There will be future crises that are as compelling as the ones we are going through today, and philanthropy must be ready to respond. This essay, by the author of the keystone article in the series on foundations' payouts during crises, is a response to the views of nine other commentators.
There is no one right answer to the question whether to pay out more during a financial crisis, which depends on balancing the needs of present and future beneficiaries and so varies depending on a funders’ goals and objectives. This is the keystone article for the Up for Debate series on foundations' payouts during big crises. Visit the series page for responses to this essay.
Listening to beneficiaries should be part and parcel of any initiative that seeks to help others. Part of a series produced for SSIR with the support of the Hewlett Foundation.
Civil society can help make sure that we in America do not turn our back on fundamental values, or forget about those who lack market and political power.
Impact investing makes sense in theory, but there are good reasons, particularly for large foundations, to pause before putting a lot of resources into it.
Funders should be wary of the latest fad of making large grants for quick results and abandoning long-term commitments to the many organizations working on our most important problems.
A new attitude toward collaboration could help funders achieve greater long-term gains.
Steps funders can take to tackle partisan gridlock and solve social problems at scale.
