January 2020

The next downturn — whenever it comes — will likely be different from those in the past.

Grant makers face an uphill battle to get companies to care about more than financial returns.

The next downturn — whenever it comes — will likely be different from those in the past.

The rules keep fundraisers in the dark, but some groups are breaking through to donors.

They’re making strident demands, using fresh tactics, and will likely alter activism for many years to come.

The public’s declining regard for nonprofits may hurt fundraising, advocacy, and hiring.

Foundations are taking steps to make sure their giving benefits people of color.

New technology gives employees more choices. Will it be enough to stem declining participation?

Race. The economy. Capitalism. Generational change. Those are among the big issues that philanthropy will grapple with in the year — and decade — ahead, as you’ll read more about digging into our January issue.

A report from the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute flashes some ominous signals for charities.

In other news about people in philanthropy, James Balfanz, who has been president of City Year for nine years, has been promoted to CEO, and the Smithsonian names ex-CIA official Meroe Park as deputy secretary and chief operating officer.

Showing donors appreciation is widely considered crucial for fundraising success. Two researchers wanted to explore just how much of a difference those calls make. Their findings surprised them.

The Archangel Ancient Tree Archive developed a way to propagate the world’s largest and oldest trees and is starting to use their offspring in forest replantings.

Mark and Brenda Moore are founding donors of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, but they say Mark’s two strokes at age 46 were the beginning of their philanthropy.

The Momentum app lets users donate small amounts to charity based on a wide variety of events, such athletic feats or social-media activity.

A former board chair and nonprofit executive shares 10 ways to create positive relationships.

Foundation decision makers and experts share tips for ensuring your budget bolsters your case for support.

The University of California at San Francisco uses an algorithm that cuts low-scoring people from the list of potential donors and creates a tiered system for the rest based on the likelihood they will give.

Climate change poses unprecedented pressures and burdens on philanthropy, says Larry Kramer, who leads the Hewlett Foundation. The stresses will grow exponentially in the coming years, ravaging the lives of generations unless we act to mitigate climate change now.

New approaches are essential for philanthropy to pursue, but grant makers can’t promote change unless they focus on gathering data, showing what change looks like, enlisting the right people to promote an innovation, and getting rid of obstacles.

Donors of all ages need to understand how to give wisely and why their contributions matter. But it’s especially important to do all we can now to nurture the next generation of informed and enthusiastic givers. Here’s how.