August 2025
Articles and News
Fears of Authoritarianism Destroying Your Mental Health? A Community-Minded Solution Could Help
“In fact, there is a growing community of social justice psychologists who argue that if mental health issues like anxiety are rising, that is not a result of a change in individual human biology, but rather a sign that society is ill. Therefore, they argue, care that rests on helping people cope under current conditions is teaching them to accept injustice.” (Chronicle of Philanthropy)
What Do You Do When Your Nonprofit Staff Want Raises We Can’t Afford?
NPQ’s inaugural issue of Ask a Nonprofit Expert, NPQ’s advice column by civic leaders, for nonprofit readers, featuring personalized advice from seasoned field leaders who have built thriving, equitable organizations. (Nonprofit Quarterly)
Studies and Resources
A recent study finds that the Giving Pledge, launched in 2010 with a promise to inspire the ultra-wealthy to give away at least half their fortunes, has fallen far short of its goal. Despite massive wealth gains, signers have collectively gotten wealthier, not less generous, and the majority of giving remains tied up in private foundations or donor-advised funds rather than reaching working nonprofits, raising concerns about its long-term impact. (Institute for Policy Studies)
New data from the Communities of Color Index (CCI) shows that while organizations serving communities of color received $16 billion in charitable contributions in 2022, they still accounted for just 2.9% of overall giving. After a surge in 2020–2021, support leveled off, with most funding concentrated in human services and education. Notably, organizations serving specific populations—such as American Indian/Alaska Native, AAPI, Black, and Hispanic/Latino communities—each received less than 1% of total giving, underscoring ongoing disparities despite increased attention in recent years. (Lilly Family School of Philanthropy)
Nonprofit Arts and Culture Sector National Trends 2025
This year’s findings reveal sobering news: while the composition of earned and contributed revenue is returning to pre-pandemic patterns, overall revenue has fallen significantly. Organizations have responded by cutting expenses, and the working capital that many built up during the pandemic continues to erode.” (SMU Data Arts)
For Funders
The Invisible Weaver’s Wisdom: Re-Stitching Philanthropy’s Approach for Enduring Resilience
“In the push to find ways to respond and overcome the current crisis, we may be missing what’s already quietly working where continuity and change meet. Invisible weavers don’t demand a new orchestra — they are the rhythm section. And we need them now more than ever.” (Inside Philanthropy)
This Is What Happens When Funders Think Too Narrowly
Climate philanthropy is an example of the danger of siloed funding: despite billions invested, funders largely ignored voter engagement in key states in 2016, and a shortfall of just 80,000 votes derailed years of progress. The lesson is clear: without attention to civic participation and political power, even the best-funded cause strategies can collapse. (Inside Philanthropy)
Guarding Against Complacency in the Face of Existential Threats
Phil Buchanan of CEP warns that while some recent policy threats to nonprofits have subsided, the sector still faces profound risks tied to the health of democracy itself. He argues that foundations, uniquely insulated from market, donor, or government pressures, should not retreat into risk-averse strategies but instead use their independence to act boldly. Pulling back from critical issues out of fear of appearing partisan, he cautions, risks complacency at a time of urgent need. (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
