Between polluting oceans, cutting down rainforests and burning fossil fuels, most of us are aware to some extent that human activity is degrading the environment. For many, these problems can seem abstract. But one of the most immediately impactful … [Read more...] about Who’s Betting Big on Sustainable Agriculture? Here Are Some of the Key Funders
Walton Family Foundation
Frontline 360° Is Helping Grassroots Groups Land Federal Dollars — and Building a Movement
It takes money to make money, as the saying goes. The same is true of raising money. Successful fundraising requires resources that are in short supply for many small, community-based nonprofits. That means many groups could miss out on new federal … [Read more...] about Frontline 360° Is Helping Grassroots Groups Land Federal Dollars — and Building a Movement
There’s a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here’s Everything We Know So Far
For more than two years, I’ve been hearing interest and excitement from people throughout climate philanthropy about the Sequoia Climate Foundation.People brought it up in interviews. Respondents mentioned it in surveys. Its name showed up on major … [Read more...] about There’s a New Giant in Climate Change Philanthropy. Here’s Everything We Know So Far
Regenerative Agriculture Is Having a Moment. Here’s How the Rockefeller Foundation’s Pitching In
During the most recent United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), which took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, last November, the Rockefeller Foundation announced it was awarding $11 million in grants to 10 organizations working in regenerative … [Read more...] about Regenerative Agriculture Is Having a Moment. Here’s How the Rockefeller Foundation’s Pitching In
Laurene Powell Jobs Pledged $3.5 Billion for Climate Action. Here’s What She’s Backing So Far
Back in September 2021, Laurene Powell Jobs casually dropped the news that she planned to spend $3.5 billion over the next decade to address climate change. Details at the time were scarce, but we’re starting to get an outline of what this massive … [Read more...] about Laurene Powell Jobs Pledged $3.5 Billion for Climate Action. Here’s What She’s Backing So Far
Who are the 25 Largest Environmental Grantmakers in the U.S.?
It’s official: Billionaires have taken over environmental philanthropy. Over the past few weeks, I’ve assembled a list of the top U.S. green grantmakers based on 2021 numbers, the most recent full year we have to go on. Take a look and you’ll see … [Read more...] about Who are the 25 Largest Environmental Grantmakers in the U.S.?
More Green Funders Than Ever Shared Diversity Data in 2022, but Most Still Avoiding the Sunlight
You can count 2022 as a step toward the sunlight for environmental philanthropy’s transparency on diversity, yet most of the field still prefers the shadows.A record number of green funders participated this year in the nation’s leading tracker of … [Read more...] about More Green Funders Than Ever Shared Diversity Data in 2022, but Most Still Avoiding the Sunlight
MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?
One of the philanthropic sector’s real weaknesses over the years has been a tendency to go long on the strategy and short on the execution. That is, spending far too much time and resources spelling out intricate goals and theories of change, only to … [Read more...] about MacKenzie Scott’s Far-Reaching Giving Continues to Grow. What Impact Is She Having?
Patagonia Could Yield $100 Million a Year in Green Giving. Where Will the Money Go?
There’s been a lot written in the weeks since Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard announced he and his family had transferred their $3 billion stake in the company to a unique trust and nonprofit, birthing a new philanthropy that could give away around … [Read more...] about Patagonia Could Yield $100 Million a Year in Green Giving. Where Will the Money Go?
How a Foundation’s Use of Data and Tech Has Helped Thousands of Arkansans
Every business faces the constant challenge of how to balance success in the short-term with long-term goals and vision. Charitable organizations are no different. For instance, Excellerate Foundation, a public charity serving Northwest Arkansas, has … [Read more...] about How a Foundation’s Use of Data and Tech Has Helped Thousands of Arkansans
How Is Philanthropy Backing Science Journalism?
Among the many economic changes brought on by the explosion of the internet during the first decades of the current century was the implosion of the advertising-driven business model that for decades supported most newspapers and publications. The … [Read more...] about How Is Philanthropy Backing Science Journalism?
Why the Walton Family Foundation, a K-12 Funding Leader, Is Focusing on Career Pathways
K-12 education has long been a pillar of the Walton Family Foundation’s work, and given its vast wealth, it has the means to tackle this complex issue from a variety of angles. Over the last few years, the foundation has trained its focus in a new … [Read more...] about Why the Walton Family Foundation, a K-12 Funding Leader, Is Focusing on Career Pathways
Want Good Jobs? Support Small Employers
In recent years, philanthropy, nonprofits and government have increasingly focused on job quality to increase economic mobility and racial equity — work that has become even more urgent in the wake of COVID-19. Efforts to define and measure job … [Read more...] about Want Good Jobs? Support Small Employers
“Ingredients in Living a Fulfilling Life.” How Alice Walton’s Philanthropy Is Evolving and Expanding
Alice Walton, the only daughter of Walmart founder Sam Walton, established Crystal Bridges Museum of Art in 2005, with the mission to “welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of … [Read more...] about “Ingredients in Living a Fulfilling Life.” How Alice Walton’s Philanthropy Is Evolving and Expanding
Generation Z Faces a Deeply Uncertain Future. Is Philanthropy Listening?
While nostalgia can provide a much-needed escape from the volatile present, it’s usually a good idea to resist the urge to look back on the past through rose-colored glasses. That said, I suspect some Gen X readers may recall the late ’90s rather … [Read more...] about Generation Z Faces a Deeply Uncertain Future. Is Philanthropy Listening?
Here’s What We Know About a Walton Heir’s Zoma Foundation, a Big Supporter of Early Childhood
The Waltons are America’s richest family, and the Walton Family Foundation is by far their most prominent and largest vehicle for charitable giving, making $750 million in grants in 2020. But it’s a big family, and one whose philanthropy stretches … [Read more...] about Here’s What We Know About a Walton Heir’s Zoma Foundation, a Big Supporter of Early Childhood
The U.S. Billionaires Funding Work to Keep the Planet Green and Clean
It’s that time of year when lakes and rivers beckon, fresh air is doubly intoxicating, and fruits taste sweeter than ever. Summertime is special — and alongside many other forces, philanthropy puts a lot of money toward keeping it that way. Donors, … [Read more...] about The U.S. Billionaires Funding Work to Keep the Planet Green and Clean
Thomas H. Kean on Leading Carnegie, His Decades of Service, and the State of Philanthropy
On April 15, 2021, the board of trustees at the Carnegie Corporation of New York learned they had a succession problem, a big one. Carnegie’s longtime president, Vartan Gregorian, had suddenly passed away in a New York City hospital — and the … [Read more...] about Thomas H. Kean on Leading Carnegie, His Decades of Service, and the State of Philanthropy
Nine Affinity Groups that Keep Environmental Giving Going — and Growing
For foundations giving green grants, there’s no shortage of communities to join.Fund food systems? There’s a group for that. Concerned about climate? One for that too. Biodiversity? Another group. Transportation? Check. Animals? Ditto. Water? Yup.Not … [Read more...] about Nine Affinity Groups that Keep Environmental Giving Going — and Growing
Here Are Four Outdoor Recreation Companies With Environmental Grantmaking Programs
The season of week-long camping trips, lazy days at the lake and sweaty hikes through the woods is nearly upon us.With less than a month before the official start of summer, I took a look at four outdoor companies well known in the sector for their … [Read more...] about Here Are Four Outdoor Recreation Companies With Environmental Grantmaking Programs
More Funders Are Digging Agriculture These Days. This New Affinity Group Is Digging Deep
In the spring of 2019, a dozen funders interested in regenerative agriculture held a fateful first meeting at Green Valley Farm and Mill in Sebastopol, California. Most were members of a group informally called “the Herd,” which drew together … [Read more...] about More Funders Are Digging Agriculture These Days. This New Affinity Group Is Digging Deep
Good Reporting on Science and Health Is Becoming Ever More Vital. Who’s Supporting It?
Climate change and COVID are just two pressing challenges facing the country and the planet, but they are arguably the best illustrations of why philanthropy must continue — and increase — its funding to help journalists report on science and health. … [Read more...] about Good Reporting on Science and Health Is Becoming Ever More Vital. Who’s Supporting It?
IP Briefing: What’s Going on With Philanthropy for Theater?
In a sentence: Like all the performing arts, theater has been hit hard by the pandemic, and funders are making moves to bolster the nonprofit theater world now and into the future. What’s going onThe typical nonprofit theater brings in about half its … [Read more...] about IP Briefing: What’s Going on With Philanthropy for Theater?
A Funder’s COVID-Era Effort to Support Black Principals Finds a Permanent Home, New Leader
The pandemic was tough on kids, teachers and families, but it was school principals who often stood in the direct line of fire. Principals had to oversee it all: school closures, the shift to online learning, locating students who went missing, … [Read more...] about A Funder’s COVID-Era Effort to Support Black Principals Finds a Permanent Home, New Leader
What’s Going On With Philanthropy for K-12 Education?
In a sentence: Philanthropy focused on K-12 education is robust, rising, and rife with complexity and even conflict. What’s going on?“Education in America—and how to do it best—is an extraordinarily complicated and controversial topic, replete with … [Read more...] about What’s Going On With Philanthropy for K-12 Education?
Big Grants for Topic-Specific Journalism Bring Opportunity, Concerns Over Independence
In mid-February, the Associated Press announced it received a three-year, $8 million grant from five funders, including the Rockefeller and Walton Family foundations, to hire 20 new reporters to cover climate change’s impact on agriculture, … [Read more...] about Big Grants for Topic-Specific Journalism Bring Opportunity, Concerns Over Independence
IP Briefing: What’s Going on with Philanthropy for Oceans and Freshwater?
In a sentence: Philanthropy for water-related issues is rising, but more is needed in this historically siloed sector.What’s going onThe water challenges the world faces today are increasing, from ocean warming to crumbling infrastructure, and … [Read more...] about IP Briefing: What’s Going on with Philanthropy for Oceans and Freshwater?
Lots of Climate Funders Back One of Real Estate’s Most Influential Professional Networks. What Gives?
The son of real estate developers, Randall Lewis started going to Urban Land Institute (ULI) conferences more than three decades ago, when he was just getting started in the industry himself. From the beginning, he was struck by the organization’s … [Read more...] about Lots of Climate Funders Back One of Real Estate’s Most Influential Professional Networks. What Gives?
Getting the Call: A Look at MacKenzie Scott’s Recent Ed Giving
What is it like to pick up the phone and learn that your organization has just received a multi-million-dollar gift from MacKenzie Scott? It’s an experience that’s occurring with increasing frequency as Scott, an author and the ex-wife of Amazon … [Read more...] about Getting the Call: A Look at MacKenzie Scott’s Recent Ed Giving
Seven Questions for Ellen Alberding, President and CEO of the Joyce Foundation
Ellen Alberding is president and CEO of the Joyce Foundation, the Chicago-based grantmaker that distributes $50 million annually and has assets totaling $1 billion. Under Alberding’s leadership, the foundation, which is active in fields like … [Read more...] about Seven Questions for Ellen Alberding, President and CEO of the Joyce Foundation
