… [Read more...] about Why a Key Women’s Foundation Is Ramping Up Its Support in the Midwest
Movement Building
Youth Leaders’ Climate Fund Is Growing, But Not Fast Enough to Meet Demand
Will More Philanthropies Step Up to Help Workers? Recent Funding Developments to Note
This California Foundation Has Supported Progressive Causes for Almost 90 Years
California is home to a large number of philanthropic institutions and many of them take unapologetically progressive stances, together serving as models for social justice grantmaking across the country. But few of them have been in the progressive … [Read more...] about This California Foundation Has Supported Progressive Causes for Almost 90 Years
Six Things to Know About the Libra Foundation’s New President, Supriya Lopez Pillai
In 2005, Supriya Lopez Pillai returned to the United States after a spell abroad that had taken her from rural West Africa to the bustling streets of Phnom Penh. She had a new mission: to understand and influence philanthropy — and ultimately move … [Read more...] about Six Things to Know About the Libra Foundation’s New President, Supriya Lopez Pillai
Philanthropy Must Safeguard Our Right to Protest, a Key Pathway to Progress
When 42 Defend the Atlanta Forest protestors faced charges of domestic terrorism for their opposition to a controversial new police training facility, widely referred to as “Cop City,” the Atlanta Solidarity Fund stepped in to provide bail support. … [Read more...] about Philanthropy Must Safeguard Our Right to Protest, a Key Pathway to Progress
Who’s Funding Policy Advocacy for Immigration Reform and Immigrant Rights?
An Urgent Moment for The Movement Cooperative, a Progressive Election Infrastructure Hub
“A Very Powerful Moment.” The California Endowment Goes Big for Community Organizing
Community organizers and leaders have long stressed the need for philanthropy to make greater investments in nonprofits’ infrastructure. Despite this, many organizations, particularly those that are led by people of color and engage in the vital but … [Read more...] about “A Very Powerful Moment.” The California Endowment Goes Big for Community Organizing
Bill Drayton on Ashoka’s Work to Make “Everyone a Changemaker”
Four decades ago, when Bill Drayton founded Ashoka, the terms “changemaker” and “social entrepreneur” weren’t part of the lexicon. Drayton coined them to describe the global movement he was launching, which he envisioned as a community of innovators … [Read more...] about Bill Drayton on Ashoka’s Work to Make “Everyone a Changemaker”
“Not Standard Corporate Philanthropy.” Progressive Values Drive the Amalgamated Charitable Foundation
Amalgamated Bank has been around for a century. Meanwhile, the Amalgamated Charitable Foundation, which only got off the ground in 2018, seemed like a natural philanthropic progression for the venerable bank, known for its roots in union … [Read more...] about “Not Standard Corporate Philanthropy.” Progressive Values Drive the Amalgamated Charitable Foundation
This Funder is Zeroing in on Underrepresented Voters — and ID-ing Insurrectionists
Protecting democracy isn’t always glamorous. Sometimes it requires raising money and managing budgets to cover the rent and provide employees with a living wage. Public Wise considers these kinds of quotidian, practical details part of its mission, … [Read more...] about This Funder is Zeroing in on Underrepresented Voters — and ID-ing Insurrectionists
“As the South Goes…” Meet a Fund that’s Powering Frontline Southern Movement Groups
Despite W.E.B. Du Bois' famous saying, "As the South goes, so goes the nation," Southern states in the U.S. have been historically underfunded, and that continues to this day. In a report on Southern grantmaking, the National Committee for Responsive … [Read more...] about “As the South Goes…” Meet a Fund that’s Powering Frontline Southern Movement Groups
A New Fund Backs Civic Engagement and Power Building for Communities of Color in California
With the general election right around the corner, nonprofit organizations and philanthropic funders are ramping up their efforts to mobilize voters. Organizers, however, emphasize that this type of work should be a long-term endeavor in empowering … [Read more...] about A New Fund Backs Civic Engagement and Power Building for Communities of Color in California
Beyond Trust-Based Philanthropy: Ms. Foundation Report Advocates for Care-Based Giving
In its influential 2020 report, “Pocket Change: How Women and Girls of Color Do More With Less,” the Ms. Foundation for Women found that total philanthropic giving for women and girls of color in 2017 totaled $356 million — or $5.48 for every woman … [Read more...] about Beyond Trust-Based Philanthropy: Ms. Foundation Report Advocates for Care-Based Giving
A Foundation’s Bid to Build Access and Change Narratives Around Government Spending
Ever since President Ronald Reagan joked, "The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government, and I'm here to help,” it's been a common refrain. Government is inefficient, government doesn't work, government should … [Read more...] about A Foundation’s Bid to Build Access and Change Narratives Around Government Spending
The Paul G. Allen Foundation Gets Behind a Youth-Led Campaign to Boost Civic Engagement
Many adults today fret about civic and voter engagement among younger people, pointing to their disaffection from politics and low turnout at the polls. But Jacob Merkle sees something different when he thinks about young people in America: an … [Read more...] about The Paul G. Allen Foundation Gets Behind a Youth-Led Campaign to Boost Civic Engagement
Black Feminists Are Organizing with Little to No Funding. Here Are Three Ways to Change That
Around the world, Black feminists are doing transformational work to advance human rights and social justice. As people who are among those most impacted by multiple, systemic injustices, Black women and gender nonconforming people are dreaming and … [Read more...] about Black Feminists Are Organizing with Little to No Funding. Here Are Three Ways to Change That
Youth Leaders Put Climate on the Agenda, But Get Philanthropic Scraps. They’re Ready for Abundance
It was late 2019. Young people from around the world had just put together the biggest climate protest ever. Youth leaders like Greta Thunberg, Vanessa Nakate and Xiye Bastida were suddenly stars, with political leaders asking them for selfies. Even … [Read more...] about Youth Leaders Put Climate on the Agenda, But Get Philanthropic Scraps. They’re Ready for Abundance
“Transformation” at the JPB Foundation: Eight Questions with Deepak Bhargava, President-Elect
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on September 18, 2023.In mid July, the JPB Foundation posted a handful of job listings that got people talking.There were some eye-catching titles: senior vice presidents of both “community and … [Read more...] about “Transformation” at the JPB Foundation: Eight Questions with Deepak Bhargava, President-Elect
Eight Questions for Ray Colmenar, President of the Akonadi Foundation
Raymond Colmenar is the president of the Akonadi Foundation, an Oakland-based grantmaker dedicated to advancing racial justice in the California Bay Area. Colmenar, who brings decades of experience in both philanthropy and public service, is … [Read more...] about Eight Questions for Ray Colmenar, President of the Akonadi Foundation
How Can Funders Meaningfully Address Gender-Based Violence? Support Survivor Justice
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on June 28, 2023. This year, the White House marked Sexual Assault Awareness Month in March with a proclamation that included a sobering statistic: 1 in 4 women have survived a rape or attempted … [Read more...] about How Can Funders Meaningfully Address Gender-Based Violence? Support Survivor Justice
Dear Philanthropy: Step Up for Reproductive Justice by Backing Black Women and Black-Led Nonprofits
This year marks 50 years since the right to choose was affirmed through Roe v. Wade, yet our reproductive freedoms continue to be threatened following last year’s devastating decision to overturn the landmark court case.State Supreme Court races, … [Read more...] about Dear Philanthropy: Step Up for Reproductive Justice by Backing Black Women and Black-Led Nonprofits
The Next Generation of Asian Americans Are Poised to Lead. Does Philanthropy Have Their Back?
As a longtime Asian American activist and advocate, my identity is shaped by a rich history of AANHPIs standing for what’s right. The recent increase in violence against Asian Americans reminds us that our community has faced — and fought back … [Read more...] about The Next Generation of Asian Americans Are Poised to Lead. Does Philanthropy Have Their Back?
To Build Community Power, Here Are Two Habits Funders Need to Break
Though it may be a distant memory for some of us, it’s only been around six months since the 2022 midterm elections. As we reflect on the extraordinary efforts of grassroots organizers, it's clear they played an enormous and outsized role. They … [Read more...] about To Build Community Power, Here Are Two Habits Funders Need to Break
Six Questions for Cathy Cha, President and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
Cathy Cha is the president and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund, a San Francisco-based family foundation that supports power-building, grassroots organizing, and policy advocacy to advance equity and justice in the Bay Area and California … [Read more...] about Six Questions for Cathy Cha, President and CEO of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
“Build a Radically Different Future.” Six Questions for NDN Collective Founder Nick Tilsen
Nick Tilsen is the founder, president and CEO of NDN Collective, an Indigenous-led organization based in Rapid City, South Dakota, dedicated to building Indigenous power through grantmaking, organizing, activism, capacity-building and narrative … [Read more...] about “Build a Radically Different Future.” Six Questions for NDN Collective Founder Nick Tilsen
It’s Time for Philanthropy to Be as Bold as Leaders on the Front Lines of Social Change
It is not an overstatement to describe the numerous threats we are facing in our country as existential. To meet those threats, movements and social justice organizations are evolving to engage in bold and powerful advocacy. And that places the … [Read more...] about It’s Time for Philanthropy to Be as Bold as Leaders on the Front Lines of Social Change
What It Looks Like When a Multigenerational Family Foundation Makes All Voices Equal
Therma-Tru Corporation was a family-owned business whose bread and butter was manufacturing exterior and entry doors. The Midwestern company traces its roots to the 1960s, when David Welles, a retired Owens Corning executive, purchased a bankrupt … [Read more...] about What It Looks Like When a Multigenerational Family Foundation Makes All Voices Equal
For Real Climate Justice, Philanthropy Must Support the Front Lines, Fund Early and Fund Big
I write this from California, still in a record drought and paradoxically receiving enormous rain — floods and blizzards in places that have rarely, if ever, experienced such weather. And to add to the paradox, we have battled devastating fires, … [Read more...] about For Real Climate Justice, Philanthropy Must Support the Front Lines, Fund Early and Fund Big
