Cover Story
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News
Impact Investing Struggles to Gain Traction Despite the Hype
There’s been lots of talk, but the vast majority of foundations are sticking with a century-old, bifurcated model of philanthropy: Money is given away on one side of the house, invested on the other, and never the twain shall meet.
Highlights
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News
Doctor Takes Scientific Approach to Impact Investing
Ruth Shaber, a gynecologist, makes sure her fund’s grants and investments all focused on promoting women’s health. -
Foundation Giving
Climate Change Spurs McKnight to Go Big on Impact Investing
The foundation has put $1 out of ever $3 in its endowment into companies and other efforts that advance its grant-making mission. -
Foundation Giving
Hewlett Foundation’s Leader Makes a Case Against Impact Investing
The strategy can do more harm than good, especially for big grant makers, says CEO Larry Kramer.
Features
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Opinion
Advocate for People With Disabilities Demands Attention, and Often Gets It
A microphone in Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi’s hands is a powerful weapon. At venues across the country she confronts foundation leaders, and sometimes gets them to change course. -
News
As the Bezos Billions Begin to Flow, a Picture of His Giving Philosophy Emerges
The Amazon founder has said little publicly about what motives his philanthropy, but a closer look at Mary’s Place and other early recipients of his giving reveals some common traits of nonprofits he likes. -
Advice
How a Mich. Community Fund Already Tapped the Wealth Transfer — and Is Planning for More
Barry County’s community fund had just $350,000 when it learned more than a decade ago it could tap at least $43 million for local causes. It’s well on its way to raising that much.
Departments
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News
Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation Names New Leader
Also, NPR’s CEO is stepping down to take a newly created job leading the network’s upcoming fundraising drive in honor of its 50th anniversary in 2020. Plus, other personnel news. -
News
Chronicle Pursues Grants to Help You Change the World: Editor’s Notebook
For the first time, the Chronicle is seeking support from foundations, corporations, and individuals. Transparency will be paramount. Our first grant comes from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. -
Research
Donors Want Board Action, Not a Lawsuit, When Fraud Occurs
When an employee embezzles money, taking that person to court might result in justice for a nonprofit, but it isn’t necessarily the best way to stay in the good graces of donors, a new study suggests. -
Face of Philanthropy
Saving the Night Sky: Nonprofit Dims the Light to Protect the View
The International Dark-Sky Association helps avoid the problems posed by artificial light so astronomers — amateurs and professionals alike — can see the galaxy without a telescope. -
Advice
How to Make the Case for General Operating Support
Sell donors on giving unrestricted gifts by with clear goals, a grand vision, and storytelling that conveys results. -
Advice
How One Founder Started a Nonprofit — and Raised $1 Million
The daughter of an alcoholic wanted to help youths who had experienced trauma. -
Advice
10 Steps Nonprofits Can Take to Close the Pay Gap for Women
Experts share advice to help managers identify wage differences based on gender, work to erase them, and build a hiring process that ensures equal pay.
Opinion
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Opinion
How Philanthropy Can Turn Today’s Dark Realities Into Hope (Opinion)
The president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund argues that civil society needs help from philanthropy at a fundamental level to deal with potentially catastrophic worldwide developments on multiple fronts. -
Opinion
Great Ideas Alone Don’t Advance Social Change. Here’s How to Learn From Tech Startups. (Opinion)
A growing cadre of entrepreneurial leaders are blazing new paths that meld the ambition, agility, and efficiency of technology businesses with the care, values, and ideals of nonprofits. -
Opinion
Facebook’s Bare-Knuckle Tactics Are Just One Sign of a Media Culture That Philanthropy Can Help Fix (Opinion)
Fifty years ago, grant makers had a hand in developing public broadcasting to deliver programs not designed to maximize profits but to provide vital educational, cultural, and news shows. It can follow that same playbook for social media today.