at Clinton Global Initiative: These Are Not Normal Times
Why Strengthening Local Civic Health Is the Best — and Fastest — Road to National Renewal
What a 17-Year-Old Nonprofit Founder Is Learning About Philanthropy
Policy Opens the Door. Civic Infrastructure Ushers In the Benefits
How to Get Grants From Donor-Advised Funds: A Guide for Nonprofits
Online Gender-Based Violence Is on the Rise. Here’s Why Democracy Funders Should Care
Philanthropy’s Unsung Heroes Are Also Its Best Defense
Successes, Failures, and Lessons Learned: A Candid Exit Interview with RBF’s Stephen Heintz
Why An Obscure Corporate Compliance Framework Could Derail the Nonprofit Sector
Most Americans have never heard of “Know Your Customer” (KYC) rules — a set of regulations put in place after 9/11 to combat money laundering and fraud — particularly related to terrorist activities. Most banks and financial institutions adhere to … [Read more...] about Why An Obscure Corporate Compliance Framework Could Derail the Nonprofit Sector
Communities Already Know What They Need. Philanthropy Should Listen
For decades, philanthropy has decided what communities need without asking them. Decisions about priorities and investments have often been made without meaningful input from the people they are intended to serve. Too often, the people closest to the … [Read more...] about Communities Already Know What They Need. Philanthropy Should Listen
Toplines July 11, 2026
In case you haven’t noticed, I’ve been taking a break from these weekly emails. That’s not because I ran out of things to say about a philanthrosphere with an endless array of fascinating creatures and ecosystems. It’s because I’ve been working on a … [Read more...] about Toplines July 11, 2026
Foundation Leaders: Don’t Use Your Board as an Excuse for Timidity
In the years when I led two large foundations, Open Society’s U.S. Programs and The Atlantic Philanthropies, from time to time, a fellow foundation executive would take me aside at a meeting to say something like this: “I really admire the support … [Read more...] about Foundation Leaders: Don’t Use Your Board as an Excuse for Timidity
For 250 Years, Philanthropy Helped Build America. Now It Must Stand Up for It
Milestone birthdays call for both celebration and honest reflection, and America’s 250th is no exception. As the world’s oldest democracy, we find ourselves at a complicated moment. Many of the institutions we have long depended on are facing … [Read more...] about For 250 Years, Philanthropy Helped Build America. Now It Must Stand Up for It
The Cronyism Problem in Philanthropy and Nonprofits
It remains too early to say whether Russlynn Ali, the CEO of XQ Institute, will face any consequences in the wake of reporting by Inside Philanthropy’s Connie Matthiessen that she has created a toxic work environment and presides over a dysfunctional … [Read more...] about The Cronyism Problem in Philanthropy and Nonprofits
The Best Fundraising Speaks to the Heart, Then the Mind
The nonprofit sector is full of people who care deeply about the work they do. Perhaps because of this, many fundraisers assume that if donors truly understood their organization’s needs, they would give. We tend to assemble evidence, explain … [Read more...] about The Best Fundraising Speaks to the Heart, Then the Mind
Collaboratives: Philanthropy’s Most Promising Asset Class
Who holds wealth in the United States is changing, and changing quickly, with potentially profound consequences for philanthropy. There are almost 1,000 billionaires in the United States and almost 3,500 globally. There are nearly 74,000 U.S. … [Read more...] about Collaboratives: Philanthropy’s Most Promising Asset Class
Leading When Scared
You know we are in strange times when leading in philanthropy becomes a scary gig. But here we are. Strange times. Requiring even those of us in cushy, well-resourced philanthropic positions of power and influence to find and sustain courage in … [Read more...] about Leading When Scared
Conservation Philanthropy’s Regranting Boom Is Outrunning Its Own Accountability
I run Planet Indonesia, a conservation and climate justice organization that operates as a funding regrantor and institutional builder, working alongside community governance bodies in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and channeling philanthropic funding … [Read more...] about Conservation Philanthropy’s Regranting Boom Is Outrunning Its Own Accountability
Can Philanthropy Deliver on Americans’ Desire for Disruption?
Toplines May 23, 2026
A quick note: I’ll be taking a break from Toplines for a few weeks as IP prepares to launch a new initiative, but back after that. One of the most striking exit poll findings from the 2024 election was how deeply Americans hunger for change, … [Read more...] about Toplines May 23, 2026
As America Turns 250, We Must Preserve Local Philanthropic History
Toplines May 16, 2026
One of the hard lessons I’ve learned running a digital media site is that quality journalism doesn’t always translate into either traffic or paid conversions. This doesn’t stop IP from investing in stories on some of the more obscure creatures and … [Read more...] about Toplines May 16, 2026
“Yanqui Go Home”: Chilean Salmon Farmers Say U.S. Foundations Are the New Colonialists
Where’s Philanthropy in the Fight Against Wealth Inequality?
Toplines May 9, 2026
This fall, Californians will vote on a ballot measure to impose a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires. Other new taxes on the rich are also under consideration in New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Virginia. These moves reflect a growing … [Read more...] about Toplines May 9, 2026
