The Latest
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Opponents as Allies: The Thorny Proposition of a First-of-Its-Kind Foundation Gathering
Grant makers at the National Council on Foundations annual meeting consider how to find the common ground to build broader coalitions for efforts in education, the environment, health, and more. -
A New Lawsuit Could Erase the Red Line Between Politics and Charity
If successful, the suit brought by a small nonprofit would damage the charitable world’s legitimacy and fuel partisan divisions. -
Which Pro-Democracy Initiatives Work? Philanthropy Has No Idea
Clear answers will require investments in solutions-focused research — and an easily accessible evidence base. -
After Shaky Start, Philanthropy Coalition’s $500 Million Local News Effort Takes Shape
The long-awaited Press Forward initiative, led by the MacArthur and Knight foundations, focuses on small newsrooms that have been reeling from financial pressures. -
‘It’s Hard to Hate Up Close': Philanthropy, Polarization, and the Art of Conversation
A StoryCorps program is one of hundreds that promote one-on-one dialogue to bridge divides. Philanthropy is all in, but the evidence is mixed. -
Granddaughter of Megadonor Gert Boyle Digs Into Rural Philanthropy in New Podcast
One theme: the surprising overlap between urban and rural needs
Breaking a Fundraising Taboo
Guest Essays - How Philanthropy Stokes Division
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Opinion
Righteous Attitudes, Ideological Purity Tests, Zero-Sum Thinking: How Philanthropy Stokes Division
Privately, anti-polarization nonprofits and practitioners say philanthropy is part of the problem. -
Opinion
How Nonprofits Lose Out When Volunteer Advocates Are Asked to Do Little Real Advocacy
Nonprofits are feeding supporters a steady stream of petitions to sign and checks to write. They should be helping them become effective citizen-advocates. -
Opinion
Charitable Donors Operating in the Shadows Push Our Politics to the Extremes
Grant makers on the left and right finance a network of activists and advocates whose all-or-nothing, combative stances keep the political parties tethered to the poles.
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Israel-Hamas War
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The Israel-Hamas War Is Tearing Nonprofits Apart. But Some Are Bridging Staff Divides
Many nonprofit leaders will not speak publicly — or to staff — about the war for fear of reprisal or institutional meltdown. But some are learning how to navigate employee disagreements. -
Columbia U.'s Firestorm Is Just the Beginning. Here’s How Philanthropy Can Respond
A young nonprofit leader argues that there’s a brief window of opportunity to ensure that hate won’t thrive on college campuses. -
The Donor Revolt Comes to Annual Giving: Israel, Gaza, and Campus Unrest
As colleges prep for commencement and reunion season, rank-and-file supporters issue ultimatums, pledge to withhold donations, and boycott events.
Guest Essays - Can Philanthropy Bring America Together?
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Democracy SOS
Leaders and advocates debate what it will take to strengthen communities, civil society, and the country. -
Investing in a More Perfect Union
Philanthropists and grant makers point to where philanthropy can make a difference. -
Not So Fast
Democracy is stronger than self-justifying, plutocratic philanthropy suggests, skeptics argue.
WHY THE COMMONS?
CEO Stacy Palmer talks about the project and The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s mission as a nonprofit.
Young people are better at leading revolutions. Old people are better at knowing that we need revolutions.
Robert Putnam, author, "Bowling Alone" and "The Upswing"
CONVERSATION
How do we get out of this mess? Citizen University’s Eric Liu and Bowling Alone author Robert Putnam have answers.
TO WHAT EXTENT DO YOU BELIEVE AMERICANS ARE UNITED OR DIVIDED TODAY?
Photo Essay: Courage, Hope, and Common Ground
Plus: interviews with seven Americans living on the edge of divides
The Commons Collaboration
News, Analysis, Opinion
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What Philanthropy Elites Can Learn From Appalachia
“We’ve got to stop hyperintellectualizing things,” says L.B. Prevette, a North Carolina leader of a program founded by New York Times columnist David Brooks to build community. -
Data Don’t Lie: We’re More United Than You Think
A neuroscientist warns philanthropy: Your bridge-building efforts may be a waste of money. -
Equity Advocates Harm Their Cause When They Insist on a Raised Fist, Not an Extended Hand
Collaboration — not resistance — is the best path to lasting social change. For proof, just look at the debate over pandemic school closures. -
Cures for Our Civic Malaise
Look to young people and local leaders, ‘Bowling Alone’ author Robert Putnam says in a conversation in The Commons. Watch highlights and listen to the full discussion. -
Why My Nonprofit Relies on the Ideas of an 83-Year-Old Scholar
A champion of interfaith cooperation says “Bowling Alone” author Robert Putnam has answers to our crisis in loneliness and despair. Yet no one is listening. -
Photo Essay: Grace, Courage, and Common Ground
Photographer John Noltner reveals our shared humanity — and the pain of living as an outsider — through images and interviews. Hear from seven Americans
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The Commons is financed in part with philanthropic support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, Einhorn Collaborative, and JPB Foundation. None of our supporters have any control over or input into story selection, reporting, or editing, and they do not review articles before publication. See more about the Chronicle, the grants, how our foundation-supported journalism works, and our gift-acceptance policy.