Concerns About Tainted Money
Universities and museums that reaped millions of dollars in gifts from the Sackler family struggled over how to distance themselves from the Sacklers as news reports of their pharmaceutical company’s role in the opioid epidemic made headlines.
Meanwhile, other charities found themselves embarrassed by associations with the late Jeffrey Epstein, the financier and convicted sex offender, especially when a fundraiser blew the whistle on what happened behind the scenes. That prompted a call for new efforts to focus on ethics in fundraising.
Half of Fundraisers Are Looking for the Exit
Too much pressure to meet unrealistic fundraising goals, coupled with too little pay and frustrating organizational cultures, is driving away fundraisers, according to a new Chronicle of Philanthropy survey conducted in partnership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals. We offered solutions to stave off the problem in this special report.
How Low Wages Drive Some People Away From Nonprofit Work
Many charities are based in high-cost urban areas but offer low pay and poor benefits. Young workers are often burdened by heavy student debt.
The Chronicle took an in-depth look at the problem, with examples of how some nonprofits are getting serious about making changes. Plus, we looked at an effort by low-paid museum workers to call attention to their plight in a salary list that went viral — an idea that might hit other causes in the year ahead.
The Challenge of Achieving Diversity
People of color have reached pinnacles of power in philanthropy that once would have been unimaginable, but things are still rough in the trenches.
The Chronicle spoke with more than 25 leaders of color at nonprofits and foundations. They described feeling isolated, navigating difficult, racially fraught power dynamics with grant makers, and enduring affronts to their dignity. Meanwhile, we charted how white men still dominate the chief-executive spot at the 100 biggest charities.
Foundations Pledge to Do Better Paying Charity Overhead
Five of America’s wealthiest foundations joined forces to do more to help grantees cover overhead expenses like rent, decent wages, and technology. The grant makers say they are embarking on a major campaign to encourage other foundations to do the same. MacArthur announced this month how it plans to follow through on that commitment.
Artificial Intelligence and Fundraising
A.I. is helping nonprofits raise money more efficiently by using data to suss out donors’ passions and target appeals in increasingly personalized ways.
While there’s excitement about the possibilities among nonprofit leaders, some experts wonder how readily rank-and-file fundraisers will accept the new technology and whether organizations will use artificial intelligence as a reason not to hire additional fundraisers.
Using Philanthropy to Bolster Democracy
Declining trust in the political process, fear of foreign intervention, and reactions to Trump are fueling a big influx of cash to efforts designed to shore up the basic tenets of democracy.
Community Foundations Step Up
Huge grants are becoming increasingly common as the mega-rich play larger roles in philanthropy. A network of community foundations hopes to attract some of that ‘big bet’ money.
