The Theory of the Foundation
Mapping out a foundation's theory for itself as an institution can help the organization clarify how it makes choices, allocates resources, and achieves impact.
Sectors - Articles
Do We Actually Want Higher Youth Voter Turnout?
Young people can be more engaged in politics, but major institutions must actually want that to happen.
Making Good Ideas Go Viral
A less-traveled path to education reform: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is catalyzing three social forces to create an epidemic of best practice.
Tapping the Great Potential of Female Philanthropists
Ten ways to better engage high-net-worth women donors, and work with them to effectively invest in women and girls, and other social causes.
Translating Research into Action
There is no doubt that social change efforts are accelerated by data, but investing in high-quality, cutting-edge research alone isn’t enough to produce solutions. Funders and researchers have to invest more in translating research into action.
Finding New Ways to Give
We must chart a new path for philanthropic giving that is more aware and connected, and that takes more advantage of converging around shared aims and goals.
Increase Turnout by Informing Voters about Policy Differences
More people would vote (and a more diverse group of people would vote) if they knew more about candidates’ fundamental policy positions.
Improv Tools for Organizational Impact
The structures and philosophy of the art of improv can help nonprofits stay grounded in what they are, while simultaneously allowing them to creatively respond to the ever-evolving needs of the people they strive to serve.
Social Good Is Always Good Branding—or Is It?
Building a brand solely on social impact is not a guarantee for success, and it comes with risks that can take businesses by surprise.
Getting Out the Vote Is Tougher Than You Think
Recent randomized field trials provide evidence that most get out the vote mobilization efforts have very modest effects on voter turnout, much less than previously thought.