An onion field in El Moral, Valle del Cauca. This department in southwestern Colombia witnessed significant upheaval during the 40-year internal conflict.  (Photo courtesy of Rare)  

Using Design Thinking to Tackle Climate Change When ‘What You Know No Longer Works’ by Sarah Stein Greenberg and Madhuri Karak

Some smallholder cultivators can no longer rely on traditional farming methods to raise their crops as climate change destabilizes growing seasons and renders their land less arable. In this essay, Greenberg and Karak explore how the inclusive and collaborative principles of design thinking have helped such farmers manage soil productivity. The article is one of many that SSIR Online has rounded up on the topic—including “The Next Chapter in Design for Social Innovation” from the Winter 2021 issue—to mark the 10 years since SSIR published the seminal article “Design Thinking for Social Innovation,” by IDEO’s Tim Brown and Jocelyn Wyatt.

(Photo by iStock/Delpixart) 

How Can Philanthropy Help Rehabilitate US Democracy? by Mohit Mookim, Rob Reich, Nadia Roumani, and Ayushi Vig

Part of SSIR’s series on the effects of the US presidential election, this essay offers suggestions for donors looking to repair civic and democratic institutions in America. The essay pinpoints vulnerabilities in government infrastructure, the electoral process, civic education and participation, the press, social media, and information systems that charitable dollars can help strengthen.

(Photo by iStock/wildpixel) 

The Myth of Perpetuity in Foundation Strategy by Katie Smith Milway and William Galligan

How much should articles of incorporation that require perpetuity constrain foundation spending? Milway and Galligan report on their analysis of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the top 50 private foundations in the United States. They found no indication that founding intent, or endowment recovery after severe recession, prevented or constrained trustees from leveraging endowment dollars when they felt that circumstances and mission merited it. In an era of COVID-19, rampant inequality, and political crisis, the article issues a call to action: Instead of letting founding intentions constrain conscience, the best tribute that boards can pay their founders is to revisit their purpose and rethink their compact with government and society. 

(Illustration by iStock/nadia_bormotova) 

Foundation Payout Policy in Economic Crises by Larry Kramer

Should a big crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic compel philanthropists not just to maintain their outlays but to disburse more? “A funder might credibly think it wiser not to increase payout during an economic downturn, even a severe one,” argues Larry Kramer, president of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, in the keystone article to an “Up for Debate” series on the topic. Nine other authors, including Darren Walker, Kathleen Enright, and John Palfrey, respond.

Also Online From Nov. 13, 2020, to Feb. 18, 2021

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