William Schambra

Opinion

Conservatives Should Applaud — Not Fight — Efforts to Change Philanthropic Giving Rules

By Craig Kennedy and William Schambra March 19, 2021

Rather than attacking proposals to overhaul donor-advised funds and other giving practices, conservative groups need to focus on the real culprit — the growing use of donor dollars to support political activities.

Opinion

A Tricky Balance: Making Museums More Inclusive Without Demonizing Wealthy Patrons (Opinion)

By William Schambra October 1, 2019

Contradictions in the response by Darren Walker, head of the Ford Foundation, demonstrate the tensions facing many people in philanthropy.

If foundations hope to persuade Congress not to pass new restrictions on their endowments, they should live up to the advocacy lines they use when they go to Capitol Hill, promoting work like these Girl Scouts (shown at the Cannon House Office Building with Sen. Barbara Mikulski seated to the left of the podium.)

Opinion

Opinion: Philanthropy Can Fend Off Attacks on Endowments by Giving at the Grass-Roots

By William Schambra April 11, 2016

The public — and Congress — are getting tired of elite donors devising solutions to help society with little input from local causes.

News

40 Under 40: Vu Le: Speaking Truth to Power — Humorously

By William Schambra January 5, 2016

A blogger uses startling honesty and whip-smart humor to say things many nonprofit workers wish they could say.

Opinion

Hewlett Foundation Should Be More Open About Shuttered Program

By William Schambra May 8, 2014

The history of the effort to convince donors to make more rational giving decisions suggests that the reason for ending it had more to do with the new president’s priorities than the program itself.

Opinion

Foundations Offering to Bail Out Detroit May Regret Their Decision

By William Schambra January 24, 2014

Despite what they say, the grant makers are setting a precedent for other cities and letting their funds be used as passive pools of money for short-term needs.

Opinion

To Help the Poor, Conservatives Should Back Small Charities

By William Schambra May 1, 2013

Right-leaning donors would be wise to follow the advice of David Kuo, a former White House aide to George W. Bush, about the best ways to transform public policy.

Opinion