Inside Philanthropy
Editorial team led by David Callahan; in‑depth reporting and analysis on foundations, DAFs, payout debates, and nonprofit trends.
Ted Turner's Legacy Sparked Billionaire Philanthropy Era
Ted Turner Helped Set the Stage for Philanthropy’s Billionaire Era Philip Rojc Reports: https://tinyurl.com/48e7c34k Related IP Resources: Turner Foundation Inc. -https://tinyurl.com/3uccb7j8 Captain Planet Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/3ht9ynr4 Global Security Grants -https://tinyurl.com/4duwfh36 Grants for Wildlife Conservation -https://tinyurl.com/jehhz44x TedTurner
Nonprofit Turns Short-Term Housing Into Disaster Shelter
The nonprofit spin-off from the short-term housing company gives people a place to land during climate catastrophes and other disasters. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/dfthxkyn Related IP Resources: Grants for Humanitarian Aid -https://tinyurl.com/mmx8dzw8 Grants for Immigrants & Refugees -https://tinyurl.com/58p6mejn Donor Insights for Immigrants & Refugees -https://tinyurl.com/5n7x7vpj EmergencyHousing
Funding Intermediary Revamps Strategy Amid Reproductive Justice Funding Decline
Confronting a downturn in reproductive justice support at a dangerous moment, here’s how and why the funding intermediary changed up its approach. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3vtkp83v Related IP Resources: Grants for Reproductive Justice & Health -https://tinyurl.com/yc6uzpbv What Is Capacity-Building Support for Nonprofits? -https://tinyurl.com/56favecd ReproductiveJustice
Tech Donors Should Prioritize Overlooked AI Impact Areas
In the age of AI, the most important giving priority for tech donors may be the one they’re largely ignoring. Guest Contributor, Gabe Ziaukas Reports: https://tinyurl.com/52bkx85v Related IP Resources: Tech Philanthropists -https://tinyurl.com/bdewp5v8 Grants for Arts & Culture -https://tinyurl.com/52a2ed2b Grants for Arts Education -https://tinyurl.com/4e59uvjr TechPhilanthropy
Chicago Emerges as Nation’s Philanthropy Hotspot
With a well-established culture of giving and lots of prominent funders, the nation’s third-most populous city is a philanthropy hotspot. Katherine Don Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yd7cefcf Related IP Resources: Illinois Grants for Nonprofits -https://tinyurl.com/22bkcvf6 MacArthur Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/eduznm9r The Chicago Community Trust Trust -https://tinyurl.com/d4shc3vh Chicago
990 Reform Plans Stalled by Persistent Payout Barriers
Plans to change up the 990 form notwithstanding, major factors standing in the way of genuine, payout-oriented reform remain in place. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/2e2wanc7 Related IP Resources: Explainer: What is a Donor-Advised Fund? -https://tinyurl.com/mskbpxnu How to Get Grants From Donor-Advised Funds -https://tinyurl.com/4pyhff7k Key Debate:...
PE Veteran Launches Foundation Boosting Cross‑Disciplinary Scholars
Private equity veteran Will Thorndike created the Cromwell Harbor Foundation to foster the careers of innovative, cross-disciplinary scholars. Paul Karon Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3jfxjtzc Related IP Resources: Grants for Higher Education -https://tinyurl.com/2dx6h3mu Grants for Science Research -https://tinyurl.com/mpdstvy2 Donor Insights for Science -https://tinyurl.com/55paf7kc HigherEducation
Billionaire Influence Dominates Skoll Forum, Yet Unspoken
Billionaire influence could be found everywhere at this year’s Skoll World Forum, but for all that, there was little talk of their growing power. Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yckxukya Related IP Resources: Skoll Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/mtkah795 Major Donors: A Guide to Securing Major Gifts -https://tinyurl.com/49w7jx3e How to...
Final Gift Secures Perpetual Funding, Offers Grantmaking Lessons
The Clark Foundation's final gift to the National Institute for Student Success strengthened its long-term financial stability. What are some lessons for other grantmakers? Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/2p9wzt2b Related IP Resources: What Do the Terms “Perpetuity” and “Spend Down” Mean? -https://tinyurl.com/39dexasw What is Multi-year...
Tracking Climate Philanthropy Remains Elusive, Says Kavate
It’s been hard to track climate philanthropy during the past 18 months. Here’s what Michael Kavate learned from a dozen-plus conversations with green groups at the Skoll World Forum. Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/35un5jfz Related IP Resources: Skoll Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/mtkah79 Grants for Climate Change -https://tinyurl.com/mvh59bw7 Environmental...
AmfAR Sustains HIV/AIDS Research Amid Funding Cuts
For over 40 years, amfAR has backed research efforts into HIV/AIDS, and is continuing to do so despite government cuts and a widely held perception that AIDS is behind us. Connie Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/mr3t6zfa Related IP Resources: Grants for Diseases -https://tinyurl.com/akr4pv9h Grants for Science...
Nonprofit News Funding Grows, Rural Gaps Remain
Support for nonprofit local news is on the rise, but there's still vast need in underserved rural areas. Here's how several funding efforts are shaping up. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/bp9vvn8c Related IP Resources: Journalism Grants -https://tinyurl.com/4nwuxehu Civic & Democracy Funders -https://tinyurl.com/4zbzy78h Report: Giving for Journalism...
Childless Latino Philanthropists Fund Thousands of First‑gen Scholars
Hector and Gloria López never had kids. So through one of the largest Latino-founded private foundations in the U.S., they left their fortune to thousands of first-generation students they'd never meet. Ade Adeniji Reports: https://tinyurl.com/5fmszd43 Related IP Resources: Grants for Higher Education -https://tinyurl.com/2dx6h3mu College...
Veteran Consultant Reveals Blueprint for Nonprofit Growth
Following the Skoll World Forum last week, the veteran fundraising consultant shared more about her approach to helping nonprofits expand. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/4zknwh5r Related IP Resources: Skoll Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/mtkah795 Major Donors: A Guide to Securing Major Gifts -https://tinyurl.com/49w7jx3e What Is Capacity-Building Support for Nonprofits?...
Grantmakers Can Instantly Boost U.S. Voter Turnout
While grantmakers weigh how to tackle the deeper problems plaguing U.S. democracy, there's a strong, shovel-ready option to back right now. David Callahan Reports: https://tinyurl.com/bdd5dv65 VoterTurnout
Major Funders Deliberately Avoid Tackling Sky‑High Inequality
With few exceptions, major funders are purposefully sidestepping the problem of sky-high inequality, guest author Larry Ottinger writes. Guest Contributor, Larry Ottinger Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yc34zx2n Inequality
DIV Fund Scales Life‑Saving Solutions with Growing Backers
With roots in a shuttered USAID, the DIV Fund is working to scale cost-effective and life-saving solutions. Who's backing it so far? Constance Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/nw9fmnnb Related IP Resources: Grants for Global Development -https://tinyurl.com/533vjt2t Report: Giving for Global Development -https://tinyurl.com/mrwhwzt6 Report: Giving for Global Humanitarian...
Indian American Philanthropy Surges: Giving Quadruples Since 2019
The broader Indian American community was giving $1 billion a year in 2019. That number has now quadrupled. Here are some of the donors, couples and families leading that charge. Ade Adeniji Reports: https://tinyurl.com/5h49ef25 Related IP Resources: Grants for K-12 Education -https://tinyurl.com/y4a92a5f Grants for...
Philanthropic LLCs Give Billionaires Flexibility, Obscure Transparency
The rise of the philanthropic LLC is a big ongoing story as billionaires stretch their giving muscles. These complex vehicles give donors more leeway, but aren't always easy to track. Katherine Don Reports: https://tinyurl.com/trp4tfnc Related IP Resources: Omidyar Network -https://tinyurl.com/3xa6c7wm Emerson Collective -https://tinyurl.com/3n3xy9hm Chan Zuckerberg...
40+ Foundations Commit to More Flexible, Transparent Grantmaking
Over 40 signatories of CHANGE Philanthropy’s Level Up pledge have committed to increase their grantmaking and roll out dollars more flexibly and transparently. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/mr4th2hk Related IP Resources: Key Debate: Should Foundation Payout Be Higher? -https://tinyurl.com/mt42xwyk What Do the Terms “Perpetuity” and...
C&S Launches National Drive to Empower Young Leaders
Formerly the Institute for Citizens and Scholars, and before that the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation, C&S has launched an ambitious effort to inspire young leaders across the country. Connie Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/5x9jkpnj Related IP Resources: Civic & Democracy Funders -https://tinyurl.com/4zbzy78h State of American...
A Viable Alternative to Top‑Down Philanthropy Emerges
No one has funded a workable alternative to the traditional top-down funder-grantee dynamic in civic engagement philanthropy, Yoni Landau and Matt Singer write. But they argue there is one. Guest Contributors, Yoni Landau and Matt Singer Reports: https://tinyurl.com/u379v45c Related IP Resources: Donor Report:...
Team‑Focused Model Drives Cancer Breakthroughs, Inspires Broader Biomedical Solutions
For the last five years, Break Through Cancer has been getting results with a deliberate, team-oriented approach. It’s a model that might help tackle other biomedical challenges. Paul Karon Reports: https://tinyurl.com/vf3mwzr5 Related IP Resources: Grants for Science Research -https://tinyurl.com/mpdstvy2 Diseases Funders -https://tinyurl.com/akr4pv9h Report: Giving for...
John Tu's Wife's Big Gifts Hint at New Philanthropy
Despite a fortune one estimate puts at nearly $60 billion, John Tu has a limited philanthropic record. But some recent big gifts from his wife, Mary, may be a sign of things to come. Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/bdzzuymk Related IP Resources: John and...
Key Takeaways From CAUSE’s Higher Ed Landscape Report
Here's our take on some top findings from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education's latest look at the landscape. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/an2cm9am Related IP Resources: Grants for Higher Education -https://tinyurl.com/2dx6h3mu Major Donors: A Guide to Securing Major Gifts -https://tinyurl.com/49w7jx3e Donor Insights for...
Funders Must Push Regulation After Meta, Google Liability
Meta and Google were found liable for harms their platforms caused. Now is the time for funders to go all-in on pushing for regulatory action and a shift in attitudes. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/ytv5ksm3 Related IP Resources: Mental Health Grants -https://tinyurl.com/5755dnxy Grants for Public...
94‑Year‑Old Kirsh Turns $29B Deal Into Philanthropy
At 94, Kirsh has seen his wealth soar following a $29-billion-dollar deal. Here's a look at his philanthropic pursuits and efforts against antisemitism. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/2s48zvhc Related IP Resources: Jewish Funders: Foundations & Donors to Know -https://tinyurl.com/y2p822m2 Grants for Global Development -https://tinyurl.com/533vjt2t Grants for...
Funders Boost Mentor Training for Lasting Impact
Funders are stepping up to enhance mentorship by supporting training programs, aiming to empower mentors with skills to make a lasting impact. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yc3tdn7e Mentorship
Gert Boyle’s Daughters Inherit Oregon’s Top Philanthropy
When Gert Boyle died in 2019, two foundations built by her daughters suddenly found themselves among Oregon's largest philanthropies. Here’s the story of the one you haven't heard of yet. Ade Adeniji Reports: https://tinyurl.com/5dun4enw Related IP Resources: Oregon Grants for Nonprofits -https://tinyurl.com/bdhdbx54 Grants for...
McKnight Foundation Adds $20M to 2026 Grants
McKnight President Tonya Allen discusses why the foundation will disburse an additional $20 million in 2026 on top of an earlier five-year, $200 million payout increase. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/465ry9pj Related IP Resources: McKnight Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/5yn2bmc4 Minnesota Grants for Nonprofits -https://tinyurl.com/55jy7nyb Grants for Immigrants &...
Rapid‑Response Fund Saves Public Media After Funding Cuts
Here's the story of how the new pooled rapid response fund moved money quickly to keep public radio and television stations on air after Congress slashed their funding. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/n6ava72v Related IP Resources: Journalism Grants -https://tinyurl.com/4nwuxehu Donor Insights for Journalism -https://tinyurl.com/3yahvnt6 Report: Giving...
More Billionaires, More Giving—But Inequality Persists
As the ranks of the ultra-wealthy have exploded, so has philanthropy. This is another good-news, bad-news story. David Callahan Reports: https://tinyurl.com/56nb4axe WealthInequality
Donors' Stated Values Clash With Actual Giving
There's a stark divide between what donors say they value and how they actually give, writes Grace Adams of Effective Altruism Australia. Guest Contributor, Grace Adams Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3ub2yy5f Related IP Resources: How Do Foundations Make Grant Decisions? -https://tinyurl.com/2p2pcn33 How to Write a Grant Report...
Billionaire Peterffy's Modest Giving Sparks Family Philanthropy Tension
Thomas Peterffy has an $80 billion-plus fortune, but a modest philanthropic record. While his children run a foundation, the generations may not exactly see eye to eye. Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/5b83z5pd Related IP Resources: Wall Street Philanthropists -https://tinyurl.com/3z58wwpf Grants for Climate Change -https://tinyurl.com/mvh59bw7 Environmental Conservation...
Funders Must Rethink Strategies for Civilian Protection
As the global security landscape grows more volatile, Jenny McAvoy argues that funders need a better plan to back civilian protection. Guest Contributor, Jenny McAvoy Report: https://tinyurl.com/5e8fedsw Global Security Grants -https://tinyurl.com/4duwfh36 Grants for Human Rights -https://tinyurl.com/y29n7rkt Grants for Humanitarian Aid -https://tinyurl.com/mmx8dzw8 GlobalSecurity
Community Foundations Boost Healthcare Access Amid Rising Barriers
Some community funders are stepping up as accessing healthcare gets harder. But how does this all measure up to 2020? Katherine Don Reports: https://tinyurl.com/229yud6t Related IP Resources: California Community Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/4czjt7nd Coastal Community Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/8fw5dh56 The Chicago Community Trust Trust -https://tinyurl.com/d4shc3vh Essex County Community Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/murybu6j Healthcare
Foundation Pledges $1B, Faces Conflict-of-Interest Concerns
The foundation aims to disburse at least $1 billion over the next year. However, critics are still very concerned about conflicts of interest between the foundation and the for-profit OpenAI Group. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3aumvkb5 Related IP Resources: OpenAI Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/yck5tsmu Grants for Science...
Scientific Breakthroughs Demand Coordinated Philanthropic Support
Scientific advances hold a lot of promise for rare disease treatment, Erin Finucane and Nicole Boice write. What’s needed right now is philanthropic alignment. Guest Contributors, Erin Finucane and Nicole Boice Reports: https://tinyurl.com/y57vuny3 Related IP Resources: Disease Research Funders -https://tinyurl.com/akr4pv9h Grants for Science Research...
Illinois Draws a Quarter of U.S. Reproductive‑care Travelers
Close to 1 in 4 people who travel in the U.S. for reproductive healthcare come to Illinois. A new philanthropic partnership with the state could be a model for other places. Connie Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/43smhtkn Related IP Resources: Grants for Reproductive Justice &...
Billionaire Donors Amplify Funding and Influence, Data Shows
As a group, billionaire donors are moving more money and have more clout in the sector. That seems clear from abundant anecdotal evidence, but what do the numbers say? Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/2fb2xa4t WealthInequality
Turning Young Professionals Into Tech‑Government Dual Citizens
Arun Gupta watched technology and government talk past each other for decades. Now, through NobleReach Foundation, he's helping young professionals become “dual citizens” of both worlds. Ade Adeniji Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yue473p6 Related IP Resources: Grants for Economic Development -https://tinyurl.com/mshe3f2r Tech Philanthropists -https://tinyurl.com/kphzx6ke Donor Insights for Workforce...
Ansaras' Healthcare Investments Transform Haiti and Beyond
Jim and Karen Ansara have invested deeply in creating healthcare facilities in Haiti and other countries, with growing impact. Guest Contributor, Susan Barnett Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yc6e924m GlobalHealth
Workday Co‑founder Donates $1.2B to Veterans, Animals, Education
The Workday and PeopleSoft cofounder's total giving tops $1.2 billion, according to the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation. Here's where that money's been going. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3wmyuzc2 Related IP Resources: Grants for Veterans -https://tinyurl.com/2kbszc55 Grants for Animal Rescue -https://tinyurl.com/4scf443k Grants for Higher Education -https://tinyurl.com/2dx6h3mu BillionaireGiving
Prioritize Personal Connection, Energy, and Comfort at Philanthropy Events
Connect on the personal level, protect your energy, wear comfortable shoes — and other advice from the prequel to the world’s most intense philanthropy convening. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/3jsz4h5d Related IP Resources: Skoll Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/mtkah795 How to Find New Donors for Your Nonprofit -https://tinyurl.com/h9678jf8 Major...
Philanthropy Must Embrace AI While Preserving Trust
As AI shifts from experimental to expected, philanthropy is facing a critical question: how to adopt these tools without compromising trust. In a recent piece from The Index Applied Substack, sector leaders—including Ashutosh Nandeshwar, Ph.D. (CCS Fundraising), Jean Westrick (Technology Association...
Private Funders Bridge Gap After U.S. Aid Cuts
U.S. cuts have devastated aid programs across the globe, but private funders are helping organizations like Helen Keller Intl continue at least some of their life-saving work. Constance Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yc8fnjb2 Related IP Resources: Global Health Grants -https://tinyurl.com/52eacu6a Grants for Global Development -https://tinyurl.com/533vjt2t Donor Insights...
Local Grants and National Initiative Cushion Washington Post Cuts
Donations to dynamic local outlets – and support from one big national initiative – have offset major downsizing at The Washington Post. Celia Wexler Reports: https://tinyurl.com/2xfrabf4 Related IP Resources: Journalism Grants -https://tinyurl.com/4nwuxehu Washington D.C. Grants -https://tinyurl.com/2e3wspm8 Civic & Democracy Funders -https://tinyurl.com/4zbzy78h Journalism
CZI Biohub Leverages AI to Outpace Funders in Biomedical Research
CZI’s Biohub aims to harness AI for groundbreaking biomedical research, potentially surpassing other leading funders in influence and investment. Wendy Paris Reports: https://tinyurl.com/28f6rnzc Related IP Resources: The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative -https://tinyurl.com/nhhw9a9u Disease Research Grants -https://tinyurl.com/akr4pv9h Grants for Science Research -https://tinyurl.com/mpdstvy2 Tech Philanthropists -https://tinyurl.com/bdewp5v8 Journalism
Family Foundations Evolve: Tech Wealth Meets Midwest Roots
After covering family foundations across the country, stemming from Silicon Valley tech wealth to Midwestern business fortunes, Ade Adeniji offers some key takeaways. Ade Adeniji Reports: https://tinyurl.com/ybhn99hv Related IP Resources: Donor Report: Family Foundations -https://tinyurl.com/5n989227 Donor Report: Place-Based Giving -https://tinyurl.com/wssscmun Donor Report: Trust-Based Philanthropy -https://tinyurl.com/bdz7kufh FamilyPhilanthropy
Performing Artists Lead Tech Innovation Through New Initiative
The foundation’s Artists Make Technology initiative seeks to build a field where performing artists drive technological innovation in partnership with peers, funders and tech experts. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/vusedrsb Related IP Resources: Doris Duke Foundation -https://tinyurl.com/4rwm98fs Grants for Arts & Culture -https://tinyurl.com/52a2ed2b Music Grants -https://tinyurl.com/m3wdwfv2 Tech...