April 2025
Articles and News
Donations in 2024 Increase but Don’t Keep Pace With Inflation
A new study from the Blackbaud Institute shows that in 2024, nonprofit donations grew by 1.9%, while inflation rose by 2.9%, meaning giving did not keep pace with the rising cost of goods and services. (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
Fiscal Sponsorship in Challenging Times
“For some nonprofits that feel like they are at higher risk of an adverse government action, having a fiscal sponsor willing to take over their activities in such circumstances seems like a good strategy. However, fiscal sponsors must be careful in accepting new projects that may create additional risks to the fiscal sponsor and all of its Model A projects.” (Nonprofit Law Blog)
Resiliency Strategies for Nonprofits in Times of Political and Financial Instability
How nonprofits can navigate the challenges posed by political shifts and economic uncertainties. (Nonprofit Quarterly)
After a Century of Bipartisan Support, Is the Charitable Tax Deduction Now Vulnerable?
If that moment comes, are the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors ready to defend their public subsidies? (Inside Philanthropy)
Studies and Resources
The annual study reveals that Indonesia ranks first place as the most generous country in the world for the seventh year running. (Charities Aid Foundation)
Budget 2025: The S$600 million push to supercharge philanthropy in Singapore
A fascinating look at how major investment by Singapore’s government has led to the country jumping 19 spots to third most generous country according to the World Giving Index. (Withers)
Living With Pocket Change: What It Means To Do More With Less
The latest research from the Ms. Foundation examines the impact and real-life experiences of chronic philanthropic underinvestment and disinvestment in the leadership of women and nonbinary people of color, as well as underfunding of the organizations they lead, and highlights their needs, experiences, and the profound toll it takes. (Ms. Foundation)
Podcast Listens
Charitable Giving, Advocacy, and Public Policy
Kenneth G. Hodder, former national commander of the Salvation Army, and Debby Bielak, a partner at the Bridgespan Group, join DAFgiving360’s Fred Kaynor and SSIR editor Barbara Wheeler-Bride to discuss how elections impact charitable giving and how nonprofits can tap into the energy of the political environment to fund their mission. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Poke the Bear with Robert Reich and Heather Lofthouse
From the Break Fake Rules podcast by Stupski Foundation - How we can hold onto hope for a more just future in these challenging times? And what can philanthropy do to put wealth to good use? (Break Fake Rules)
For Funders
The Fear of Saying “No” Is Holding Us Back from Listening
“To navigate this crisis, funders must listen directly to their grantees and the communities at the heart of their work. This isn’t just a best practice — it’s essential for making informed decisions and building trust.” (Inside Philanthropy)
Actually, Philanthropy Can “Fill the Gaps” — Or at Least Think a Whole Lot Bigger
“Bloomberg estimated that the world’s 500 richest people lost nearly a half-trillion dollars in the two days after the tariffs were announced. But here’s the question: What if that $500 billion had gone to philanthropy instead?” (Inside Philanthropy)
