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.
Funders must take the lead in breaking a vicious cycle that is leaving nonprofits so hungry for decent infrastructure that they can barely function as organizations—let alone serve their beneficiaries.
Endowments are often lacking for social change nonprofits—even more so for Black-led organizations. By closing this gap, we could radically transform how we confront society’s most pressing issues.
Open-access to this article made possible by The Bridgespan Group.
In the final episode of this special series, Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, president of the Rockefeller Foundation, and Mark Suzman, CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, share how they’re redefining the role of philanthropy in addressing public health crises and preparing for future pandemics. Produced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Larry Kramer of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and La June Montgomery Tabron of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation discuss the origins of wealth inequality and its impact on American democracy. They also share how their institutions are creating new pathways for all communities to access secure and vibrant futures. Produced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Crystal Hayling of The Libra Foundation and Sonal Shah of The Asian American Foundation discuss how their organizations are transforming the way race is discussed in America and how to improve understanding about racial concerns that will lead to a more inclusive society. Produced in partnership with The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Transitioning businesses to employee ownership has the potential to significantly reduce the overall wealth gap as well as the racial equity gap. But it will take capital investment to scale.
Why social impact organizations are acquiring mission-aligned nonprofits.
A few nonprofits are using social media to fundamentally change the way they work and increase their social impact.
Too many people believe social value is objective, fixed, and stable, when in fact it is subjective, malleable, and variable.
Unrestricted money makes an organization work smoothly, enables innovation, and provides fuel for growth.
Google DotOrg launched in 2004 with bold ambitions and almost $1 billion in seed funding. But the results have been less than stellar.
Jeff Skoll is one of the most creative, generous, and effective philanthropists of his time. And at age 47, he’s just getting started.
