The Latest
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Can Ordinary Citizens Solve Our Toughest Problems?
An effort in Bend, Ore., backed by big funders looks for answers to youth homelessness. -
A Hollywood Director Tells How He Built a Rom-Com Around Political Strife
In a new video interview as part of the Chronicle’s The Commons, filmmaker Erik Bork explains why he chose to revisit deep tensions after the 2020 election — and how his surprising movie, “The Elephant in the Room,” could help reduce today’s polarization. -
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. -
How Philanthropy Fails Boys and Men
Richard Reeves is fighting the prevailing view of who’s on the losing side of gender equality. Melinda French Gates is backing him with $20 million. -
Can 50 Nonprofits Really Build Something Together? A Hopeful Idea Begins to Spread
Inside an effort dubbed “mutual aid on steroids” that’s getting a tryout in cities like Atlanta, Chicago, and Lexington, Ky. -
Can Elections Ever Be Normal Again? These 22 Nonprofit Leaders Have a Plan.
After the tumult of 2020, a new set of organizations aims to reinforce how votes are tallied on November 5 as well as in 2026, 2028, and beyond.
Elections in 2024 and Beyond
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‘Money Is Power': 44 Ultra-Wealthy Philanthropists Are Top Political Donors This Election Cycle
Megadonors like Ken Griffin, Paul Singer, Michael Bloomberg, and Reid Hoffman are collectively giving hundreds of millions to candidates and super PACS to influence voters. -
These 17 Nonprofit Leaders Want to Change How You Vote
Organizers, funders, lawyers, scholars, writers, and celebrities (Jennifer Lawrence!) aim to reboot our election system. Also, coming soon from the Chronicle: the people who want to build trust in elections. -
Can Elections Ever Be Normal Again? These 22 Nonprofit Leaders Have a Plan.
After the tumult of 2020, a new set of organizations aims to reinforce how votes are tallied on November 5 as well as in 2026, 2028, and beyond.
Bad Bosses, Big Dreams, and Broken Philanthropy
The Commons Collaboration
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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 -
Communications
Can Your Group Stay Neutral on Controversial Topics? 5 Things to Know
A communications pro offers tips for nonprofits considering whether to publicly take a stand on divisive issues. -
Advice
6 Ways a Volunteer Program Can Burst the Bubbles We Live In
One tip from a charity leader with a 25-year track record of success: Ask those on the receiving end of charity to help, too.
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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 worried about their brand are asking supporters to do little more than sign petitions and write checks. 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.
There are different ways of measuring fragmentation and polarization. But however you measure it, it is extreme, and it is accelerating.
john a. powell, Othering & Belonging Institute
CONVERSATION
Veteran racial-justice advocate john a. powell talks about the limits of campaigns for equity. In a conversation with the Chronicle, Powell and racism expert Stephen Menendian discuss a hopeful new way to pursue equity.
News, Analysis, Opinion
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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.