We’re living (and dying) in a “quadfecta” of 1) A raging, unprecedented pandemic, 2) Economic inequality and hardship at the highest levels in memory, 3) Racial injustice permeating almost every aspect of American life and 4) Climate change eating away at our planet, and the lives it sustains.
Read More »Erasing Hunger In America Requires More Than Charity
The holidays are around the corner and, for tens of millions of our neighbors across the U.S., this will be a time of scarcity, insecurity, worry and, in the richest nation on earth, hunger.
Read More »How Donors Can Advance Racial Justice
In response to recent tragedies, many donors – whether in private or public foundations, donor-advised funds, or less structured philanthropy – have, internally and externally, offered important statements of support for the Black Lives Matter movement and racial justice and equity, with a commitment to anti-racism efforts. Now is the time to go beyond statements.
Read More »Communities and Nonprofits Need Corporate Giving Now More Than Ever
Research shows that 78% of U.S. consumers want companies to address important social justice issues.
Read More »Lack of Accountability and Transparency Put Philanthropy at an Inflection Point
A few weeks ago, the coronavirus pandemic obscured the celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
Read More »Philanthropy Can Spark Hope And Change
A few weeks ago, the coronavirus pandemic obscured the celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
Read More »Encouraging Donors To Ask Questions About Nonprofits’ Climate Impact
A few weeks ago, the coronavirus pandemic obscured the celebration of Earth Day’s 50th anniversary.
Read More »Giving In The Time Of COVID-19
The role of philanthropy in responding to this pandemic is critical.
Read More »Funding In Short Supply For Charities Focused On Women And Girls
Charitable support for organizations that serve women and girls is surprisingly deficient when compared with philanthropic giving as a whole.
Read More »Use Facts To Debunk Entrenched Myths About Philanthropy
The best philanthropic decisions are based on facts – not myths.
Read More »Philanthropy 2020: Meaningfully Impacted By Politics, Tax Law And Climate Change
As the philanthropic landscape continues to evolve in 2020, expect these meaningful developments.
Read More »Donate Now To Ensure Free, Fair Elections In 2020
The right to vote is one of the most precious rights in our democracy – and it is under attack. In the last decade, many U.S. states have made it harder for people to vote, adopting tactics such as stricter identification requirements, polling place closures, limits on voter registration and early voting, and purges of voter lists.
Read More »Suffering From Seasonal Gluttony Syndrome? Here’s A Cure.
Soon, many Americans will gather around the table with family and friends to give thanks for abundant blessings and freedoms as they indulge in a surfeit of delicious traditional foods. Leftovers will last for days.
Read More »The “Secret Sauce” Of Thriving 100-Year Families
When working with affluent families, I often hear the popular warning: “Shirtsleeves-to-shirtsleeves in three generations.” This quote suggests that a family’s wealth often disappears by the time it reaches the grandchildren of the wealth-creating generation.
Read More »In the Eyes Of Business Leaders, “Social Purpose” Has Replaced “Shareholder Capitalism”
Nearly 50 years ago, Milton Friedman launched the era of “shareholder capitalism.” The world has changed a lot since then – for better and for worse.
Read More »Key Lessons In Strategic Philanthropy
Although truly strategic philanthropy is highly individualized, some lessons are universal. Here are several lessons I've learned.
Read More »Philanthropy is the Ultimate “Risk Capital”
"Philanthropy should be taking much bigger risks than business," said Bill Gates. "If these are easy problems, business and government can come in and solve them."
Read More »Don’t Let Disaster Philanthropy Become A Philanthropic Disaster
Since disaster-related philanthropy is often an emotional response to a terrifying event, it is rarely strategic and, as a result, often not effective. Mistakes are common. Here are some ways to make sure that your generous response does the most good.
Read More »Philanthropy: It’s The Best Antidote To Despair
The best antidote to the current pandemic of hopelessness is philanthropy, which is inherently optimistic -- reflecting the fundamental belief that we can have a positive impact on stubborn societal issues and the lives of others.
Read More »Giving In The Last Third Of Life: Philanthropy For People Over Age 65
Across the United States, companies of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of philanthropic community engagement. In 2017, those companies donated more than $20 billion to charitable causes.
Read More »Corporate Giving Is On the Rise — Enhancing Investor, Employee and Customer Engagement
Across the United States, companies of all sizes increasingly recognize the importance of philanthropic community engagement. In 2017, those companies donated more than $20 billion to charitable causes.
Read More »Understanding the “Why” of Impact Investing
Impact investing is the rapidly expanding approach to financial markets that seeks to do well and to do good. It attempts to generate positive financial and social returns.
Read More »Philanthropy Predictions For 2019
Economic and political volatility will impact the giving world.
Read More »On Philanthropy: UN Sustainable Development Goals Falling Short
The U.S. ranks last among the G20 nations in achieving the SDGs, and 36th among all the countries in the world.
Read More »On Philanthropy: Best Excerpts from the First 100 Columns
Since 2010, I have now written 100 columns addressing many aspects of philanthropy – for families, businesses and foundations. To acknowledge this milestone, here are some of my favorite excerpts.
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