Today's Philanthropy Pulse
UNFI Foundation’s Charity Classic hits record $1.1M for food‑access grants
The annual Charity Classic golf event raised a record $1.1M, surpassing previous years’ totals. The fundraiser will allocate $50,000 grants to each of 22 grantees, supporting both rapid emergency relief and long‑term local food‑system resilience.
Texas Children’s Hospital Gets $5 Million Legacy Gift to Expand Pediatric Behavioral Health
Texas Children’s Hospital announced a $5 million estate gift from the late Barbara LeGrange, earmarked for its Behavioral Health Initiative. The donation provides $1 million in immediate support and an endowment to expand pediatric mental‑health services across Greater Houston and Austin, addressing a surge in child and adolescent behavioral health crises.
2026 Tax Bill Lets Charitable Donations Yield Deductions
Most people donate to charity and get $0 of tax benefit. In 2026, that finally changes because of the new tax bill. Here’s how to take advantage:
PEN America Raises $1 Million to Launch U.S. Author Safety Program
PEN America announced a U.S. Author Safety Program backed by almost $1 million in contributions from the big three publishers. The initiative will deliver safety training, legal aid and crisis support to authors, illustrators and translators facing online harassment and threats.
Board of Peace Receives only Fraction of $17B Gaza Pledge
JUST IN: The Board of Peace has gotten just a fraction of the $17 billion pledged for Gaza.
Inside 30 Years Of Progress At The Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation
Wendy Hilliard founded the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation in Harlem in 1996 to give inner‑city youth access to elite gymnastics training. Over three decades the nonprofit has reached nearly 30,000 children, expanding to Detroit and partnering with the Harlem Children’s...
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
Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation Awards $4.5 Million to Promising Early-Career Scientists
The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation announced a $4.5 million grant program aimed at early‑career scientists showing high promise in cancer research. The funding will be distributed across multiple investigators to accelerate innovative projects that could translate into new therapies. Runyon’s...
Walmart, Sam’s Club Launch Annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. Campaign
Walmart and Sam’s Club have kicked off the 13th annual Fight Hunger. Spark Change. campaign, running at all U.S. locations through May 3. The initiative, partnered with Feeding America, aims to channel donations and product‑linked purchases into meals for the food‑insecure....
Liberty Mutual Establishes $600m Endowment to Support Long-Term Community Resilience
Liberty Mutual Insurance has created a $600 million endowment for its charitable arm, the Liberty Mutual Foundation, to fund long‑term community resilience initiatives. The endowment provides a permanent capital base that can weather economic cycles while supporting multi‑year projects in housing...
Standard Chartered Appoints Nalini Tarakeshwar as Global Head of Standard Chartered Foundation
Standard Chartered has named Nalini Tarakeshwar as Global Head of its Standard Chartered Foundation and corporate philanthropy. The Foundation, launched in 2019, focuses on reducing inequality by improving employability and entrepreneurship for underserved youth, particularly women. Tarakeshwar, who spent more...
DirecTV & San Diego FC Team Up For ‘Goals For Good’ To Support Military Nonprofit
DirecTV and San Diego FC have expanded the ‘Goals for Good’ program, pledging to donate $250 for every goal the club scores during the 2026 MLS season, up to a $25,000 cap. All contributions will be directed to the Bob...
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...
Guggenheim Names Melissa Chiu Director as Museum Faces Financial Strain and Abu Dhabi Controversy
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum announced that former Hirshhorn Museum director Melissa Chiu will take over as its new director on September 1. Chiu arrives after a 12‑year tenure that lifted fundraising by 75% and doubled attendance, but she inherits a...
The Myth of Systems Change
The article deconstructs the prevailing myth that large‑scale systems change can be achieved quickly by partnering with governments. It argues that the push for “scale” and “sustainability” often masks hubris, especially when small teams claim to overhaul entrenched public systems....
Lowe’s Foundation Commits $250M to Skilled Trades Training
Lowe’s Foundation has increased its commitment to $250 million to train 250,000 skilled‑trade workers by 2035 through its Gable Grants program. The expansion builds on a 2023 $50 million pledge and $53 million already invested, putting the initiative ahead of its original schedule...
Good News for Nonprofits as Liberty Mutual Foundation Launches $600M Endowment
Liberty Mutual Foundation announced a $600 million endowment, establishing a permanent, self‑sustaining funding source that will lift its grantmaking beyond the recent $50 million annual baseline. The insurer is financing the endowment by transferring assets, including corporate shares, into the foundation. The...
When Privacy Outperforms Exposure in Fundraising
A recent fundraising experiment compared three image treatments—no blur, full blur, and partial blur of beneficiaries’ faces. The partial‑blur condition generated the strongest donor response, striking a balance between emotional connection and privacy signaling. The effect was strongest among donors...
Kyle Petty Leads 150‑Bike, 3,400‑Mile Charity Ride to Mark 30th Anniversary, $23 Million Raised
Former NASCAR driver Kyle Petty will lead about 150 motorcycles on a 3,400‑mile, nine‑day trek from Sonoma to Charlotte May 1‑9, marking the 30th anniversary of the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America. The ride, which has generated more than $23 million...
From Bingo to Melbourne Flower Show: Humanitix Uses Ticket Fees as ‘Engine for Good’
Humanitix, the Australian ticketing social enterprise, has scaled from charity bingo nights to handling 120,000 tickets for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Its revenue surged to $14 million in 2024, a more than three‑fold increase since 2021, while it...
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 &...
EAA Aviation Foundation Awards 127 Scholarships for 2025-26
The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Foundation announced it has awarded 127 scholarships for the 2025‑26 cycle, providing more than $800,000 to students pursuing flight training and aviation‑related education. The awards are split between flight‑training and post‑secondary scholarships, and the...
Florida International U, Medical School Land $30M Gift for Medical Center
Philanthropists Helen and Jacob Shaham have pledged a $30 million gift to Florida International University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. The donation will underwrite the construction of a new seven‑story academic medical center on FIU’s Miami campus, to be named the...
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
Financial Promises Made to Black Nonprofits in 2020 Faded Quickly, New Report Shows
In 2020, after George Floyd’s murder, corporations and foundations pledged millions to Black‑led nonprofits as part of a racial‑justice surge. A new Candid‑ABFE report shows most of those promises went to large nonprofits and dwindled by 2023, leaving smaller organizations...
‘Women Like to Lead with Impact’: Jessica De Rothschild on Her Female-Centric Approach to Philanthropy
Jessica de Rothschild, longtime trustee of the Eranda Rothschild Foundation, is championing a female‑centric philanthropy model focused on refugee women’s education. Leveraging the UNHCR’s DAFI Scholarship Programme, she launched the Building Better Futures campaign to raise $15 million for 1,000 university...
All Things Creator Marketing with Tiffany Rivers
Tiffany Rivers, VP of emerging media and influencer marketing at Media Cause, will speak at Marketing Brew’s "The Next Phase of Social and Creator Marketing" on May 12. She advises nonprofit clients such as the University of Florida, Parkinson’s Foundation,...
British Heart Foundation Receives Largest Donation
The British Heart Foundation received a £6 million (≈$7.7 million) donation from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the charity’s largest single gift ever. The money will bolster the BHF’s Centre of Research Excellence in Advanced Cardiac Therapies, a joint venture with the Medical...
Charity Navigator Updates Key Ratings System
Charity Navigator announced a major overhaul of its ratings platform, adding impact‑focused metrics, fair‑pay and workplace practice evaluations, and narrative storytelling to complement financial data. The update integrates True Impact’s guided impact reporting module and links to the Impact Reporting...
Bridging India's MedTech Gap with Prototyping Labs
Announcing @BFI_Impact’s latest grant to mPragati. This is one of my most bullish bets on things I am trying to do on the philanthropy side to create an impact in healthcare in India. Here’s why: India has world class research and clinical expertise...
QCDs and DAFs: A Practical Guide for Donors and Advisors
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) let donors 70½ or older move up to $111,000 annually from IRAs directly to public charities, counting toward required minimum distributions while staying out of taxable income. For 2026 the limit doubles to $222,000 for married...
Tap Into These 9 Immediate Grants Now
Stop saying there’s no money out here. Y’all just not tapped in. Here are 9 grants you can apply for RIGHT NOW 👇🏾 ⸻ 1. Building Her Community Grant $5,000 For women building communities, memberships, or courses Apply: freelancingfemales.com/heartbeat If you’re building a community based business… this is low...
Subscribers Donate $20K+ to Charities via $1 Fee
My subscribers have given more than $20,000 to charities of their choice. They are simply the best ❤️ If you want to show your support and know that the $1 monthly fee goes to the charity of subscribers' choice, please do. https://t.co/2f83OjnWU9...
Google Pledges $30 Million to Upgrade Gemini AI for Real‑time Mental‑health Support
Google announced a $30 million investment through its Google.org charity to add a one‑click crisis‑hotline module to Gemini, its AI assistant. The upgrade will surface immediate help resources when users show signs of distress and includes new safeguards for minors, marking...
Family's Funding Fuels Hope for New Dementia Therapies
Investing in hope A wealthy family fighting its own disease boosted research.. Can it spur new dementia treatments? 🗣️"Here was this beautiful family that really wanted to find a cure. And none of us scientists wanted to let them down." https://t.co/DBmpjpkxkl
Asset Managers Embrace Philanthropy with Giving Pledge Initiative
Philanthropy is entering the playbook for asset managers. Joel Holsinger, Co-Head of Ares’ $50B Alternative Credit strategy, on Promote Giving, his giving journey, and bringing the Giving Pledge to investment firms. https://t.co/OEAxCOYMHD
The Impact World This Week: 9 April 2026
The week’s Impact World roundup highlighted three key stories. Malala Yousafzai, speaking with former President Mary Robinson at the Skoll World Forum 2025, warned that gender apartheid must be criminalized. A new survey shows over 20% of Japanese consumers now...
Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards Honor Tory Burch, Distribute $600K to Emerging Designers
Fashion Trust U.S. held its fourth annual awards in Los Angeles, naming Tory Burch Designer of the Year and allocating $600,000 in financial support to emerging designers. The gala also recognized Michèle Lamy with a Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrated...
How a Leading Dutch Pension Fund Set Out Its Impact Investing Future
In 2023 KPN Pensioenfonds, an €11 bn Dutch pension scheme, pledged to allocate 5 % of its assets to impact investing by 2026, with half of that earmarked for green bonds. The fund embedded ESG policies across all asset classes while safeguarding...
Learn How to Shape Great Staff Volunteering Schemes: Join Our FREE Webinar
edie is hosting a free, live webinar on 29 April 2029 to help senior leaders design credible staff‑volunteering programmes that boost sustainability, ESG and CSR outcomes. Sponsored by Royal Voluntary Service, the 45‑minute session will cover strategic opportunities, programme design, cultural adoption...
Time Running Out for Micro Charities to Apply for Free Entry to Third Sector Awards
The Third Sector Awards 2026 are opening a free‑entry lane for micro charities with annual incomes below £100,000 (about $125,000). Interested organisations must register their preferred category by 22 April, after which any oversubscription will be settled by random draw. A...
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...
Successful Fundraising: Beyond Persuasion
Fundraisers often blame weak decks or market conditions, but the real barrier is investors' hidden decision criteria. Prospective donors and venture backers evaluate opportunities against personal risk tolerances, values, and unconscious biases before hearing any pitch. By surfacing these criteria...
18 Best Prospect Research Tools to Find High-Impact Donors
Prospect research tools help nonprofits identify high‑impact donors by aggregating capacity, philanthropic and affinity data. The article outlines a curated list of 18 solutions, from AI‑driven platforms like DonorSearch and EverTrue to free public resources such as Zillow and SEC...
Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards Honor Tory Burch, Michèle Lamy
The Fashion Trust U.S. announced its 2026 award winners in Los Angeles, naming Tory Burch Designer of the Year and Michèle Lamy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. The nonprofit also disclosed $600,000 in financial support for emerging designers, underscoring...
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
Knight Cancer Institute Secures Record $2 Billion Gift
OHSU Knight Cancer Institute receives record $2 billion commitment from Phil and Penny Knight https://t.co/5rgDVaDUtv
Clark Scholars Bring Donated Books to Jamaica
Hurricane Melissa devastated Jamaica in October 2025, destroying 59 library branches and 32,000 books. Johns Hopkins' Clark Scholars Program responded by flying 100 donated books to the island, with 19 undergraduates participating in a leadership‑focused trip. The Jamaica Library Service...
Dematic FIRST Scholarship Applications Open for 2026
Dematic has opened applications for its 2026 FIRST scholarship program, offering two $5,000 awards and ten $1,000 awards to high‑school students who have participated in FIRST Robotics Competition or FIRST Tech Challenge. Applicants must submit a transcript, optional recommendation, and...
Lowe’s Is Spending $250 Million to Train Blue Collar Workers
Lowe’s Foundation announced an additional $200 million investment, raising its total commitment to $250 million to train 250,000 tradespeople by 2035 through the Gable Grants program. The move responds to a looming shortage of skilled blue‑collar workers, driven by rapid AI‑enabled data‑center...