Destination Unknown
Donors’ money isn’t going where they think it is.
Philanthropy - Articles
Innovative ideas for donors, foundation leaders, and philanthropists (more)
The U-Shaped Giving Profile Explained
Most Americans give roughly the same percentage of their incomes.
Portfolio Philanthropy
To ensure that baby boomers' wealth does not fall short of its philanthropic potential, Randall Ottinger suggests applying portfolio theory to make wiser social investments.
The Power of Strategic Mission Investing
A growing number of foundations are offering low-interest loans, buying into green business ventures, and investing in other asset classes to advance their missions. To bring about real change, foundations need to make strategic mission investments that complement their grantmaking and leverage market forces.
Review
Review: The Foundation vs. Great Philanthropic Mistakes
Some books ought to be read as pairs. Joel L. Fleishman’s and Martin Morse Wooster’s recent offerings are such a duo, offering sometimes diametrically opposed perspectives on philanthropic successes and failures.
Elusive Blue Ribbons
Why winning foundations' special awards is difficult, and how it can be made easier.
Review: Just Money
Karoff reveals how wise donors operate.
Podcast
Council on Foundations Annual Conference - Philanthropy and Nonprofit Acountability Practices
In the field of philanthropy, are foundations' grantmaking and reporting processes aligned with nonprofits' strategies? In this panel discussion exploring data from a Center for Social Innovation study on nonprofit accountability practices and the costs of conflicting demands, experts debate ways in which evaluation requirements may help or hinder mission delivery.
Luck of the Draw
Grantees of foundations have little control over which program officer takes their case. Yet program officers make or break grantees’ experiences with foundations. To trigger social change, foundations must give program officers better training, clearer expectations, and regular performance feedback.