A monthly round-up of news, resources, and miscellany from the nonprofit and philanthropy sector curated by Director of Strategic Philanthropy, Laura Hennighausen, and the Purpose Possible team.
April 2024
Articles and News
MacKenzie Scott, Stop Ignoring Small Nonprofits Like Mine
“Given that 92 percent of U.S. nonprofits operate on budgets of less than $1 million a year, it makes no sense for Scott — and philanthropy more broadly — to measure a nonprofit’s worth and potential by its annual budget.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
What’s in a Name? The Ethics of Building Naming Gifts
Is it possible for modern capital fundraising to be grounded in socially just principles? (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
After years of concerns about how quickly the money reserved for charity gets distributed and whether donor-advised funds need to operate more transparently, proposed new federal regulations are now pending. Though the regulations would not create new requirements for how rapidly these funds distribute money, they do provide some new guidelines for what uses for DAFs are allowed by law. (The Conversation)
These Donors Are Revolting Against the “Charity Lobby” to Push Sweeping Philanthropic Reform
In the latest development in that ongoing saga, a coalition of donors has come together around an effort they’re calling the Donor Revolt for Charity Reform — and they’re willing to fight prominent philanthropic stakeholders to push for legislative changes that go well beyond the ACE Act’s provisions. The battle may seem like a decidedly uphill one, but the organizers and initial signatories are armed with both a multipronged strategy and updated data showing that the majority of the public sees things their way. (Inside Philanthropy)
How Movement-Accountable Intermediaries Can Change Philanthropy
Leaders of several intermediary organizations share how they envision their role within—and how they ultimately hope to upend—the philanthropic landscape. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Studies and Resources
Politics and the Charity Sector - We don't do politics, we give people a voice
A new report, produced by a collaboration between the Shelia McKechnie Foundation and nfpResearch, explores how aware the public is of the political work of charities. This includes whether they feel this is a space that charities should occupy, and who people think should be involved in politics. (nfpResearch)
Podcast Episode- Solidarity Forever: Building Movements Amid Today’s Crises
Astra Taylor and Leah Hunt-Hendrix on their new book, “Solidarity: The Past, Present, and Future of a World-Changing Idea.” (The Intercept)
For Funders
Using Philanthropy To Address Racial Harm And Inequity
Learn how the United Way of Greater Los Angeles (UWGLA) is using racial justice to inform their grantmaking efforts, and how other philanthropic organizations can help work to undo the legacies of harm inflicted upon communities of color. (Blue Avocado)
Justice Funders recently released an updated version of their Resonance Framework, a Just Transition guide for philanthropic transformation. Learn how your organization can help redistribute wealth, democratize power, and shift economic control. (Justice Funders)
The Barbie Land Approach to Funder Listening
“But much like Barbie Land needs many different Barbies to function, the ways in which funders hear community voices shouldn’t begin and end with just supporting their grantees to listen better. Funders should absolutely support grantees to listen well. They should also listen to their grantees, whether through the Grantee Perception Report, grantee convenings, or ongoing conversations. And they should also listen directly to the communities most affected by their grantmaking.” (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
March 2024
Articles and News
‘Dollars up, donors down': More charity money is coming from the ultra-wealthy
About 400,000 people account for more than one-third of the world's charity, according to a new report from Altrata. (CNBC)
America’s biggest donors gave more than $11.9 billion in 2023. This year’s report features our analysis of the list, giving trends among megadonors, and a look at their giving to and from their foundations and donor-advised funds in 2023. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Why Philanthropy IS a Business Model
“When otherwise smart people say that “philanthropy isn’t a business model,” and especially when those people work in institutional foundations, I think what they really mean is that “permanent dependence on a small set of institutional funders isn’t a business model,” and that is true.” (Second Rough Draft)
Studies and Resources
The Future of Philanthropy Is Trust-Based
The trust-based philanthropy movement has grown in rapid time, but there are still basic misunderstandings about this approach and its bold vision for a more just and democratic society. This supplement illustrates what a trust-based approach really means, why it is essential to effective philanthropy, and what will be possible if more funders embrace it. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Arts and Creativity Drive Economies and Build Resilience
This new report builds on past research by using 2001-2021 data, which reflect postpandemicshutdown economic trends and a subsequent period of recovery. This research shows that arts and cultural production not only strengthens economic resiliency but drives economic growth. (NASAA)
State of Black Nonprofits Report
The 2024 State of Black Nonprofits Report underscores the pivotal role of Black-founded nonprofits as service providers, agents of positive change, and champions of racial equity and justice. This study employs an exploratory approach, drawing from existing Giving Gap data consisting of survey responses from Black nonprofit leaders as well as 990 data. (Giving Gap)
For Funders
Just Transition Investment Framework
The Just Transition Investment Framework is a strategy for how philanthropies can shift capital and power to frontline BIPOC communities who are building local regenerative economies. A Just Transition investment strategy requires philanthropic assets to be divested from the dominant financial system and instead redirected into movement-led, community-controlled institutions that build economic power and self-determination. (Justice Funders)
Advancing Participation in Philanthropy Tool (APPT)
A self-assessment tool for grantmaking foundations to gauge where they currently are in terms of participatory practice across all areas of work and operations.
February 2024
Articles and News
Segregation Helped Build Fortunes. What Does Philanthropy Owe Now?
“Understanding the historical roots of many foundation endowments is a critical step in considering the question of philanthropic reparations.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
“When someone says, “a diverse candidate,” who do they mean? If they’re in the US, they usually mean someone who isn’t a white man. Less frequently, they mean someone who isn’t heterosexual or cisgender. And they may sometimes mean someone who isn’t abled. This use of the word diverse is problematic.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Foundation Assets Reach a Record $1.5 Trillion, Propelled by Investment Gains and Big Donors
“This new grantmaking record arrives amid a two-decade climb in foundations’ share of the philanthropic pie. Accounting for just 5% of total U.S. giving in 1982, foundations were responsible for 21% of it in 2022, or $1 out of every $5 given to charity, according to Giving USA’s 2023 report.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Georgia Arts Day returns with funding push
Nationally, Georgia ranks last in per-capita arts funding — only 14 cents per person.. The specific funding requested from Georgians for the Arts is to bring the 14 percent per capita spending up by 36 percent, which brings the total statewide investment to $2.13 million. (Saporta Report)
Studies and Resources
Both/And is an organization of anti-oppression practitioners working to facilitate relationships, learning, and action that move towards collective liberation. Check out their website for a wealth of original on the nonprofit sector and more.
More than Grant Writers is an unaffiliated group of individuals and organizations who wish to exercise our power as grant professionals to enact systems change. Join them virtually each month for a conversation about leveraging our power, expertise, knowledge, passion, and experience for collective good.
For Funders
“More Than Just a Check.” This Funder Couples Cash and Professional Support to Help Artists Thrive
Each awardee has access to “a giant Rolodex” of industry professionals, peer mentors, cultural producers, financial planners, tax accountants, lawyers and communications experts, Kuan said. “We help to identify the right expert and we also pay for those services — the wraparound support is comprehensive, deep and long term.” (Inside Philanthropy)
How Kataly Foundation is divesting from Wall Street to reinvest in communities
Lynn Hoey, Chief Investment Officer of Kataly Foundation (a Purpose Possible client!), writes about their journey to fully divest from Wall Street. (Impact Alpha)
January 2024
Articles and News
The Next Test of the Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action Decision: Race-Based Foundation Grants
“Grant making that singles out race as a factor invites lawsuits, says Jonathan Berry, a lawyer who led the Department of Labor’s regulatory office under former President Trump. “I would expect more lawsuits like these to crop up in the next few years, and if there is enough of them and thorny-enough issues get implicated, I would expect the Supreme Court to step in,” he says.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy) See also: It’s Open Season on Civil Rights. Philanthropy Must Not Retreat.
D.C. is Cutting Badly Needed Funding for Housing and Homelessness Nonprofits
The Bowser administration is citing the same budget constraints that fueled the recent political fight over food stamps. (Washington City Paper)
Requiem for the lapsed: what to do to reactivate donors at the beginning of the year
While I’m not sure that sending a tax acknowledgement that reads “Our records show that your 2023 contributions total $0.00” to lapsed donors is the greatest tactic, this article has some useful tips for prioritizing those LYBUNT and SYBUNT donors. (Philanthropy Daily)
This is techinically from 2022 but still relevant today and ties in to the link below from the Schott Foundation. “Endowments are often lacking for social change nonprofits—even more so for Black-led organizations. By closing this gap, we could radically transform how we confront society’s most pressing issues.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
How Donor Advised Funds are Disrupting Philanthropy
Great article on the ways DAFs can be beneficial - if used the right way. “Sponsors and donors are deploying DAFs in a host of philanthropic configurations. The funds are turning up in grant-maker collaboratives, impact investing, and planned giving. Several DAF sponsors — new ventures as well as old-guard enterprises like Morgan Stanley’s charitable arm — are encouraging corporate America to add DAFs to benefits packages. The funds, the pitch goes, are the charitable equivalent of individual retirement accounts, and companies can avoid awkward matching contributions to a politically charged nonprofit and instead give to the employee’s DAF.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Kendeda Fund reaches end of its philanthropic journey
An ode to Diana Blank’s approach to trust based philanthropy. (Saporta Report)
Studies and Resources
Independent Sector’s 2023 Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector
The annual report was released in November and holds valuable data about our industry and its economic impact. (Independent Sector)
For Funders
Schott Foundation for Public Education’s Endow Now Campaign
The Endow Now campaign’s mission is to raise capital for endowments to ensure the sustainability of three BIPOC-led national education justice alliances. “It is our time to move beyond our philanthropic mode of providing just enough resources to make the back of the bus comfortable to sustainably fund those best able to bring racial justice and democracy forward.” See the SSIR essay “Endow Black-led Nonprofits” for more!
What We Learn When We Listen: Student Feedback and Foundation Strategy
CEP’s YouthTruth Initiative’s new report, Making Sense of Learning Math: Insights from the Student Experience, is the culmination of a 15-month project, the Math Learning and Identity Project, funded by the Gates Foundation. '“The insights from nearly 90,000 high school students shared in this report… bring much-needed first-person perspectives to bear in considering how public education — and those that fund in this area and related areas — must grapple with mathematics teaching and learning in a changing economy and society.” (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
December 2023
Articles and News
Why Is Philanthropy Afraid to Talk About Reparations?
“If we aren’t authentically teaching and talking about the harm created by our nation’s history of racism, how can we start to heal? To be clear, philanthropy’s role in reparations is not to replace the federal government in providing the scale of redress and racial healing the nation needs. Nor are philanthropic grants to Black-led organizations reparations. However, philanthropy has a massive opportunity to support the network of organizations that are fighting for reparations and working to build a culture of racial repair.” The companion study is linked below. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Brooklyn Org's rebrand ditches ‘foundation’ from its name for being 'old' and 'controlling'
The change comes at a time when an increasing number of Americans are giving philanthropy the side-eye. This year, 26% of people said they distrust philanthropy, up five percentage points from last year, according to a survey conducted by Independent Sector, a membership organization of nonprofits and grantmakers, and Edelman Data and Intelligence. (Independent)
What is the point of philanthropic foundations? Part 1: definitions
This is the first of a three-part essay mini-series exploring the nature and role of philanthropic foundations. In this part we take a look at why defining what a foundation is presents such a challenge. (Why Philanthropy Matters)
Studies and Resources
Philanthropy’s Role in Reparations and Building a Culture of Racial Repair
This report, written by The Bridgespan Group and Liberation Ventures, invites philanthropists, foundations, and other funders to see reparations for Black people—and building a culture of repair—as a necessity to reach that goal. (Bridgespan Group)
First Day Podcast - Donors of Color: The Next Chapter
In this episode of the First Day Podcast, host Bill Stanczykiewicz, Ed.D. is joined by Una Osili, Ph.D and Sitashma Thapa to dive into a groundbreaking research study focusing on charitable giving trends by race and ethnicity. (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy)
November 2023
Articles and News
How to think about your fundraising investment
A helpful article if you’re trying to make the case for a larger development budget. “Fundraising “expenses” are better seen as investments insofar as increasing your investment in fundraising will increase your revenue—and that means increasing your organization’s impact.” (Philanthropy Daily)
An interesting essay proposing that philanthropy must move away from problem solving, and instead pursue ‘a healthy context’. I found this really compelling and would love to hear your thoughts if you read it! (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
The failed philanthropy of Sam Bankman-Fried
A hot opinion piece from the Editorial Board of the Washington Post on Sam Bankman-Fried’s use of Effective Altruism perhaps as a cover for fraud. It includes this brutal take on the (IMO flawed) philosophy of Long Termism: “This is an arid conception of giving that flatters the fascinations of its adherents while excusing them from facing suffering in the here and now.” (Washington Post)
Studies and Resources
Community Finance Alliance Launches Racial Equity Scorecard
Two years after the Washington Post reported on the lack of accountability for corporations that made major financial pledges toward racial justice, Community Vision has partnered with the African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs to unveil the African American Equity Impact Scorecard, in effort to hold community lenders accountable to Black communities. (NPQ)
Americans for the Arts’ Arts and Economic Prosperity 6 Report
The newly released Arts & Economic Prosperity 6 (AEP6) is an economic and social impact study of the nation’s nonprofit arts and culture industry. Building on its 30-year legacy as the largest and most inclusive study of its kind, AEP6 provides detailed findings on 373 regions from across all 50 states and Puerto Rico—ranging in population from 4,000 to 4 million—and representing rural, suburban, and large urban communities. (AMA)
For Funders
Political Repression in Georgia: What Funders Can Do to Protect Democracy and Support Communities
“The ongoing attacks on organizers in Georgia are part of a concerted effort to suppress community voices and the right to protest. This is a critical time for philanthropy to stand with movements and protect democracy.” A joint letter from Democratizing Justice Initiative, Borealis Philanthropy, and Funders for Justice.
Fostering Connection for More Effective Philanthropy
Atlanta’s own David Weitnauer notes the importance of personal connection among family, board, and staff members in the context of their philanthropy and introduces his research on the concept of giving related. (National Center for Family Philanthropy)
Practicing Participatory Philanthropy: Five Key Findings
“Why do so few of these large foundations shift meaningful decisions and power to the communities they serve when they know it will lead to more effective grantmaking? To gain a better understanding of these issues, we interviewed trustees and staff at Mott Foundation, Kolibri Foundation, Conant Family Foundation, Chorus Foundation, Bush Foundation, and one anonymous family foundation. Our conversations reinforce that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to shifting power in philanthropy, but there are lessons that can help guide those eager to dive in. If these foundations can do it, many others can too.” (NPQ)
Short profiles on several funders who are addressing pressing issues, notably racism, mass incarceration, education inequalities and the climate crisis, including Purpose Possible clients Nwamaka Agbo and Regan Pritzker of the Kataly Foundation. (Robb Report)
October 2023
What I’m Thinking About
Nonprofit Boards - is this all there is?
The past month one of the (many) things I’ve been mulling over is the traditional nonprofit board structure - why do we operate like this and how can it suck less?
Those of us who have worked for nonprofits or served on a board are all too familiar with the issues. Boards generally meet a few times a year (some members never show), they have lengthy discussions, make grand empty gestures, and then disappear until the next meeting rolls around. I have worked for five different nonprofit organizations and served (and currently serve!) on several other boards, and even I am guilty of this.
Then there are the clear discrepancies between who typically serves on a nonprofit board and the community the nonprofit serves. I googled “Nonprofit Board” and the picture above is what shows up on Wikipedia - generally older, white people, in business attire, sitting around a table inside a conference room, eating boxed lunches. Nonprofits feel pressure to depend on their boards for fundraising and the people reflected in this picture are the typical people we turn to - those with networks, money, terminal degrees - the people society designates as “knowing what to do”.
I’m wondering - what are the alternatives? I know there are other ways to handle this. There is the board model where you keep the board tiny and just there to handle the bare minimum legal requirement, but that does little to support an Executive Director. Are nonprofits asking too much of our boards? Is it reasonable to expect a group of volunteers can assist in fundraising significant sums or sit at sign-up tables at our events? If we don’t look to our boards for these things, then what?
If you have the answer, let me know! Please. For now, here are some resources I’ve been looking to as I mull this over.
Structuring Leadership: Alternative Models for Distributing Power and Decision-Making in Nonprofit Organizations by Building Movement Project
Evolutionary Governance: Principles and Practice by Vanessa LeBourdais
Reimagining Governance by Ontario Nonprofit Network
Articles and News
Whatever Happened to #CharitySoWhite?
A really beautiful and insightful essay from members of the #CharitySoWhite movement about how, in their words, white supremacy and burnout led them to mostly disappear for over a year, and what they are doing to come back stronger. Highly recommended reading. (#CharitySoWhite)
New Poll: Overwhelming Support for Nonprofit Policy Priorities and Public Engagement
A recent poll by Independent Sector finds that voters value nonprofit advocacy and civic engagement, and are more likely to donate to an organization that advocates for their community or conducts nonpartisan activities to help people in their community vote. (Independent Sector)
Our Nonprofit King, Vu Le, highlights the issues with the idea that individual expenses and outcomes can be attributed to individual donors and funders. (NonprofitAF)
Studies and Research
Results of a survey of 166 individuals (primarily in the UK) by Grant Givers’ Movement focused on questioning the ethics of philanthropy itself, linked to the origins of wealth, exploring how ethics play out in our grantmaking practice, and how grant makers can shift their practice to be more equitable, and to respond to the calls for much needed reform. (Grant Givers’ Movement)
Resources
Grant Givers’ Movement Bank of Good Practice
Yet another reading list within a reading list! This is a round up of articles and resources for information on participatory grantmaking models, practical applications, funding social movements, and more. (Grant Givers’ Movement)
An oldie but goodie - Community Centric Fundraising’s list of suggested ways to align your organization with CCF principles. (CCF)
For Funders
Grassroots Grantmaking: Embedding Participatory Approaches in Funding
“This report is about creating change within the philanthropic sector supporting funders to understand why participatory grantmaking approaches can help them not only devolve power out into communities but also help to make the best funding decisions in order to create solutions to the challenges society faces.” (Hannah Paterson for Winston Churchill Memorial Trust)
Trust-Based Philanthropy Is the Key to a Just Transition
“One of the centerpieces of the Biden administration’s agenda, the IRA extends existing tax credits for solar and other green energy, invests in the clean energy workforce development pipeline, and directly supports low-income areas and other “energy communities,” including through a $7 billion EPA grant program to expand zero-emission technologies like solar. While we applaud the EPA’s grant program for solar and other renewables, most community-based and grassroots organizations lack the internal resources and external networks to apply for, access and manage direct federal funding.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Introducing the Just Transition Investment Framework
“In 2020, philanthropic institutions in the U.S contributed over 13 times the amount of money to extractive global stock markets as they did to all of their grantmaking focus areas (Source: Climate Justice Alliance). In response to this horrific imbalance of capital allocation in philanthropy, movement and philanthropic leaders came together to develop a Just Transition Investment Framework that offers a strategy for how philanthropies can shift capital and power to frontline BIPOC communities who are building local regenerative economies.” (Justice Funders)
September 2023
What We’re Loving This Month
What the Pittsburgh YWCA is doing with $20 million from Mackenzie Scott
We all know sharing is caring, and the YWCA up in Pittsburgh PA is demonstrating just that. When they received a sudden, unsolicited gift of $20 million from Mackenzie Scott in late 2020 they decided to live their mission to help minorities and women achieve equity by supporting other, smaller organizations in the area.
The Pittsburgh YWCA is now working to distribute $10 million, or half of their grant, to projects that target racial and gender equity. Among the programs the YWCA launched in its first spending phase is Mission in Action, a grant partnership with the Black-led philanthropy POISE Foundation. Earlier this year, Mission in Action distributed $700,000 to 17 nonprofits, including the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, whose work addresses race and gender challenges. (Click here to read more)
What a beautiful illustration of Community-Centric Fundraising’s 2nd Principle: Individual organizational missions are not as important as the collective community. We love to see it.
Trends and News
Judge dumps injunction bid in Atlanta VC fund discrimination case
The Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based and Black women-founded venture capital firm, on Tuesday won the first battle in a lawsuit they are facing alleging a grant program for Black women small business owners is racially discriminatory. (AJC)
More Than Half of Black-Serving Groups Would Shut Down if They Lost Key Donors
The report, “Grassroots, Black & Giving: How Philanthropy Can Better Support Black-led and Black-Benefiting Nonprofits” found that “more than 86 percent said they often have trouble accessing a large number of diverse funding sources. Nearly 73 percent always or often struggle to identify or cultivate new funders. Roughly 53 percent said their organization would shut down if they lost key donors, and about 70 percent believe grant makers never or rarely help other funders recognize the value of Black-led, Black-serving organizations and encourage them to support these organizations.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
The Donor Pyramid May Be Bad For Giving. Can We Do Better?
A take-down of the ubiquitous donor period. I’m here for it! “Thanks to the model’s sole focus on gifts, charities put the financial exchange at the center of fundraising. Relationships take on a transactional feel and slight the many ways that generosity inspires people to contribute — as volunteers, as advocates, as ambassadors and influencers with friends, colleagues, and their social-media networks.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Studies and Research
A research study conducted by Young, Black & Giving Back Institute investigates the challenges, motivations, social change priorities, community aspirations, and fundraising experiences of Black-led nonprofits. (YBGB)
2023 Philanthropic Landscape, 12th Edition
CCS Fundraising’s annual report of giving trends. (CCS Fundraising)
Resources
Reading List: Leading Through Change
Here! A reading list within a reading list! A list of articles on fundraising, AI, mental health in the workplace, the changing landscape of philanthropy, and other topics on the minds of nonprofit leaders. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
A new open-access platform serves as a democratized and universally-accessible virtual environment for community building, impact-matching and knowledge generation within the global philanthropy ecosystem. Overwhelming to behold but tons of info!
For Funders
Equitable Evaluation in Practice: Towards More Inclusive, Just, and People-Centered Practices
“Evaluation and learning must be in service of and contribute to equity, yielding both more meaningful and relevant insights and information and greater equity — in our practices, community partners, and the questions we ask.” (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
“We Follow Their Lead.” How Residents Guide the Black Belt Community Foundation’s Grantmaking
A feature on a really impressive participatory grant making program in Alabama. “BBCF conducts its discretionary grantmaking through a participatory model, relying on volunteer community associates embedded in each of the 12 counties the foundation serves. Associates help nonprofits apply for grants, decide where the support flows, donate personal funds and raise money.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Lessons and trends in nonprofit capacity strengthening
What does nonprofit capacity strengthening mean and why is it important? How has it evolved and what are emerging trends in the field? These are the questions the Hewlett Foundation’s Effective Philanthropy Group set out to answer through this field scan. A few months old but still relevant! (Hewlett Foundation)
August 2023
What I’m Thinking About
One topic I’m watching closely, and I encourage my fellow philanthrospherists to pay attention to, is how the Supreme Court’s ruling on Affirmative Action can/could/may impact our work. In Atlanta just weeks ago we saw anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum file suit against Fearless Fund, a Black-led BIPOC-supporting venture capital fund, claiming their Fearless Strivers Grant contest violates the Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibiting racial discrimination in contracts by excluding non-Black applicants. Think of all of the equity programs in our sector that are built to lift up specific populations. Or how this might affect higher-ed alumni giving with the end of legacy admissions? Here are some of the things I’ve bookmarked during this spiral:
Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF)’s analysis of the Supreme Court’s decision: Video 1 & Video 2
Following Court Ruling, Foundation Officials Urge Sharing Power With Grantees (Chronicle)
Philanthropy Should Redirect Anger at the Supreme Court Toward Solving Underlying Social Problems (Chronicle)
What Nonprofit and Foundation Leaders Are Saying About the Supreme Court’s Affirmative-Action Ruling (Chronicle)
Memorandum on behalf of the Hewlett Foundation: Evaluating the Potential Implications for Charitable Foundations and Nonprofits of the Supreme Court’s Upcoming Decisions on Consideration of Race in College Admissions (Munger, Tolles & Olson)
Whatever the case, this is not the time for our sector to shy away. This is the time for significant investment in organizations and programs supporting these issues. This is the time for us to stand together to defend and support our communities. It is the time to explore funding advocacy and democracy. It is the time for our nonprofit organizations to stand up and make a statement. This can’t wait.
Studies and Research
Philanthropy in art: locality, donor retention, and prestige
A recent study published in Nature (of all places) crunched IRS data from 46,643 foundations to 48,766 art recipients between 2010 and 2019 to better understand funding trends in the Arts. The study shows that giving is highly localized, with 60% of grants and funds going to recipients in the donor’s state and that, unsurprisingly, funding does correlate with prestige. (Nature)
Fidelity’s 2023 Geography of Giving Report
Some interesting statistics on giving behavior - for example, Atlanta ranks #3 and Baltimore #7 in the US for percentage of grant dollars contributed to local organizations. “Based on an analysis of Fidelity Charitable donors in our largest metro areas, the Geography of Giving report explores giving priorities and behaviors in 30 of the most charitable cities in the U.S.—and pinpoints how they’ve evolved since 2019.” (Fidelity)
Higher income individuals are more generous when local economic inequality is high
Research led by Joel Suss, of the London School of Economics and Political Science and the Bank of England, analyzed U.S. charitable donations in 2018 based on IRS data as well as data on income inequality by ZIP code. Suss also looked at self-reported charitable giving data from Britain’s “Understanding Society” survey, which was gathered in 2016-17, and evaluated income inequality using home values for 23 million households. (Chronicle)
The Generosity Commission
In response to what the Giving USA report has turned up (below), the Generosity Commission “seeks to contribute to national understanding about how individual givers and volunteers are reimagining generosity in powerful and positive ways, strengthening our society and democracy in the process.” Their work will culminate in a final report with recommendations on how the business, nonprofit, and policy sectors can support and enable everyday giving and volunteering in Spring 2024 so stay tuned.
Trends and News
‘Giving USA’ Misses the Boat on the True State of Generosity in America
There has been a lot of chatter about the latest Giving USA Report and if it’s methods of analyzing giving are keeping pace with newer trends in individual giving via crowd sourcing, mutual aid, and the like. While the Giving USA report shows individual giving is down, some wonder if it’s just not capturing the full picture. In this opinion piece, Jeff Cain, writes that we shouldn’t equate IRS data as a true indicator of generosity. (Chronicle)
Donor Codes of Conduct to Fight Sexual Harassment of Nonprofit Fundraisers Are Growing More Common
According to a 2022 study, more than a quarter of fundraisers have experienced sexual or other harassment on the job. (Chronicle)
Strong Boards: An Antidote to Founder Syndrome
“Think about a nonprofit organization as a twin-engine jet: Each “engine,” the board and staff, must function well independently and in partnership, with the board chair and staff leader in the cockpit leading the organization’s journey together.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
This Atlanta duo has a theory to drive climate action: Make it cool
A look at nonprofit Klean Energy Kulture who works to integrate multimedia cultural campaigns in partnership with major brands, influencers, the top Billboard artists, and then climate organizations. (Canary Media)
What Should You Do with an Oil Fortune?
A feature on oil-heiress Leah Hunt-Hendrix and her experience grappling with the philosophical and very real implications of generational wealth and her desire to “devote her life to rectifying society’s imbalance of wealth and power.” (The New Yorker)
For Funders
The Future of Equitable Giving: Understanding and Implementing Trust-Based Philanthropy
A quick primer for funders seeking to understand what Trust Based Philanthropy is and is not, and how to begin to implement its principles in your practices. (Inside Philanthropy)
Andrea Arenas, Community Centric Fundraising cofounder, reflects on her experience working for a Foundation and offers seven questions to consider as you assess the tightness or looseness of your own golden handcuffs. (CCF)
July 2023
What’s On My Mind:
Happy Summer!
I don’t know about you, but I’ve badly needed some time to indulge in reading on topics other than philanthropy and injustice. I often find it hard to sit down and read after a long workday of writing and.. reading. I am grateful to have had the time to visit one of my favorite places in the world, Beach Haven on Long Beach Island, where I devoured six novels of varying quality. After that little dalliance in the sun, it’s back to the business of examining the third sector.
One thing I’m loving is the Funding for Real Change website put together by the UK’s Ariadne and EDGE Funders Alliance advocating for a future where multi-year flexible funding is more common. The site presents a variety of practices funders can employ to create impact and strengthen organizations for the long term by building more flexibility and trust into grantmaking. It’s a great resource for donors and foundations to understand the problem of restricted giving and learn proven methods through a variety of case studies.
Studies and Research
Preheating Prosocial Behaviour
This is a very academic read, but this recent article from The Economic Journal included research that shows encouraging a good mood in donors before making a solicitation results in larger gift amounts: “They asked volunteers online to decide how to split $50 between themselves and a charity. But first, the would-be philanthropists had to watch either the cheerful “Hakuna Matata” scene from Disney’s The Lion King or a neutral clip about microbes. The researchers found that those who watched the relentlessly optimistic singing warthog and meerkat duo donated 7% more to charity and were more likely to give away the entire amount than those who watched the microbe video.” (The Economic Journal)
Health of the U.S. Nonprofit Sector Quarterly Report
Despite contributing $1.5 trillion to the U.S. economy in just Q1 of 2023, the Independent Sector’s quarterly report shows that charitable giving is trending down. One interesting tidbit: “Many policymakers hold the strong assumption that charitable giving and the financial health of nonprofits are closely tied to the state of the economy. Giving trends in 2022 show giving declining (-10.5%) at the same time GDP increased (+1.1%), indicating policymakers’ assumptions are not a guarantee and some other variables must be at play.” (Independent Sector)
Trends and News
Donor Confidence Continues to Decline as Economy Takes Toll
With one in four donors (24 percent) indicating they plan to give less in 2023, a few insights and advice on how to respond to the latest Giving USA report. (Giving USA)
The 2022 Giving Slump Exposes the Fragility of Top-Heavy Charity
Inequality.org explores the danger in relying too much on a few major donors based on findings from the recent Giving USA report. (Inequality.org)
Rigorous Evaluation Versus Trust-Based Learning: Is This a Valid Dichotomy?
Brenda Solorzano, CEO of Headwaters Foundation, offers some great examples of trust-based evaluation methods employed by progressive funders. (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
“Motley Zoo Animal Rescue founded an innovative approach to community engagement based on eight tenets. These tenets are based on understanding the problems faced by the community, innovating for the community, knowing your place in the community, fostering two-way communication, adopting a mentality of giving, finding a balance between time and money, building coalitions, and having fun while doing it.” (Blue Avocado)
$1 Billion of ‘Trust Based Philanthropy’: Before Mackenzie Scott, There Was Diana Blank
An in-depth look at Diana Blank, Kendeda Fund, and her giving in Atlanta and beyond. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
For Funders
Radical grantmaking: Shifting decision-making – and power – to communities
The WES Mariam Assefa Fund’s Marina Nuri reflects on launching a participatory grantmaking pilot project and shares five recommended actions for funders that are seeking to experiment with participatory approaches. (The Philanthropist Journal)
“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More
An interesting highlight on Denver-based Bonfils-Stanton Foundation’s work to close the funding equity gap through a new strategic framework. (Inside Philanthropy)
June 2023
What’s On My Mind:
Pluralism in Philanthropy
Over the past months there has been a robust discussion on pluralism in philanthropy, kicked off by a now infamous op-ed “We Disagree on Many Things, but We Speak With One Voice in Support of Philanthropic Pluralism” in the Chronicle of Philanthropy authored by a group of philanthropic leaders including Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker and the Philanthropy Roundtable’s Elise Westhoff.
Their call for a pluralist utopia where all viewpoints are tolerated and even embraced sparked immediate responses from voices such as Vu Le, author of the popular Nonprofit AF Blog. Le’s response “No, Not All Philanthropic Views Are Good, and Many Don’t Deserve Our Respect” railed against the op-ed, calling “[The original op-ed’s] message that all philanthropy is equally valid and good was the philanthropic equivalent of ‘all lives matter.’” Philip Rojc, writing for Inside Philanthropy, notes what he calls “the fundamental shakiness of its intellectual case” comparing the op-eds “vibe” to Francis Fukuyama’s 1992 book “The End of History and the Last Man”. Rhodri Davies in a recent Why Philanthropy Matters newsletter and on the Philanthropisms podcast remarks “the grit in the oyster here is that plurality almost always comes at a cost, as for every donor or nonprofit doing something we like or approve of, there is likely to be a counterexample of someone doing the opposite, or promoting ideas and values that we don’t agree with. The fundamental question is whether we think this is a price worth paying.” I suspect we will see this debate continue in the months to come.
Studies and Research
Behavior and Charitable Giving
A study on new approaches to integrating findings from behavioral science into the world of charitable giving. Tons of deep info to inform your individual giving practices. (ideas42)
Unlocking Progressive Power-Building
To accelerate the movement towards racial, social, and economic justice, philanthropy seeks to support grassroots organizations building the power to achieve transformative policy change. Using findings from interviews with over thirty civic engagement grantmakers, this report offers a set of practical steps that funders can take to change giving practices to better support multi-entity grassroots organizations doing bold power-building work. (New Left Accelerator)
Trends and News
New Georgia tax credit could attract donors to nonprofits
The Fostering Success Tax Credit allows residents to direct a portion of the state taxes they owe to a qualified child welfare organization. Individual filiers can give up to $2,500. Individual business owners can give up to $5,000. The numbers increase for large corporations. The Georgia General Assembly approved the measure in 2022 and it went into effect in January. The program is capped at $20 million. At press time, about $130,000 in tax credits had been processed. (Atlanta Business Chronicle)
Philanthropy and the arts: time for a reset?
Media controversy about elite arts institutions around the world has done significant damage to the standing of arts philanthropy and philanthropy in general. Yet artistic endeavour depends on philanthropic support to sustain not just itself but a vibrant civil society. Some highlights from a recent conversation hosted by UK magazine Alliance. (Alliance)
The Business Case for DEI Reinforces Anti-Black Sentiment
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion industry could not exist without the Civil Rights Movement and owes a debt to the labor and thought leadership of Black activists and freedom fighters. Yet rather than acknowledging and responding to its roots in organizing against White supremacy, DEI has developed into an industry that focuses on surface-level, individualistic engagement, and the bottom line—that is, on the ways DEI can boost profitability. For the DEI industry to achieve its foundational goals, it must shift its focus away from profitability and toward acknowledging and dismantling White supremacy. (Nonprofit Quarterly)
Cultures of Generosity and Philanthropy Within Communities of Color
Hali Lee recounts her experiences with mutual aid through a geh, and relates it to other cultural mutual aid traditions including “tandas in Mexico, sou-sous in parts of Western Africa, i-sou-sous in parts of the Caribbean, sols in Haiti, tam tams in Vietnam, mahibers in Ethiopia/ Eritrea, arisons in Indonesia” and more. (THIRTEEN)
Uncertain Economy — and the Nation’s Debt Debate — Snag Nonprofit Finances
“The nonprofit sector has been roasted on the outside,” says Tim Delaney, CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, who likens the state of things to a hard pretzel rod on the verge of snapping in half. “That’s how fragile things are right now.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Resources
The 2023 State of Grantseeking Key Findings
Results from Foundant Technologies, Grant Professionals Association, Arnova, Campaign Counsel, and TechSoup’s annual grantseeking report presents helpful nuggets such as “The grant process takes staff. For 66% of respondents, one to two people were directly involved in the grantseeking process for the largest individual award, while for 22% of respondents, three to five people were directly involved.” (GrantStation)
Trends in Education Philanthropy: Benchmarking 2023
Trends in Education Philanthropy: Benchmarking 2023 offers insights into where and how funders are working, their evolving priorities and their role in supporting education innovation that benefits the nation’s learners. The 15th anniversary report by Grantmakers for Education -- the first post pandemic -- is based on a survey of 142 education philanthropies. (Grantmakers for Education)
For Funders
In Three Decades’ of Efforts to Fund the True Costs of Nonprofits, Where Are the Workers?
[I]t’s past time for well-meaning funders to say the quiet part out loud: the only way to fully fund nonprofits is to fully fund their labor costs. There can be no equity if that equity doesn’t include the employees charged with delivering it, and you can’t combat poverty while expecting employees to work for poverty wages. (Inside Philanthropy)
A Tale of Two Georgias: One Healthcare Funder's Roadmap for Rural Health Equity
A feature on Healthcare Georgia Foundation’s Two Georgias Initiative which aims to reduce health disparities between the more developed urban and suburban communities and the struggling rural regions. (Inside Philanthropy)
May 2023
Things We’re Loving This Month
A New Podcast!
Purpose Possible colleague Taylor Johnson has launched a new podcast with Little Bit of Good founder Monique Parker-Murchison called Shortchanged and we’re loving it! Shortchanged seeks to understand WHY and HOW organizations and leaders driving important change in our communities are coming up short. Two episodes are up so far featuring thought-provoking conversations with Iara Peng, Founder and CEO of JustFund, and Lisa Sullivan, Founder of LS Ventures. Later in May look out for an episode featuring Purpose Possible’s Director of Strategic Philanthropy, Laura Hennighausen (me)! Click here to listen.
Studies and Research
A project by The Center for Public Interest Communications, The Radical Communicators Network (RadComms), and Milli, Broke shares insights from their research to identify harmful narratives perpetuated by well-meaning organizations in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, primarily in the United States. The report provides the nonprofit and philanthropic communities with an easy-to-use reference for communicating accurately and justly about how the rich got rich and why the poor stay poor, as well as how to use the science of storytelling to advance economic justice for all. It is also an opportunity for the nonprofit sector to confront the harmful narratives it perpetuates and to do better. Read about its creation here.
State of Savings: Atlanta; Optimism in the Face of Adversity
A report by nonprofit SaverLife focused on Atlantan’s abilities to save money when compared to national averages. Savings rates in Atlanta trail national averages and members in Atlanta are 9% more likely to say they don’t earn enough money to set any aside.(SaverLife)
Trends and News
Us and Them: What it Really Means to Belong
Nneka Allen’s essay about her experiences with racism in the Association of Fundraising Professionals and more specifically its Greater Toronto chapter. For more, check out the Giving Black podcast episode featuring Nneka and Múthoní Karíukí.
Race, Shakespeare, and a Theater’s Fight to Survive
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s artistic director — the first person of color in the role — departs amid criticism that her plan to save the American theater drove away donors and patrons. Supporters say bias and racism marred her tenure. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Donor-Advised Funds Now Take in a Fifth of Individual Charitable Giving
The problem is that once donations go into a DAF, there is no legal requirement that they ever come back out to working charities. Donors get publicly-subsidized tax deductions when they donate — but the money can just sit in the account, earning income for portfolio managers, forever. (Inequality.org)
Do Donors Care About Your Solution or the Problem?
“Our support is mostly a function of our attitudes about the problem, not the size or scope or thoroughness or efficacy of the solution.” (The Agitator)
Nonprofits United for a Stronger Alabama Through the Alabama Association of Nonprofits
An interview with Danielle Dunbar, Executive Director of Alabama Association of Nonprofits. (Independent Sector)
Nonprofit Workforce Shortages: A Crisis That Affects Everyone
Charitable nonprofits around the country are reporting significant difficulties retaining staff and filling vacancies. What was initially considered a challenge has now become a workforce crisis in need of immediate remedy and commitment to overcome longstanding problems exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While job vacancies in the government and business sectors may cause disappointment and lost profits, the lack of adequate nonprofit staffing means the public suffers delayed or complete loss of needed services. (Council of Nonprofits)
Resources
A Resource for Media on Covering “Crime” and Violence, including things to avoid, approaches for advancing abolitionist narratives, and additional reading and guides. (Interrupting Criminalization)
For Funders
Leading to Local: How philanthropists can learn to better partner with locally led organizations
Insights from Sarah Bouchie on how to provide practical guidance on lifting up locally led organizations, particularly if funding abroad. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
How Funders Need to Change to Spark a Revolution in Accessible, Affordable, Inclusive Housing
“Nonprofits and funders, working alongside disabled advocates and the public system, are ideally positioned to create, prove and advocate for models that ensure disabled people can live full lives on their own terms in communities that are truly inclusive. To do that, however, the social sector needs to break free from three limiting habits: the tendency to work around public systems rather than with them; a deep-rooted, if unconscious, bias toward paternalism, ableism and segregation; and underfunding of disabled-led advocacy groups.” (Inside Philanthropy)
It's Time for Philanthropy to Be as Bold as Leaders on the Front Lines of Social Change
“[More and more] progressive organizations are using a mix of related legal entities — including 501(c)(4)s, various kinds of political committees, 501(c)(5)s, and even corporate structures, in addition to 501(c)(3)s — to secure policy wins, generate independent revenue and accomplish their goals.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Upcoming Events
Introduction to Solidarity Economy Movements
Solidarity economy movements are people-powered forces to protect what matters most, and draw on tools and traditions within many lineages, making them accessible to any community, anywhere. Join us to explore what a solidarity economy movement is, how it works, and ways we can stay oriented to movement-building even as we navigate against the tides of capitalism and oppression. Monday, May 22nd, 4-6pm EST. Click here for more.
Atlanta: Facts & Acts: Arts, Culture and Creative Enterprises
Join us for a panel discussion of the FACTS on our region’s art sector to ACT and make a difference. Brought to you by Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta and moderated by WABE’s City Lights host Lois Reitzes. Tuesday, May 23 @ 8:30 am - 11:30 am. Click here for more.
April 2023
Things We’re Loving This Month
In the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Crystal Hayling shares some eloquent words on what the future of philanthropy must be. “There is no more room for business as usual. The people and planet are demanding that we build a vision for philanthropy, let go of practices that no longer serve us, and create new ones that move us forward.”
What’s on Laura H’s Mind This Month:
Cynicism and lack of awareness are trending as two of the nonprofit sector’s biggest threats.
A new study by the Lilly School of Philanthropy (What Americans Think About Philanthropy) also reveals that by and large, the American public have little understanding of the nonprofit sector and their role in it. “When asked whether they thought that the percentage of Americans who give to charitable organizations increased, decreased, or stayed the same over the past 20 years, the majority incorrectly believed it had stayed the same or even increased (61.6 percent). Less than four in 10 (38.4 percent) were aware of what might arguably be considered the most frequently discussed reality of contemporary charitable giving.” The percentage of Americans donating to 501c3s has been declining over the past two decades, yet only one in three Americans is aware of this key challenge to the future of philanthropy.
Gaggingly, when survey respondents were asked if they or an immediate family member had benefited from services from a nonprofit in the past year, only 5.4% responded yes. 5%! Clearly there is a need for more education from us in the sector on what a nonprofit is and how we impact daily life.
Another post by Liz Brownsell for Birketts in the UK supposes that charitable giving by the top 1% is reducing in part because of hesitation that their philanthropic deeds will be misinterpreted as self-serving. That doesn’t feel like a great reason not to donate.
Another interesting bit from Brownwell’s article reveals that “while the top 1% give around £2-3bn a year, that generosity is concentrated to a small proportion of the richest. It is considered that the £2-3bn figure come largely from only 20% of individuals in that top 1% – so 80% of the top 1% are not contributing meaningfully to that figure.” The 80/20 rule alive and well. How does that affect the sector when the “funding power” is held by such a small group? Just thinking of the billions of dollars wasting away in bank accounts makes me spiral.
Studies and Research
Survey says: single women were more likely to give charitably than single men by a margin of 9 percent and femaleheaded households were not only more likely to give, but also tended to give nearly twice as much. Are you surprised? (Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors)
Upstart Co-Lab’s Impact Report: Investing for an Inclusive Creative Economy
Upstart tracks the impact of creative economy investments across five dimensions: access to capital for BIPOC and women entrepreneurs, quality jobs, vibrant communities, sustainable creative lives, and an inclusive creative economy. (Upstart Co-Lab)
This is a few years old by now but still has tons of relevant information and statistics and is definitely worth a read. For instance, “The unrestricted net assets of the Black-led organizations are 76 percent smaller than their white-led counterparts.” (Bridgespan)
The Psychology of Overhead Aversion—and What It Means for Charitable Work
A study revealed that people are more apt to donate, and donate in larger amounts, if they believe their donation will not be used for overhead. We know it, we hate it. (Behavioral Scientist)
Trends and News
Renewed Push for Universal Charitable Deduction
A coalition of eleven U.S. Senators introduced a bill to “amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and extend the deduction for charitable contributions for individuals not itemizing deductions.” Co-sponsors to date include: Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Raphael Warnock (R-GA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH). (For Purpose Law Group)
A Fourth of Donors Plan to Give Less in 2023
Dunham+Company recently released its donor confidence survey which revealed nearly a quarter of donors said they plan to give less this year than they gave last. A recent Gallup Poll found 50 percent of Americans said they were worse off financially than they had been a year ago. Gallup says the last time that many Americans felt worse off financially was during the Great Recession in 2008 and 2009. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Sankofa Philanthropy: Hip Hop’s Sixth Element
“To understand how hip-hop artists are transforming the sector, it’s important to know that hip-hop culture’s sixth element of philanthropy is grounded in sankofa, an Akan word that means, “it is not taboo to fetch what is at risk of being left behind.” The cultural value of sankofa is why hip-hop artists who understand their communities’ assets and needs often return to reinvest in them.” (Non Profit Quarterly)
How to Implement Strategic Inquiry at Your Nonprofit in 5 Steps
Using the example of an educational nonprofit (Decatur Education Foundation!), this article presents five steps nonprofits can take to implement strategic inquiry including building board support, listening to community, research, broadening networks, and sharing the journey. (Blue Avocado)
Resources
The Highlander Center’s Methodologies
The Highlander Research and Education Center provides a beautifully illustrated summary of their methodologies including Popular Education, Language Justice, and Participatory Action Research. (Highlander Center)
Candid is now offering the ability to display demographic data on Candid (Guidestar) profiles in the hopes that funders can use these profiles to access this data without requiring bespoke demographics forms. (Candid)
For Funders
An Easy Step to Improve Transparency and Access in Philanthropy
Atlanta’s own David Weitnauer and Rachel Sprecher from Dobbs Foundation relate the success of their monthly “Open Information Sessions".” I love this approach and would be elated to see more foundations follow Dobbs’ lead. (National Center for Family Philanthropy)
Through several blog posts, three program officers from Northwest Area Foundation relate what they’ve learned through a Racial Capitalism Community of Practice led by Neighborhood Funders Group. The term racial capitalism is a concept originally proposed by Cedric J. Robinson to describe the extractive way America’s capitalist economy derives social and economic value from another person of a different racial identity. (Northwest Area Foundation)
"It's a False Dichotomy." Questioning Perpetuity and Spend Down with Clara Miller
A very compelling conversation with F.B. Heron Foundation President Emerita and impact investing pioneer Clara Miller on the perpetuity debate. This is worth a read - if you can’t access the article because of a firewall, just reach out and we can send you a copy. (Inside Philanthropy)
Darren Walker proposes shift in focus of giving in new book ‘From Generosity to Justice’
Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, has a new book that “convenes some of the most important voices in philanthropy to ask and offer answers to a vital question: If there’s a continuum between generosity and justice, how do we push our work closer to the latter?” (PBS)
National Center for Family Philanthropy Racial Justice Cohort
The Racial Justice Learning and Action Cohort is an educational opportunity for family foundation trustees interested in advancing racial justice practices, both personally and professionally. Online applications are due April 21. Click here for more.
Upcoming Events
Webinar Series: Demystifying Trust-Based Philanthropy
In this 6-part webinar series, the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project will explore some of the most commonly asked questions and the underlying misperceptions that may be roadblocks to understanding and operationalizing trust-based philanthropy. April 19, May 11, May 31, June 14, July 12, & August 2, 2023, 12PM-2:00PM PT // 3-5:00PM ET. Click here to learn more.
Charitable Registration: What Does it Take to be Compliant?
Did you know that depending on which state your organization is registered, you may have to register with the government to conduct charitable solicitation? Learn about U.S. state charitable registration requirements and what does it take to be compliant. April 20, Virtual, 1pm EST. Click here to learn more.
This is For Everybody: Transforming the Housing System in Minneapolis through Cooperatives
Join NFG's Midwest Organizing Infrastructure Funders and Democratizing Development Program in a 90-minute Fireside Session with Inquilinxs Unidxs Por Justicia (United Renters for Justice) (IX). We'll learn about IX's four-year campaign to galvanize thousands of people in Minneapolis to create durably affordable housing, end the violence of one of the largest landlords in the city, and devop the Sky Without Limits cooperative. April 25, Virtual, 11:30am EST. Click here to learn more.
Apparo’s Nonprofit Technology and Process Improvement: Free Webinar Series
Bookmark Apparo’s upcoming, free webinars. Upcoming topics include Designing for Impact: Enhancing Your Nonprofit Content with Canva and Future Proof your Nonprofit Operations: Ensure Business Continuity through Technology and Automation. Click here to learn more.
March 2022
Things We’re (Not) Loving This Month
🔥Burnout🔥
Burnout is something Purpose Possible’s leadership team has been talking a lot about lately—not only how to deal with our own but how to support our team members as we navigate exponential growth. A 2022 Chronicle survey of over 650 fundraisers found stress and burnout at the heart of our profession. Ninety-four percent said they strongly or somewhat agreed that there is tremendous pressure to succeed, and 82 percent said fundraising roles are under appreciated. While we don’t have all the answers, we are doing our best to check in with each other and keep work loads manageable. The next few articles are some of what I’ve shared with our team as we hold space for self care and self reflection.
How Leaders Can Help Fundraisers Avoid Burnout
“Fundraisers need opportunities to put their external personas aside and get real about the challenges they face and when they need support. It helps when they can vent with their peers… but they also need to feel that their manager understands the ins and outs of their work.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
How Fundraisers Can Get Off the Road to Exhaustion and Burnout
“There is no simple solution to a problem as endemic as burnout is to the nonprofit sector. But leaders, fundraisers, and experts say there is a common cause: exhaustion. Unfamiliarity with the physical signs of stress and burnout can prevent fundraisers from taking the breaks they need to recover. Deep personal ties to the mission and leaders who minimize the need for rest can push nonprofit professionals to work more than is healthy. And there are logistical roadblocks to rest, too. When the work is always urgent, how can employees take time off? It takes leadership and culture change to shield employees from burnout, but experts say the future of the nonprofit sector depends on it.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Transforming Our Systems, Transforming Ourselves: The Pivotal Role of Healing in Social Change Work
A transcript of a talk by Prentis Hemphill, founder and director of The Embodiment Institute and The Black Embodiment Initiative, at the Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) 2022 National Conference, in Chicago, Illinois. (Non Profit Quarterly)
Reimagining holidays in Nonprofits
Rochalle Hazard relates how nonprofit organization Neighborhood House reevaluated their holiday structure to create a more equitable organizational culture. (Fakequity)
Re-evaluating the Great Resignation
To understand how resignation trends impacted nonprofits, sector leaders must look below the headline figures to understand employee motivations. (Blue Avocado)
Studies and Research
Speak Up, We Need You: Why charity CEOs need to be part of the national conversation
The UK’s Charity Reform Group (CRG), hosted by the Sheila McKechnie Foundation (SMK) released a short report focused on the question: why are charity CEOs relatively under-represented in the national conversation?
11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2023
The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy’s annual publication this year highlights collaborative funding, rethinking capacity building, ESG backlash, and more.
Trends and News
With the pandemic-era emergency allotment of SNAP ending, food banks are bracing for an onslaught amidst reduced resources and high prices. (Business Insider)
After learning that the local foundation she leads (OSI-Baltimore) would close, a Baltimore leader sprang into action and secured $20 million from her parent organization, the Open Society Foundations, to seed a responsible wind-down effort. (Black Enterprise)
Ford Foundation Creates First-of-Its-Kind Fund to Tackle Disability Bias in Technology
The Disability x Tech Fund, which Ford launched with Borealis Philanthropy, will earmark $1 million for work to, among other things, research accessibility and inclusion, develop litigation strategies, and promote tech development with the help of people with disabilities. It will be housed at the Disability Inclusion Fund, which Borealis manages. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Why is there so much secrecy in philanthropy?
Whizy Kim in conversation with Benjamin Soskis, a historian and senior research associate at the Urban Institute’s Center for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, on how lists like the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s Top 50 Donors will become increasingly obsolete as megadonors move toward nontraditional giving methods, such as philanthropic LLCs, that don’t require them to disclose the amount of their contributions or their grantees. (Vox) For more, read a review of the new book For-Profit Philanthropy: Elite Power and the Threat of Limited Liability Companies, Donor-Advised Funds, and Strategic Corporate Giving on Candid.
America’s Top Donors Are Helping to Shape the Future in an Old Fashioned Way
“‘The default setting for the biggest donors still seems to be to steer away from addressing some of the thorniest societal challenges related, for example, to inequity, racism, and the future of our planet,’ says Phil Buchanan, president of the Center for Effective Philanthropy.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
A look at the former president’s deep involvement with Habitat for Humanity. (Bloomberg)
Resources
Transforming Your Board from Difficult to Dynamic: A Step-by-Step Guide
Joan Garry shares tips for dealing with the dead weight found on every board. (Joan Garry)
Soil to Sky: Climate Solutions That Transform
An updated study that shows grassroots movements are best positioned to shift the global food and energy sectors from the dominant extractive models to regenerative ones. (CLIMA Fund)
Resources from Justice Funders
A round up of resources shared during Justice Funders’ State of the Movement presentation. (Justice Funders)
Reading List: Strengthening Democracy Through Social Innovation
Ahead of the 2023 Frontiers of Social Innovation conference, “The Role of Social Innovation in Democracy,” a collection of articles exploring ways philanthropy, nonprofits, and civic institutions can ensure a more just and democratic society. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
For Funders
A call from Grantmakers for Southern Progress
GSP Director Tamieka Mosley appeals to the funding community from Jackson, Mississippi.
A New Playbook for Racial Equity—Inside and Out
W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Alandra Washington reflects on learnings from the Foundation’s commitment to anti-racism. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
The Future of Results-Based Funding, Part One: Adapting to a New Normal
Dianne Calvi, Avnish Gungadurdoss, and Jeff McManus put forth recommendations on adapting results-based funding for crisis and uncertainty. These recommendations come down to a couple of basic principles: first, recognizing crisis is inherently risky, be sure to carefully balance risk and reward to service providers. Second, expect the unexpected by having emergency funding available and preparing to verify results remotely. (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
This Community Foundation Went All In on Trust-Based Philanthropy. Here’s What It Has Learned
In 2022, the San Antonio Area Foundation classified 94.2% of the $8 million in discretionary grants it disbursed to local nonprofits as general operating support. Patricia Mejia discusses their path toward a trust-based funding model and why it’s the right choice. (Inside Philanthropy)
Beyond Divestment: Decarbonizing our Investment Portfolio
Read about how the Rockefeller Foundation is reducing emissions from their investment portfolio to align with global climate goals long supported by their grantmaking programs. If they can do it, every foundation can. (Rockefeller Foundation)
In 2020, philanthropic institutions in the U.S contributed over 13 times the amount of money to extractive global stock markets as they did to all of their grantmaking focus areas (Source: Climate Justice Alliance). In response to this horrific imbalance of capital allocation in philanthropy, movement and philanthropic leaders came together to develop a Just Transition Investment Framework that offers a strategy for how philanthropies can shift capital and power to frontline BIPOC communities who are building local regenerative economies. (Justice Funders)
February 2023
Things We’re Loving This Month
The Center for Effective Philanthropy’s (CEP) recent examination of MacKenzie Scott grantees, along with complementary research by Panorama Global proves what nonprofits have been saying for years - unrestricted gifts make a difference. For grantmakers looking to move into this direction (please!) check out Funding for Real Change for a spectrum of practices and resources that vary in flexibility: starting with increasing indirect cost coverage all the way to multi-year flexible funding.
Nonprofit Registry Launches New Dot-Giving Domain to Help Charities Raise Money
Charities can now register websites under a new digital domain: dot-giving. The Public Interest Registry — the nonprofit that operates the popular dot-org domain — created the new domain with the goal of making dot-giving a home for online fundraising.
Dead billionaires whose foundations are thriving today can thank Henry VIII and Elizabeth I
For my fellow philanthropy history nerds - “Industrial titans like oil baron John D. Rockefeller, automotive entrepreneur Henry Ford and steel magnate Andrew Carnegie established massive foundations that to this day have big pots of money at their disposal despite decades of charitable grantmaking. This kind of control over funds after death is usually illegal because of a you-can’t-take-it-with-you legal doctrine that originated 500 years ago in England. Known as the Rule Against Perpetuities, it holds that control over property must cease within 21 years of a death. But there is a loophole in that rule for money given to charities, which theoretically can flow forever.” (The Conversation)
Nonprofit pickup lines you can use this Valentine’s Day (and year-round)
This month, the NonprofitAF Blog has consolidated a list of nonprofit-themed pickup lines for this year’s Valentine’s Day. You can follow along using the Twitter hashtag #NonprofitPickupLines.
Studies and Research
How philanthropy can unlock action on climate and nature this decade
“[A] recent report by ClimateWorks Foundation reveals that, despite the pioneering efforts of philanthropic leaders in the climate and nature space, global philanthropy at large is not putting its muscle behind addressing the dual climate and nature crises. While overall giving in the sector has grown significantly and an increasing number of philanthropic institutions are making climate commitments, especially in the past few years, the share of total global philanthropy dedicated to climate mitigation remains under 2 per cent annually. Of the approximately US$810 billion of total philanthropic giving in 2021, only about US$7.5-12.5 billion was earmarked for climate mitigation. Giving for climate adaptation, just and equitable transitions, or for nature protection or restoration, is even less.” (Eco-Business)
The T-Rex and the Snowshoe Hare: What’s Next for Philanthropy in the 2020s
“Our research suggests that a handful of powerful social, economic, and political forces will continue to put pressure on funders to change. We’ve identified seven “Big Shifts” that have the potential to influence the philanthropic landscape over the next decade.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Millennials Had the Biggest Increase in Giving Among the Generations, New Survey Finds
Millennial donors turbocharged their giving over the past six years, according to a new report by Giving USA and the fundraising firm Dunham+Company. In 2022, millennial households gave 40 percent more, on average, to charity than they did in 2016 — bumping their average annual contribution up from $942 to $1,323. During the same period, average annual giving by both Gen X households and boomers fell — by 4 percent and 12 percent, respectively. (The Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Social prescription in the US: A pilot evaluation of Mass Cultural Council's “CultureRx”
An evaluation of “CultureRx” in Massachusetts (MA): the first US model of arts on prescription. The program is a partnership between 20 healthcare providers and 12 cultural organizations, in which providers can offer “prescriptions” to cultural experiences to support patients' health.' Spoiler alert - it works! (frontiers)
Trends and News
Who decides what is effective in Effective Altruism?
Effective Altruism, or EA, continues to be a big topic in the Philanthrosphere, and this article by Margaux Day touches on some of what has always made me an EA skeptic. “Everything from EA’s philosophical underpinnings to the causes it supports have been questioned following the loss of the movement’s most significant donor. Instead of asking whether to condemn or support the movement, however, the more crucial question is one that applies far beyond EA: who defines what effective giving is in the first place?” (Alliance Magazine) See also:
Effective Altruism Has a Sexual Harassment Problem, Women Say
“The women allege EA itself is partly to blame. They say that effective altruism’s overwhelming maleness, its professional incestuousness, its subculture of polyamory and its overlap with tech-bro dominated “rationalist” groups have combined to create an environment in which sexual misconduct can be tolerated, excused, or rationalized away. Several described EA as having a “cult-like” dynamic.” (Time)
Donor-Advised Fund Numbers Still Obscure Who’s Giving and How Much
Dan Petegorsky writes about how DAF data reported by the National Philanthropic Trust includes hundreds of thousands of workplace giving accounts that are administered as donor-advised funds by American Online Giving Foundation (AOGF), and argues these small workplace giving accounts are diluting data reflecting the average size of DAF accounts, presenting a more optimistic picture of DAF payout rates than accurate. (Inequality.org) For more, see Dan’s other article How the DAF Industry Controls the Data and Attempts to Control the Narrative in Inside Philanthropy.
Nonprofits Boost the Economy. But the Industry Needs Help
Stanley Litow calls for reform within government contracting processes which are often extraordinarily slow and bloated. Writing about New York, “70% of the organizations delivering these vital services experienced significant delays in contract payments for services already provided. Nearly half of such organizations in the city reported having to take out loans, at escalating interest rates, to survive. The serious delay in receiving their contract payments often approached or exceeded six months after the delivery of invoices.” We have seen this first hand affecting our clients here at Purpose Possible. (Barrons)
End of AmazonSmile charity donations ‘could not come at a worse time’ for nonprofits
The average amount donated to a U.S. charity in 2022 through AmazonSmile was less than $230, the spokesman said. But that amount isn’t insignificant, others say. “That may not seem large when you’re talking about the scale of Amazon, but to that nonprofit, it probably meant helping a couple more people in that community,” said Rick Cohen, the chief communications officer at the National Council of Nonprofits. “$230 still means a lot to a small nonprofit; $50 means a lot.” (MarketWatch)
Resources
Jemez Principles for Democratic Organizing
These ten principles were adopted at the 1996 'Working Group Meeting on Globalization and Trade' hosted by Southwest Network for Environmental and Economic Justice and serve as an important guide to grassroots power-building with equity and justice at the center. Save these, and consider adopting them within your organization. (EJnet.org)
Creativity, Culture & Capital is a collaborative project between Arts & Culture Finance (UK), Upstart Co-Lab (US) and Fundación Compromiso (Argentina), three women-led non-profit organisations, all working at the intersection of impact investment and the creative economy.
For Funders
Art.coop launched with a report, commissioned by Grantmakers in the Arts, about the ways that arts and culture grantmakers can engage in systems-change work. Visit their website for the report and ton of resources on Power-Sharing in Grantmaking, solidarity economy education, reports about inequity in funding, and more.
Racial Equity in Arts Funding Workshops
GIA’s Racial Equity workshops have been designed to help participants recognize that cultural funding is a system that has been historically racialized like so many societal systems and to help guide our approaches to re-designing cultural funding as an anti-racist system. (Grantmakers in the Arts)
How To Prioritize Corporate Philanthropy During An Economic Downturn
“‘Research suggests people only truly believe that [companies] have a purpose and clear values when they see management making a decision that sacrifices short-term profitability for the sake of adhering to those values,’ according to the Harvard Business Review. Through corporations’ willingness to get involved in their communities in meaningful ways, they became more human.” (Forbes)
Participatory Grantmaking: What Practitioners Have to Say
An article by Kelley Buhles on her research of some of the most longstanding community-led funds in the nation '“about what it takes to embed effective participatory grantmaking in philanthropic institutions and create authentic community engagement.” (Nonprofit Quarterly)
4 Ways Funders Can Build Authentic Partnerships With Trans and Nonbinary Communities
From Aldita Gallardo: “Why do this work, with its specific focus on supporting small, emerging organizations led by trans people of color? To me, the answer is clear: Because freedom and liberation for all people starts when we center trans people of color.” (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Upcoming Events
Equity and Justice in Collective Giving Webinar Series from Philanthropy Together
“Addressing injustices in our giving circles and in our communities is complex, challenging, yet necessary work — and we need each other to keep learning and growing, wherever we are in our journeys. The Equity and Justice in Collective Giving Webinar Series offers monthly content to explore themes that deepen our field’s shared commitment to equity.” Multiple dates. Click here to register.
January 2023
Things We’re Loving This Month
Obviously we’ve got to toot our own horns a bit more! Purpose Possible’s fearless leaders were featured as Atlanta Business Leaders in the December/ January issue of Fortune | Forbes magazine.
In praise of being late: The upside of spurning the clock
Something to book mark the next time you’re running behind: "We've created this schema that somehow 'being on time' is evidence of how much you value something," says Irma McClaurin, an anthropologist, independent scholar and founder of the Black Feminist Archive, which is based at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Equating punctuality with high value is a shortsighted view of history and a narrow view of world cultures, she and other scholars say.” (NPR)
2023 Predictions for Philanthropy & Civil Society
The Philanthropisms Podcast takes a look at some of the key issues and trends affecting philanthropy and civil society right now and offer some thoughts on what to watch out for in 2023. I found the topic of a new generation of celebrities (Youtubers, sports stars etc) reclaiming the word “philanthropy” for themselves and their potential impact on wider perceptions of philanthropy to be particularly interesting to ponder on my commute! (Philanthropisms)
What Books Are Philanthropic Leaders Reading? Here Are 21 Great Picks From IP Interviews
Studies and Research
Democracy Funders Network Report: Imagining Better Futures for American Democracy
DFN’s report Imagining Better Futures for American Democracy is a call to action to imagine what our democracy could become. Informed by dozens of interviews with visionary thinkers and doers from a variety of fields and viewpoints, including futurists, activists, thought leaders, creatives, artists, religious leaders, and funders, the report shares their insights on why positive visioning matters, discusses how those visions of better futures relate to democracy and governance systems, and asks how we can inspire more Americans to dream bigger and develop a sense of agency to bring those ideas to fruition. (Democracy Funders Network)
Trends and News
MacKenzie Scott is shaking up philanthropy's traditions. Is that a good thing?
Scott’s recent unveiling of the Yield Giving website with a grantee database and a soon-to-be released application process has some folks considering whether or not philanthropists need to disclose where their money goes. (NPR)
Here Come the Nonprofit Unions
Union organizing at nonprofits has accelerated in recent years. Roughly two dozen museums have unionized in the past three years, according to the American Alliance of Museums. The Nonprofit Professional Employees Union has grown from 300 workers at 12 organizations in 2018 to 1,500 workers at nearly 50 organizations today. In 2019, the Office and Professional Employees International Union started an offshoot to represent nonprofit employees. Its Nonprofit Employees United now represents workers at 68 organizations. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Resources
The Housing Justice Narrative Toolkit
The Housing Justice Narrative Toolkit offers a scaffolding for us to stay centered in the future we are reimagining. It supports our ability to speak to a base of individuals most aligned with housing justice—the anti-racist and persuadable base—in ways which are authentic and that they can hear. This toolkit grounds the core truth of housing justice. It guards against the distraction of the opposition by offering opportunities for us to avoid the pitfalls of repeating the same stories we have been told, or that we continue to tell, that haven’t moved us towards housing for all.
For Funders
Program-Related Investments: One Way Foundations Support Charities Without Donating Money
One way that foundations can stretch their charitable dollars is by making program-related investments — a philanthropic form of lending. Instead of giving money away, those funds are typically repaid several years later. With this model, foundations can recycle some of their charitable funds by dispatching them again. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
A Family Fund’s Response to the Racial Reckoning: Give All Its Assets to One Black-Focused Nonprofit
In a rare move for philanthropy, Adam Holofcener and his family emptied their foundation’s coffers and gave $1 million — nearly all the money it had left to give — to support Lisa Snowden-McCray’s dream: a free newspaper staffed by Black editors and writers in Baltimore to provide news primarily for the city’s Black residents. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Upcoming Events
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute - Georgia’s 2023 Budget and Your Mission
Danny Kanso of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute will walk you through Georgia’s spending priorities for the upcoming year, which promise to make a substantial impact on Georgia’s nonprofits – particularly those working in education, workforce development, health care, poverty reduction, and other social services. We’ll also cover how the budget process works and how you can help advocate for a people-first budget that ensures support for your organization and your clients. Virtual. January 31, 1PM EST. Click here to register.
Learn more about Justice Funders’ investment framework that was strategically developed to advance Just Transition movements in frontline BIPOC communities. This framework requires philanthropic assets to be divested from the dominant financial system and instead redirected into movement-led, community-controlled institutions that build economic power and self-determination. We will explore how foundations can fundamentally shift their assumptions about HOW philanthropic wealth should be invested and WHO should control it. Virtual. February 8, 1PM EST. Click here to register.
December 2022
Things We’re Loving This Month
A Gif Library for You and Me
INTO ACTION is a movement of designers, illustrators, animators and artists building cultural momentum around civic engagement and the issues most affecting our communities, our country and the world. They’ve created a huge library of gifs relevant to fundraising, activism, and more. Spice up your end-of-year campaign! Check it out here.
Doctors Without Borders and Ethical Storytelling
Doctors Without Borders recently released a video in which they wrestle with their history of white saviorism and colonialism via fundraising solicitations. Worth a watch and setting some time aside to think about the types of stories and images your organization uses to tell your story.
Tech company blocks spam with a charity donation request
“An Anchorage woman who worked in marketing for Google has cofounded an email management startup that stops spam and raises money for charities. Melissa Moody says Gated prevents unknown emails from reaching inboxes unless the sender agrees to donate at least $2 to a charity selected by the recipient.” Sign me up! (Seattle Times)
You’re the Philanthropist Now!: A roll-your-own adventure
At the risk of this column becoming just a Rhodri Davies fan account (who am I kidding), I have to include his post about a thrilling game he invented called You’re the Philanthropist Now. “The premise is that you have somehow come into a vast sum of wealth and are contemplating giving some or all of it away, so you have to decide how to do that in a way that you are comfortable with (and, for an added bonus, which you think will be as immune from external criticism as possible).” (Why Philanthropy Matters)
Philanthropy, Gratitude & Recognition on the Philanthropisms Podcast
“If we view philanthropy as a duty of justice, rather than a charitable choice, does that mean we have a right to expect it and therefore don’t need to be grateful? Is it just a pragmatic reality that we need to express gratitude to donors in order to keep them giving? Or does this sacrifice important principles? How does this relate to the debate over “donor-centric” vs “community-cnetric” approaches to fundraising?”
Studies and Research
“Nonprofits are using the grant money to help those they seek to serve by improving or expanding their existing work and engaging in new work, often bringing on new staff to take on that work. Most are also using the money to improve their organization’s financial stability and to fairly compensate and support staff.” (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
Trends and News
In the May 23rd issue of the Association for Fundraising Professional’s “AFP Daily”, AFP Global President and CEO Mike Geiger laid out the need for a Fundraiser Bill of Rights and announced the plan to convene a working group to draft such a document. Last month, the AFP Chicago chapter penned an open letter to Geiger which reinforced the fact that two AFP members, Amelia Garza and Jennifer Holmes, had already developed an applauded Fundraiser Bill of Rights which was in fact published in the April 2021 edition of AFP’s membership magazine Advancing Philanthropy. After Garza and Holmes’ requests to be acknowledged and cited were reportedly unacknowledged, the Chicago chapter leadership demanded that Geiger publicly state that “erasing the work of our BIPOC colleagues is counter to AFP's mission”, among other requests. Geiger’s response can be found here, and AFP Chicago’s follow up can be found here.
“The spectacular downfall of crypto-billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried (commonly known as SBF) and his cryptocurrency exchange FTX resulted in what Bloomberg called ‘history’s greatest-ever destruction of wealth‘. This made for undeniably compelling viewing, but also raises many deep and challenging questions about philanthropy.” (Alliance Magazine)
GivingTuesday 2022 raises an estimated $3.1 billion
The 2022 totals for online and offline giving in the U.S. represent a 15 percent increase compared to 2021 and a 25 percent increase since 2020. (Candid)
Resources
NTEN’s Equity Guide for Nonprofit Technology
This free, downloadable guide will help you understand how to use technology within nonprofit organizations to further equity for staff and communities, fund nonprofit technology to ensure successful, sustainable projects and encourage bold experimentation, and create and implement technology for nonprofits that disrupts the nonprofit corporate model and recognizes the nonprofit sector’s uniqueness.
The Urban Institute’s Giving Dashboard
A monthly-updated data set tracking giving trends, perfect for nonprofit-nerds like me.
For Funders
How Restricted Project Grants Distort the Missions of Nonprofits
“Data shows that the majority of foundation grants still take the form of project support. Beyond the well-known hassles of piecing together such funding, nonprofit leaders point to a deeper problem with project grants: the distorting effect they can have on a group’s mission.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Upcoming Events
Remaking the Economy: Black Food Sovereignty, Community Stories
What does the struggle for Black food sovereignty look like at the local level? Join the conversation as Black food justice leaders from four communities—one from Mississippi, two from North Carolina, and one from New Jersey—share their experiences. In this Remaking the Economy webinar, participants will discuss the interconnections between food sovereignty, racial and economic justice, and community building. Wednesday, January 25th, 2:00pm - 3:30pm ET. Click here to register.
November 2022
Things We’re Loving This Month
“The award reflected the good works of her Dollywood Foundation and Imagination Library, through which the superstar has distributed free books to children worldwide, increased college access, and even advanced medical research—famously playing a pivotal role in funding the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (she donated $1 million to its development).” (Vogue)
We Are For Good Podcast’s Mental Health Week
Mental health is one of the most silent, debilitating and dangerous threats to the nonprofit sector today, if left unaddressed. The We Are For Good podcast highlighted the issue with seven episodes of personal stories, actionable counsel of how to navigate burnout, and paths to healing.
Nonprofit AF’s Roundup of Funders Supporting Sabbaticals for Nonprofit EDs
We must prioritize nonprofit leaders’ rest and healing, and here are some cool funders doing that.
Studies and Research
How Alumni Like to Engage With Their Alma Maters, According to a Survey
More than half of alumni polled in a new survey said they were interested in helping current or prospective students at their alma mater by mentoring current students, helping the admissions office recruit new students, speaking with current students about their careers, or other methods. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Gifts by Donors Asked to Evoke Fond Memories Were 90% Higher Than Others
Prompting alumni to reflect on things they feel grateful for is what’s called a “nudge” in behavioral economics. One explanation for why the nudge we used with one group led it to pledge bigger gifts is that most people are inclined to focus more on their difficulties rather than their good fortune. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Trends and News
T. Rowe Price releases their first State of Baltimore Nonprofit sector report
First-of-its-kind research provides key data and insights on the current state of the nonprofit sector in Baltimore. (T. Rowe Price)
The Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta amassed a coalition of support to preserve and create 6,000 homeowners of color in Atlanta. Its focus is two-fold: 1. Create affordable homes for people historically precluded from homeownership, and 2. Reduce the significant racial wealth gap. (CFGA)
LION’s Local Journalism Awards show the potential of the next generation of nonprofit news outlets
The recent boom of local nonprofit news organizations is proving their model can serve smaller markets, too. (NiemanLab)
Ford Foundation Invests $10M to Support Southern Organizing via Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation
Over the next five years, Ford’s investment will augment the Babcock Foundation’s ongoing primary grantmaking strategy, which is to help strengthen the growing organizations and networks working together to advance racial equity. (Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation)
Only 7% of $1.7B COP 26 pledge is going directly to Indigenous groups
Only 7% of funds delivered so far to fulfill a $1.7 billion pledge to support the tenure rights and forest guardianship of Indigenous peoples and local communities, or IP and LC, have gone directly to those groups, according to a new “progress report” tracking the philanthropic commitments of funders who signed the pledge at last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference. (Devex)
Resources
Blank Foundation Founder and President Discuss Family Philanthropy
Home Depot co-founder Arthur Blank and Fay Twersky, president and director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, discuss the family's collaborative approach to decision-making on the Giving Done Right podcast. (Giving Done Right)
Charities Aid Foundation World Giving Index 2022
CAF has been producing its World Giving Index for more than a decade. Read the report to find out how global giving changed as we began to come out of the pandemic. (CAF)
Why Philanthropy Matters’ Philanthropy Book Club
A regular series of short videos taking a look at some of the best books – both new and old – about philanthropy and civil society. Episode 1 highlights Maribel Morey’s “White Philanthropy”, and episode 2 focuses on William MacAskill’s “What We Owe the Future”. (Why Philanthropy Matters)
For Funders
5 Unexpected Benefits of Corporate Philanthropy
Taken altogether, as summarized in Aly Sterling Philanthropy’s corporate philanthropy guide, creating a CSR program allows your business to realize the full potential of your brand as a force for good. (Submittable)
Fund the People is Fighting for the Wellbeing of Nonprofit Workers — and Funders are Listening
“Foundation boards and CEOs need to just take a pause and think about what would happen if half the people who work in the organizations they fund leave?” said Rusty Stahl, Fund the People’s founder, president and CEO. “What would happen if they went on strike? What would happen if they burned out?” Nonprofits would start collapsing as a result. (Inside Philanthropy)
Eric Schmidt’s Exclusive New Club
The multi-hyphenate former Google C.E.O., philanthropist, D.C. player, and uber-connector has now started a charitable network that could one day rival the Gateses. (Puck)
Positive ESG ratings in the past led to 25% drop in philanthropic giving
New research from two Brigham Young University professors suggests that when it comes to corporate social responsibility (CSR) ratings, if what's being measured doesn't match society's values, the company may be unhappy to receive a positive rating. (Phys.org)
Upcoming Events
Rethinking Thanksgiving: From Land Acknowledgements to LANDBACK
Join the Indigenous Solidarity Network (SURJ, Catalyst Project, Resource Generation) this season to interrogate the legacy of the ‘Thanksgiving’ holiday and hear from frontline Indigenous leaders on how to join efforts to protect land and water at this year's “Rethinking Thanksgiving: From Land Acknowledgement to LANDBACK,” Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1 PT/ 4 ET. Click here to register.
Atlanta Regional Housing Forum: Leveraging Public Lands to Expand Affordable Housing
Join the Atlanta Regional Housing Forum in learning more about Atlanta’s Strike Force and the commitments made by local jurisdictions to address affordable housing. Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 9:30 - 11:45. In-Person & Virtual Event. Click here to register.
October 2022
Things We’re Loving This Month
I’m obsessed with this idea for re-visioning the traditional funding piechart by Curtis Klotz!
“How we visualize our understanding of nonprofit structure and programs shapes the overhead debate. It’s time to get graphic about our new ideas—to deploy fresh images to help educate the public, our funders, and ourselves.”
How to be philanthropic in early Byzantine Christianity, with Dan Caner
H/T to Rhodri Davies for including this incredibly niche podcast episode in the WhyPhilanthropyMatters newsletter.
Ask Vu: Nonprofit Love and Relationship
Vu Le of NonprofitAF has been releasing a series of relationship advice videos on his instagram, perfect for nonprofit professionals.
Studies and Research
Virtual museum visits improve well-being for elderly, study finds
Researchers found adults over 65 who attended virtual guided tours each week over a three-month period experienced significant improvements in their well-being. (The Hill)
“Educational gag orders are state legislative efforts to restrict teaching about topics such as race, gender, American history, and LGBTQ+ identities in K–12 and higher education… In this report, we analyze the landscape of educational gag orders as of August 2022—a natural point for reflecting on the year’s legislation.” (Pen America)
A new study by Hala Altamimi and Qiaozhen Liu shows that “Nonprofits that spend more on information technology, facilities, equipment, staff training, program development, and fundraising tend to be more successful than those that skimp on these “overhead expenses.“ (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Learning Out Loud: What Nonprofits Are Saying About Trust-Based Philanthropy
Findings from the Trust-Based Philanthropy Project’s survey on how and whether nonprofit leaders have experienced shifts in power dynamics in their funder relationships.
Trends and News
Venmo Rolls Out ‘Charity Profiles’ to Allow Charities to Raise Funds Directly Within Its App
Venmo is launching a new feature called “Charity Profiles” that will allow charities to raise funds and receive donations directly within its app. (TechCrunch)
Despite the Fanfare, Ed Philanthropy’s Investment in Racial Justice Falls Short
“Only a few funders allowed movement or community leaders to make grantmaking decisions, though some indicated plans to do so in the future. And even though several of the pledges were aimed at catalyzing systemic change, only about a quarter of grants went toward organizations working explicitly on building power in communities of color.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Drugmakers profit through donations to patient charities, study finds
“While drug companies can't make illegal inducements, they can send money to patient assistance charities and ask that the funds to be used to treat certain conditions, including ones only they and select other companies may have a treatment for.
What they found: The percentage of Medicare Advantage drug spending estimated to qualify for charity assistance, increased from 29% to 41% between 2010 and 2017.
‘Manufacturers could effectively assist in the purchase of their own medications by contributing to condition-specific charities,’ the study authors wrote.” (Axios)
The Forbes Philanthropy Score 2022: How Charitable Are The Richest Americans?
“The richest Americans give only a small percentage of their wealth to charity every year, according to new philanthropy scores compiled by Forbes magazine. The vast majority of those on Forbes’s annual list of the 400 wealthiest Americans have donated less than 5 percent of their wealth to charity, by the magazine’s calculations. Only nine people on the list have donated more than 20 percent of their wealth: Bill Gates, Melinda French Gates, MacKenzie Scott, Warren Buffett, George Soros, Gordon Moore, Amos Hostetter Jr., Lynn Schusterman, and John Arnold. For the third year in a row, Soros topped the list, having given $18 billion so far in 2022.” (Forbes via Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Wealthy Use Loophole to Reap Tax Breaks — And Delay Giving Away Money
In more than 1,000 instances, foundations would have fallen short of their required payout for the year were it not for contributions to DAFs, according to Bloomberg’s analysis. If they’d paid out exactly what they were supposed to in previous years, closing the loophole could have forced them to push an additional $800 million directly to working charities over the six years examined. That’s more than twice as much as the annual expenses of the Alzheimer’s Association or the World Wildlife Fund. (Bloomberg)
As Recession Fears Grow, Economy Shows Troubling Signs for Giving
Still, experts pointed to some reasons for optimism in year-end fundraising, including rising consumer confidence and spending amid hopes of moderating inflation. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Resources
“In 2015, SumOfUs staff, led by Hanna Thomas, began the compilation of a new kind of guide – one that sparks a conversation about language among progressives. With the help of Anna Hirsch, an independent editor, A Progressive’s Style Guide was born. We invite drivers of progressive change – community members, grassroots leaders, activists, and progressive funders – to peruse the vital movement frameworks, decolonizing usage, and up-to-date word choice and phrasing for current theory of change directions and momentum across groups and issue areas presented in this guide.”
Appropriate Terms to Use from the National Disability Authority
A guide to provide some practical guidance and explanation for terms no longer in use when writing and speaking of individuals with disabilities and recommended alternatives.
Building a Culture of Safety at Work in Charitable Organizations – A Practitioner Perspective on the Dialogue About Sexual Harassment in and Around Nonprofits
Liz LeClair published these words in 2021 but this topic remains (unfortunately) relevant today.
South Arts Accessibility Resources
Resources and recommendations for ADA compliance and accommodations for all audiences in programs and services, employment, accessibility technology, alternative methods of communication, and physical accommodations.
Giving circles are reclaiming philanthropy
A new TED Talk from Sara Lomelin on Giving Circles and the future of philanthropy.
For Funders
PayPal debuts ‘Grant Payments’ to shift charitable giving from paper checks to electronic transfers
The new product has been created in partnership with National Philanthropic Trust (NPT) and Vanguard Charitable and allows Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) sponsors, community foundations and other grantmakers to move their donations electronically through PayPal’s platform. In addition to moving money quickly, the system includes an online Grant Payments dashboard available to grantmakers and charities alike where they can view all the grant details, including the donor information, which can be exported to help simplify record keeping. (TechCrunch)
Battling Burnout in the Nonprofit Sector
A video by The Durfee Foundation