May 2025
Articles and News
TIME launches inaugural list of most influential philanthropists
As part of the magazine’s annual TIME100 series, which was established 21 years ago on the belief that individuals have the power to change the world, the new Philanthropy list joins earlier releases highlighting influencers in AI, Climate, and Health. (TIME Magazine)
Philip Hackney, a nonprofit law professor who previously worked in the office of the chief counsel of the IRS, and Brian Mittendorf, an expert on nonprofit accounting, explain what it would take for the federal government to revoke a university’s tax-exempt status.
“About half of all endowment assets are held by just 20 institutions—less than 1 percent of American universities. The five largest private-university endowments have each increased about tenfold over the past four decades, even after accounting for inflation.” (The Atlantic)
Investing in Creativity as Social Infrastructure
How artmaking and creative practice in the United States can address community challenges, strengthen local economies, and rebuild human connections—and three less-well-traveled ways to support it. (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
Studies and Resources
Reinventing the Cycle: Adapting Relationship Fundraising for Donors Who Use DAFs
A new study by the DAF Research Collaborative uncovers best practices for donor advised fund (DAF) fundraising as DAFs are growing in popularity among donors. Based on interviews with professional fundraisers, the report offers strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding DAF donors. The report also includes a DAF-specific fundraising cycle outlining how the funds change nonprofit organizations’ fundraising management, while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities for nonprofits. (IU Lilly Family School of Philanthropy)
More Family Foundations are Paying More than Five Percent Annually. Here’s Why.
NCFP’s Trends 2025 study showed that the majority of respondents are paying out more than five percent annually. (NCFP)
Podcast Listens
A New Era of Philanthropy with Dimple Abichandani
How can we reimagine philanthropy in these times of polycrisis? In this episode of Break Fake Rules filmed at the Global Philanthropy Leaders Summit, Dimple Abichandani spills tea on her new book, A New Era of Philanthropy. [Note from Laura H - I grabbed a copy of Dimple’s book and am loving it! Highly recommend!] (Break Fake Rules)
From Charity to Solidarity: How Communities are Reshaping CSR
Passionate people within companies are creating a new form of corporate philanthropy that’s community-informed, centered, and led. (The Joy Report)
For Funders
Community-Driven Philanthropy Peer Cohort
A new offering from GEO, the Community-Driven Philanthropy Peer Community participants surface opportunities and challenges related to community-driven grantmaking practice and culture. In addition to community-driven philanthropy, the group explores topics such as participatory grantmaking, trust-based philanthropy and more. The network engages in peer coaching and other activities while being grounded in the idea that grantmaking is most equitable and effective when it meaningfully engages and includes a broad and diverse set of voices — including nonprofits, communities and key partners. Join their first call on June 10. (GEO)
