Destination Unknown
Donors’ money isn’t going where they think it is.
Altruism
Latest
Podcast
Larry Brilliant - Reflections from a Pioneer in Social Enterprise
Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the future of humanity and its ability to use social enterprise for productive purposes? In this University podcast, Larry Brilliant cites megatrends that are indeed cause for alarm. Yet his focus is the shining examples of altruism and philanthropy that inspire him ultimately to maintain faith in the ability of the human species to do good and overcome adversity.
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 More They Give, the More They Love You
He that has once done you a kindness will be more ready to do you another.
Most Popular
The New Volunteer Workforce
Nonprofits rely heavily on volunteers, but most CEOs do a poor job of managing them. As a result, more than one-third of those who volunteer one year do not donate their time the next year.
Catalytic Philanthropy
Despite spending vast amounts of money and helping to create the world’s largest nonprofit sector, philanthropists have fallen far short of solving America’s most pressing problems. What the nation needs is “catalytic philanthropy”—a new approach that is already being practiced by some of the most innovative donors.
The Hidden Costs of Cause Marketing
From pink ribbons to Product Red, cause marketing adroitly serves two masters, earning profits for corporations while raising funds for charities. Yet the short-term benefits of cause marketing—also known as consumption philanthropy—belie its long-term costs. These hidden costs include individualizing solutions to collective problems; replacing virtuous action with mindless buying; and hiding how markets create many social problems in the first place. Consumption philanthropy is therefore unsuited to create real social change.
Fundraising in Tough Times
Our economy is in bad shape and will only get worse. So what can fundraisers do to minimize the impact of this difficult period on our organizations, and at the same time maximize income?
Do No Evil
Google DotOrg launched in 2004 with bold ambitions and almost $1 billion in seed funding. But the results have been less than stellar.