The Latest
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EssayThe Pluralism Pope: A Light for Our Dark Divisions
In word and deed, the pontiff preached a gospel of pluralism that is illuminating for advocates working to bring Americans together. -
Technology
How Burnout Led to a Novel Way to Connect Black Women Across Generations
Amid a loneliness epidemic that affects Black women at high rates, can a network of “aunties” help? -
Opinion
7 Things Climate Philanthropy Gets Wrong — and How to Do Better
Let’s stop just blaming Big Oil, Republicans, and apathetic voters. The climate movement needs to reach out to conservatives and integrate ideas of the left and the right. -
Opinion
A 3-Part Playbook to Build Connection and Community
Funders working to build strong communities should know this: Research shows that people crave relationship, but they need opportunities to come together and work together. -
Case Study
As Populism Surges, Can a $3 Billion Foundation Shed Its Elite Image?
Community grant makers are “built for this moment” of division in America, says New York Community Trust’s Amy Freitag. The trust wants to change how it’s perceived by the average New Yorker. -
Personal Essay
What Nonprofits Can Learn From My Fellow Firefighters
America’s divisions can roil even efforts for the common good, but my Maine firehouse is a testament to the power of unity and shared purpose.
What If We’re Not Hopelessly Divided?
Research points to common ground on controversial issues, the country’s priorities, and America’s values — terrain from which nonprofits and philanthropy can work for change.
Essays
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I Grew Up Poor and Learned Early: Charities Aren’t Always So Charitable
As a young girl, the author found nonprofits often stereotyped her family. Now, as a journalist, she reports on how they can do better. -
‘While I Breathe, I Hope': A Black Nonprofit Leader and Daughter of the South Returns Home
A veteran fundraiser takes up a new job as CEO and pursues the American ideals that she, her family, and generations of Black philanthropists hold dear. -
My Journey as a Black Christian DEI Leader at a Jewish Nonprofit
Her colleagues gave the author a new understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. After the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, it was her perspective of allyship that changed.
Advice
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Advice
What to Say on November 6 and How to Say It
The words that philanthropy and nonprofits use can stoke division, particularly in tense moments, a new study finds. Here’s how to get your message across and bring people together after the election. -
Advice
Bookbinding: Can Reading Groups Help Close America’s Divides?
Community foundations test the idea, asking supporters to host gatherings to discuss books exploring how the country can come together. Plus, tips to build your organization’s own book circle. -
Advice
Relentless Fundraising Is Eroding Trust in Nonprofits. Here’s How to Fix Things.
Simple strategies to build relationships with supporters and show your organization is worthy of their backing
Podcasts
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Podcast | Nonprofits Now: Leading Today
Listen Now: Steps Leaders Can Take Today to Bridge Divides
Tim Dixon, co-founder of More in Common, joins Chronicle CEO Stacy Palmer to offer research-based strategies leaders can use to bridge divides in the workplace and in their communities. Tune in as Stacy asks Tim to walk listeners through his approaches to persuading people with widely different views to unite and get things done.
Two Churches and a Quest for Racial Unity
Watch a short documentary by Alex Garcia, a Pulitzer Prize winner, on Bethel New Life and Hope Presbyterian churches outside Chicago.
The Commons in Conversation Interview Series
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Interview
Reid Hoffman’s $10 Million Contest to Restore Trust in Institutions
The LinkedIn co-founder joins Lever for Change’s Cecilia Conrad to talk about his open call to lift up new ideas — and attract funding — for reforms of government, the media, higher education, and more. -
Interview
How Distrust of Institutions Is an Opening for Philanthropy-Led Change
GOP pollster and CNN contributor Kristen Soltis Anderson talks of a growing “market for reform” that she believes nonprofits and funders are poised to lead. -
Interview
A ‘Powerful Journey’ Toward Racial Healing
La June Montgomery Tabron — head of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and author of two new books — talks about how organizations and communities can close the “empathy gap.”
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