Foundations
Charity Versus Innovation
The response by US foundations to federal welfare reform in the 1990s illuminates their role in policy development.
Tag: Grantmaking
Philanthropy & Funding
12 Common Criticisms of Philanthropy—and Some Answers
Critics have argued that charitable giving isn’t focused enough on the poor, isn’t sufficient to make a difference, is undemocratic, and more, but research—and history—show otherwise.
Organizational Development
Three Keys to Unlocking Systems-Level Change
Developing a systems mindset, identifying the right tool for the job, and paying attention to human dynamics can help leaders move from theory to action when facing complex social problems.
Collaboration
Philanthropy as the Backbone for Collective Impact
Funders serving as central node for a cross-sector, collaborative network have unique advantages for success in an advocacy environment.
Education
A Big Problem, a Small Experiment, and a Lot of Noise
Liberia’s leaders are trying to jump-start their schools. Give them a break.
Foundations
Communicating Data to Drive Change
How the Annie E. Casey Foundation has leveraged the power of information and communication to drive public investment in children and their families.
Organizational Development
Forgetting Failure
It’s time to move beyond our focus on failure in the social sector, and to develop ongoing and meaningful practices for learning and improvement.
Foundations
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.
Foundations
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.