March 2025
Articles and News
Philanthropy at a Time of Chaos
An essay from Rhodri Davies examines the challenges facing philanthropy amid the tumultuous early weeks of President Donald Trump's second term. (Why Philanthropy Matters)
Move Fast and Fix Things: COVID-Era Lessons for Philanthropy in Dangerous Times
“During the pandemic, philanthropy rose to the occasion in new and novel ways. It proved, back in 2020, that it had the capacity to move fast and fix things. Now, however, while some foundations are jumping into action, many are taking a wait-and-see approach. Some we’ve contacted to ask about their plans have basically said, “No comment.” Philanthropy itself may feel at risk; the president’s anti-DEI executive order has threatened large philanthropies with investigation for what are suddenly diversity, equity, and inclusion violations. That’s scary, but if anyone should be willing to stand up for their values, and for the vulnerable, in frightening times, isn’t it gigantic foundations with huge amounts of money or connections to billionaires?” (Inside Philanthropy)
Philanthropy is onto the next: how themes from Black Funding Denied are coming up today
“Funding for Black communities reached its peak at 1.9% of overall philanthropic giving in 2020 (still nowhere close to meeting the population share of Black people in this country). This percentage slightly decreased in the following years, dropping to 1.3% in 2022… The outpour of support we saw in 2020 was directly driven by the pressure generated by Black-led social movements. So how do we turn reactive grantmaking for Black communities into sustained partnerships?” (National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy)
From Microfinance to Mutual Aid—Moving Resources to People, Not Banks
“For years, banks have operated as gatekeepers, guarding resources and power behind a veneer of exclusivity. Now, the landscape is shifting. And, as is often the case, the Global South is a leading site of innovation.” (Nonprofit Quarterly)
Studies and Resources
Breaking the Mold: The Transformative Effect of MacKenzie Scott's Big Gifts
Center for Effective Philanthropy’s final update of a three year study on the efficacy of Scott’s unique style of philanthropy. Findings include “85% of nonprofit leader respondents indicated that the grant has moderately or significantly strengthened their organization’s long-term financial sustainability.”
NCRP Research on Funding for Anti-Democracy Organizations
A new study from National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy finds “between 2020 and 2022, 52% of all foundation funding for these anti-democracy organizations was given as unrestricted general support, and only 8% of that foundation funding was granted for a specific program, project, or campaign. Comparatively, at the peak of the pandemic in 2020, only about 38% of funding for social justice movement organizations was given as unrestricted general support, and at least 20% was project based.”
For Funders
When Crisis Hits, Multiyear Flexible Funding is Critical
“Now, as nonprofits across the country brace for increased needs in communities, as well as funding cuts that result from federal policy changes, it is once again a chance for funders to choose to structure our funding in ways that nonprofits say work better for them. Above all, that means we should be providing more multiyear, flexible funding.” (Center for Effective Philanthropy)
Liberatory Governance Community of Practice
The Liberatory Governance Community of Practice is an opportunity for executive directors, senior leaders, foundation board members, as well as mid-level program staff with the responsibility and authority to lead organizational change, governance, and shape organizational culture and practices; to explore a new model for thinking about governance, leadership, and power. (Justice Funders)
