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.
Podcast Episode 27: Scrutinizing One of Our Longest-Funded Programs
GiveWell revisited its long‑standing vitamin A supplementation program, scrutinizing decades‑old trial data and new research to refine impact estimates. While classic randomized trials reported a 19% drop in child mortality, the organization now estimates a more modest 1%‑11% reduction in contemporary African settings. Despite the narrower effect size, GiveWell’s updated cost‑effectiveness model still rates the intervention as highly efficient—about 25 times more cost‑effective than its internal benchmark. The findings have prompted plans for additional research, including a potential new trial.
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...
Progressive Housing Leaders Urged to Form Grand Bargain
Responding to criticism of his call for funders to “take a side,” Ned Resnikoff makes a case for a grand bargain among progressive housing advocates. Guest Contributor, Ned Resnikoff Reports: https://tinyurl.com/34pynsj3 Related IP Resources: Grants for Housing and Homelessness- https://tinyurl.com/36c5hsm9 Donor Insights for Housing...
Using AI for Fundraising Still Requires Human Strategy
Nonprofit development leaders are being bombarded with AI tools promising to automate fundraising, but experts warn that AI should augment, not replace, human strategy. AI excels at speeding up prospect research, grant prospecting, content drafting, and workflow automation, allowing staff...
California Grants Boost Legal Aid and Essentials for Immigrants
In collaboration with Gov. Gavin Newsom's office, three regional grantmakers are funding legal assistance and basic needs. Martha Ramirez Reports: https://tinyurl.com/36f53e3z Related IP Resources: Grants for Immigrants & Refugees -https://tinyurl.com/58p6mejn Bay Area & Northern California Grants for Nonprofits -https://tinyurl.com/5ykz25cw Los Angeles & Southern California Grants...
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Announces First Head of Reparations
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust has appointed Keon West as its inaugural head of reparations, tasked with designing a programme to address the colonial roots of the trust’s endowment. West, a leading race‑equality researcher from the Runnymede Trust and visiting...
How to Kill Fundraising Response: Tell a Story
A new M+R AI study examined 3.8 billion nonprofit emails and found that messages containing personal stories generated a 29% lower response rate than story‑free emails. The analysis suggests that generic storytelling often creates a donor disconnect, diluting the call to...
When Grant Management Breaks Down and What Organizations Can Learn
Grant management often sits outside a nonprofit's core fundraising systems, creating hidden risks. A single spreadsheet managed by one staff member can become a single point of failure, leading to missed deadlines, unrecorded awards, and damaged funder relationships. Integrating grant...
How Dissolving Your Nonprofit Can Strengthen the Sector
The Opportunity Agenda, a two‑decade narrative‑strategy nonprofit, voted to dissolve in November 2025 after its leadership determined that a restricted‑grant‑heavy revenue model left no sustainable runway. A $4 million unrestricted grant in 2020 temporarily masked deeper funding diversification flaws, but by...
One Click, Many Layers: Inside a Donation’s Ecosystem
To a donor, submitting an online donation is an instantaneous and simple click, but beneath the surface of that online donation, is a complex, multi-layered financial and technological ecosystem. https://nptechforgood.com/2026/03/26/ripples-of-a-click-the-anatomy-of-a-nonprofit-donation 💡
How Philanthropy Is Reshaping Family Business Strategy
Family firms across the UK are moving from occasional charitable gestures to strategic philanthropy that is woven into their core business identity. By aligning giving with long‑term purpose, companies are using social initiatives to reinforce reputation, address talent shortages, and...
Nonprofit Leaders Welcome Court Decision Protecting Public Trust
A federal court on March 31 rejected a proposed settlement that would have weakened the Johnson Amendment, the 70‑year‑old law barring partisan political activity by 501(c)(3) nonprofits. The ruling, based on the Tax Anti‑Injunction Act, leaves the law intact and...
Foundation Boards and CEOs Clash Over Higher Payouts
A new Center for Effective Philanthropy briefing explores tensions between foundation board members and CEOs around increasing payout. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yhzc8az4 Related IP Resources: Key Debate: Should Foundation Payout Be Higher? -https://tinyurl.com/mt42xwyk Key Debate: Who Should Decide What Gets Funded? -https://tinyurl.com/3ttut9h7 Explainer: What Do...
What If Young People Helped Shape Your Grantmaking?
Lean funders are urged to add youth philanthropy to their portfolios as a strategic investment in community resilience. Programs like the Doll Family Foundation’s initiatives and the Community Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy engage hundreds of students in real...
The Hat Trick: Aligning Your School’s Three Revenue Teams
Private and independent schools rely on net tuition revenue for 70‑80% of income, yet most charge less than the true cost of education, creating a funding gap. Development teams must close this gap through strategic fundraising, while admissions expand enrollment...
Four Nonprofit Leaders on a Year of Extraordinary ChallengeCEP Staff
Four nonprofit leaders reflect on a turbulent year marked by shifting funding dynamics and heightened governance challenges. Bill Gates announced his foundation will spend its $200 billion endowment by 2045, reigniting the spend‑down versus perpetuity debate. The Center for Effective Philanthropy’s...
Philanthropy Struggles to Counter Looming 2026 Election Threats
What is philanthropy doing in the face of threats to the 2026 elections? That question is not so easy to answer. David Callahan Reports: https://tinyurl.com/yrm7bnhn Democracy
68 Leaders Reveal Emerging Trends for Democracy Funders
Drawing on interviews with 68 leaders, trade publication Democracy Notes surfaces key trends affecting democracy funders and nonprofits. Mike Scutari Reports: https://tinyurl.com/37f4mfyu Related IP Resources: Civic & Democracy Grants for Nonprofits -https://tinyurl.com/4zbzy78h Donor Report: Capacity Building -https://tinyurl.com/34hw8r9f Donor Report: Grassroots Organizing & Movement Building-https://tinyurl.com/4zer7rfc #CivicEngagement
3 Things that Seem Like Magic in Fundraising — but Aren’t
The article breaks down three fundraising tactics that feel like magic but are grounded in proven practice: donor‑centric storytelling, strategically chosen photos, and heartfelt thank‑you communications. It explains how each element must capture attention, stay relevant, and align with donor...
Wallace Launches Youth Program in Seven Communities Nationwide
Wallace's Advancing Opportunities for Adolescents program will be active in seven communities around the country. Constance Matthiessen Reports: https://tinyurl.com/ermkn6uy Related IP Resources: Grants for K-12 Education -https://tinyurl.com/y4a92a5f Grants for Early Childhood Education -https://tinyurl.com/5n6mhfmb Donor Insights for K-12 Education -https://tinyurl.com/22zukptv YouthDevelopment
Bloomerang Launches AI Strategist ‘Penny’
Bloomerang has launched "Penny," an AI‑driven fundraising strategist now available in beta on its Giving Platform. Built from thousands of consulting engagements, Penny analyzes each nonprofit’s full donor history to deliver real‑time, actionable recommendations. Early adopters, such as the Joe...
Rethinking the Spend-Down Debate: Mission First, Timeline SecondTracy McFerrin Founder and Principal, Credo AdvisorsBen Zeno
Recent research from the Center for Effective Philanthropy highlights that foundation leaders are grappling with heightened demand and tighter funding, prompting a reassessment of the traditional spend‑down debate. Tracy McFerrin and Ben Zeno argue that timing of asset depletion should...
Using Stories to Communicate Systems Change
Organizations collect abundant data yet struggle to demonstrate real impact. The article argues that storytelling converts raw metrics into insight, especially for complex systems change where causality is non‑linear. It outlines a science‑backed, five‑part story arc—who, problem, action, result, reflection—to...
Nonprofit Branding Strategy: 10 Tips and Key Elements to Include
Nonprofit branding extends beyond logos to every donor touchpoint, shaping perception and trust. The article outlines five strategic approaches—uniqueness, personalized messaging, belonging, emotion, and thought leadership—and details five essential elements of brand guidelines, from mission to communications. It highlights how...
Fundraising Tip of the Week | March 30, 2026
The latest Fundraising Tip of the Week advises nonprofits to eliminate payment friction when promoting matching gifts. Many organizations limit donors to credit‑card transactions, ignoring alternatives like donor‑advised funds, checks, or cash. By offering multiple payment methods, charities can keep...
Radvinsky's Billion‑Dollar Adult Site Stake Fuels New Science Grants
Radvinsky’s stake in the adult content site was worth at least several billion, and it’ll likely end up in his foundation. What might that new megafunder support? Michael Kavate Reports: https://tinyurl.com/8ew32pw2 Related IP Resources: Grants for Science Research -https://tinyurl.com/mpdstvy2 Diseases Funders -https://tinyurl.com/akr4pv9h Report: Giving for...
Africa Is the World’s Most Generous Continent — So Why Isn’t It Showing?
The 2025 CAF World Giving Report confirms Africa as the world’s most generous continent, with donors contributing an average of 1.54% of their income and 72% of adults giving. Six African nations—Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Malawi—rank in the...
Doing More with Less: Why Automation Is No Longer Optional for Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Nonprofit peer-to-peer fundraising has evolved from simple walk‑run events to complex portfolios spanning dozens of event types, multiple digital channels, and over ten revenue sources. Tight budgets and lean staff force organizations to seek efficiency, making automated, multi‑channel messaging a...
The Case for Whole-Organization Funding
Foundations traditionally favor program‑restricted grants, believing they ensure measurable impact, but this practice fuels a nonprofit starvation cycle by underfunding essential operating costs. Research shows a 17‑percentage‑point gap between actual indirect costs and what donors reimburse, translating to roughly $340,000...
New Report Urges Corporates to Play Active Role in Social Impact
The Macquarie Group Foundation released a new report urging corporations to take an active role in driving social impact through catalytic capital and strategic partnerships with impact intermediaries. The analysis emphasizes that European capital is increasingly directed toward impact‑focused investments,...
Unlock Winning Sponsorship Packages for Charity Golf Events
The Guide to Charity Golf Tournament Sponsorship Packages by @golfstatus.bsky.social includes: https://golfstatus.com/resources/sample-golf-fundraiser-sponsorship-packages?utm_source=nonprofittechforgood&utm_medium=resource&utm_campaign=0327-04152026&utm_content=samplesponsorpackages ⛳ • Sponsorship tiers and benefit ideas • How to price sponsorship packages • Why businesses want to come on board as a sponsor
Kruger Big Assist Reveals 2026 Regional Winners
Kruger Products announced the five regional winners of its 2026 Kruger Big Assist program, each receiving $25,000 to expand hockey access in their communities. The winners include female‑focused associations in Vancouver, Saskatoon, Chapleau, Deux‑Montagnes and Keswick Valley. A public vote beginning April 13...
Private Foundation Self-Dealing: 5 Violations You Don’t See Coming
Private foundations face strict self‑dealing rules that prohibit any financial benefit to disqualified persons, regardless of intent or market value. Common pitfalls include below‑market leases, shared services, fulfilling personal pledges, indirect benefits, and seemingly minor expense reimbursements. The Exponent Philanthropy...
Why Philanthropy Matters Newsletter March 2026 (#39)
The March 2026 edition of the "Why Philanthropy Matters" newsletter (issue #39) was released, offering bite‑size chapters that explore philanthropy’s long history to help readers apply past lessons to future impact. The issue links to a web‑based version and highlights...
Webinar for Launch of ERNOP “Philanthropy in Europe” Report
The European Research Network on Philanthropy (ERNOP) launched its flagship "Philanthropy in Europe" report via a live webinar moderated by Rhodri Davies. The study offers the first comprehensive, cross‑national comparison of charitable giving across more than 30 European countries. It...
How Getting Clear on Values Helped One Foundation Show Up for Its PartnersElizabeth Love CEO, Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation
The Hershey Foundation, led by CEO Elizabeth Love, recently clarified its core values, enabling it to align more closely with partner nonprofits and respond effectively to a tightening funding environment. By articulating a purpose‑first framework, the foundation shifted from crisis‑mode...
Red Kettle Rebound: Salvation Army Raised $154 Million
The Salvation Army reported $154 million raised during the 2025 holiday season, combining $103 million from its iconic red kettle street collections and $51 million from digital donations. Contributions grew 4% in‑person and 8% online despite a shorter holiday period. The total approaches...
A Telling Takedown
In February, Glen Galaich, president of the Stupski Foundation, posted a Substack response to Tyler Austin Harper’s Atlantic article that warned about the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s outsized sway over humanities scholarship. Galaich initially praised Harper’s insight, calling it a...
Trust By Design: Creating Safe, Secure Experiences
Nonprofit donors increasingly link trust to data security, with 92% favoring organizations that demonstrate clear protection measures. Silent Partner Solutions reports that strong security habits can reduce incidents by 30% and lift donor trust scores by 32%, yet only 28%...
A Day at the Diamond: Celebrating $100 Million in Community Impact
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation announced it has surpassed $100 million in charitable contributions, becoming the fourth professional sports organization and the youngest MLB franchise to reach that level. In 2025 the foundation raised a record $13.2 million and distributed $7.2 million to nonprofits...
AI Tools Unveiled At Microsoft Nonprofit Summit
Microsoft unveiled the Elevate for Changemakers initiative at its Global Nonprofit Leaders Summit, committing $5 billion in discounts, donations and grants to support AI adoption. The program offers a LinkedIn‑backed AI for Nonprofits credential, live and on‑demand training, and a global...
How to Create a Donor Profile: Ultimate Nonprofit Guide
Creating comprehensive donor profiles is essential for nonprofits to track and leverage supporter information throughout the donor lifecycle. The guide defines donor profiles as digital records in a CRM that compile real‑world data, distinguishing them from fictional donor personas used...
Other Ways to Give: Unlocking Non-Cash Gifts for Your Charity
GiveWise highlights that over 85% of Canadian wealth resides in non‑cash assets such as real estate, securities, and crypto, yet most charities only accept cash donations. This gap is costing the sector millions in potential contributions. The company’s GiveGenius button...
Donor Analytics: How to Make the Most of Donor Data
Donor analytics is becoming essential for nonprofits as supporters demand more personalized engagement and technology reshapes fundraising. By collecting, organizing, and interpreting donor data, organizations can identify demographic, psychographic, and giving patterns to tailor outreach and improve retention. Integrated tools—including...
Pathway Fund Launches First Phase of £12m Dormant Asset Allocation to Support Diverse Social Entrepreneurs
Pathway Fund has opened the first phase of a £12 million (approximately $15 million) dormant‑asset allocation aimed at backing a diverse cohort of social entrepreneurs. The initiative taps unclaimed or idle capital, redirecting it toward ventures that address social challenges while promoting...
Philanthropy and Decadence: What Would Walter Berns Do?
The essay revisits Walter Berns' arguments about virtue, decency, and free expression to propose a radical rethink of philanthropy’s tax‑exempt framework. It highlights historic NEA controversies over taxpayer‑funded avant‑garde art and contrasts them with today’s massive private grants, such as...
Zelensky Has Better Donor Data Than You Do
The piece likens Ukraine’s four‑year drone‑behavior dataset to a modern fundraising advantage, arguing that AI‑driven psychographic insight now trumps traditional donation histories. It shows how costly, generic direct‑mail campaigns resemble outdated military tactics that waste resources. Three capabilities—identity intelligence, autonomous...
In a Time of Escalation, Philanthropy Has a Choice: Invest in Peace
Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, philanthropists are confronting the stark funding gap between military spending and peacebuilding. The article argues that philanthropy, especially women donors, can close this gap by supporting under‑resourced, women‑led organizations that excel in mediation...
How to Raise More Through Word of Mouth
Word‑of‑mouth is the most powerful, low‑cost fundraising tool for nonprofits, but it isn’t purely luck. Jeff Brooks argues that being remarkable—clear, donor‑centric, and exciting—drives organic conversation. He outlines common pitfalls like jargon‑filled messaging and donor‑education overload, then offers concrete actions...
The Complete Guide to High-Impact Donor Survey Questions
Nonprofits can improve donor retention by deploying targeted surveys that capture motivations, preferences, and experiences. Industry benchmarks show response rates between 15% and 50%, making surveys a reliable source of actionable insight. The guide outlines optimal frequency, six core question...