The Robin Hood of the West: Inside the Antipoverty Work of Tipping Point Community

The Robin Hood of the West: Inside the Antipoverty Work of Tipping Point Community

Modeled on NYC’s Robin Hood Foundation, this grantmaker draws support from high-profile California donors as it takes on problems around housing, early childhood, education and employment in the Bay Area.

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A Health Foundation’s “More Equitable Approach” to Substance Use Disorder

A Health Foundation’s “More Equitable Approach” to Substance Use Disorder

The Elevance Health Foundation is tackling substance use by focusing in on overlooked populations. It’s one of a relatively small number of philanthropies addressing the escalating opioid crisis in any significant way.

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Back to School in New Shoes: A Simple but Powerful Way to Support Kids Experiencing Homelessness

Back to School in New Shoes: A Simple but Powerful Way to Support Kids Experiencing Homelessness

For children in need, something as basic as a new pair of shoes can make a huge impact. With support from an array of funders, Soles4Souls distributes free footwear to start the school year off on the right foot.

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Who Is Funding Efforts to Support the Nation’s 1 Million Homeless Students?

Who Is Funding Efforts to Support the Nation’s 1 Million Homeless Students?

Attending school while experiencing homelessness poses a mountain of obstacles for young people and their families. A handful of funders are backing efforts to help, including a new collaborative effort.

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How the Meadows Foundation Supports the People (and Animals) of Texas

How the Meadows Foundation Supports the People (and Animals) of Texas

Animal welfare is one of many causes championed by the Meadows Foundation, a 75-year-old family funder that gives in its home state of Texas. Here’s a look at how Meadows works and what it’s prioritizing right now.

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A Foster Youth Activist Calls on Philanthropy to Invest Endowment Dollars in Affordable Housing

A Foster Youth Activist Calls on Philanthropy to Invest Endowment Dollars in Affordable Housing

Daniel Heimpel believes foundations’ invested assets are a deeply underutilized tool in their efforts to tackle the housing crisis. His path forward? Use grants and investments in tandem to ease the way for affordable housing.

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Address Youth Homelessness or Youth Mental Health? Philanthropy Can Solve Both

Address Youth Homelessness or Youth Mental Health? Philanthropy Can Solve Both

In this guest article, philanthropist Tricia Raikes shines a light on the interrelated crises of youth homelessness and mental health, and tells us how her foundation has been addressing that nexus in Washington State.

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"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

We take an on-the-ground look at the Houston Endowment, which has been engaged in local giving for nearly a century. From the arts and parks to successes in reducing homelessness, its influence spans the city.

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It’s Time for Philanthropy to Put Communities in Charge of Their Own Housing and Futures

It’s Time for Philanthropy to Put Communities in Charge of Their Own Housing and Futures

Amid a housing equity crisis and following a successful pilot program in L.A., guest authors Almas Sayeed and Jessica Melendez make a case for why philanthropy should back community land trusts.

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Eight Questions for Maria Kim, President and CEO of REDF

Eight Questions for Maria Kim, President and CEO of REDF

This unique funder supports businesses that provide jobs to people facing barriers to employment. We spoke with CEO Maria Kim about going from grantee to funder, the challenges in helping people get on their feet, and more.

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Nonprofit Homeless Response Staff Struggle to Afford Housing. Will Funders Respond?

Nonprofit Homeless Response Staff Struggle to Afford Housing. Will Funders Respond?

In L.A. and elsewhere, the homeless service sector’s workers are often critically underpaid, and some are at risk of becoming homeless themselves. Part of the problem is funders’ focus on numbers over actual wellbeing.

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Seven Problems That Have Defied Philanthropy

Seven Problems That Have Defied Philanthropy

There are certain issues where philanthropy has tried to make a dent and failed. Others are seemingly so intractable that funders have mostly shied away. Here are some key areas where the sector has struggled to move the needle.

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Amid a Surging Housing Crisis, Should More Funders Be Paying Attention to YIMBYism?

Amid a Surging Housing Crisis, Should More Funders Be Paying Attention to YIMBYism?

As the U.S. housing crisis escalates, a growing movement of advocates are saying yes to more housing in their backyards. While it has its controversies, YIMBYism may be an under-explored opportunity for impact.

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This Major Funder Hopes to Break the Link Between Homelessness and Incarceration

This Major Funder Hopes to Break the Link Between Homelessness and Incarceration

A new partnership run by the MacArthur Foundation and the Urban Institute aims to disrupt the connection between housing instability and time in jail — starting in four communities across the country.

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California's Homelessness Problem Has Long Defied Solutions. Here’s What Five Funders Are Doing

California's Homelessness Problem Has Long Defied Solutions. Here’s What Five Funders Are Doing

Even before the pandemic, California had around 28% of the nation’s homeless population. Here’s how five Golden State funders are approaching a problem that continues to stymie philanthropy.

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IP Briefing: What's Going on With Philanthropy for Housing and Homelessness?

IP Briefing: What's Going on With Philanthropy for Housing and Homelessness?

In IP's weekly briefings, we provide an overview of what's happening in a particular area of philanthropy. This week, we take a look at who is funding work on housing and homelessness. Here’s what you need to know.

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Grassroots Initiatives Need More Than Seed Money to Thrive

Grassroots Initiatives Need More Than Seed Money to Thrive

People are driven to solve problems in their communities. According to the head of nonprofit LavaMaeX, grassroots efforts can make a huge impact when seed funding is paired with the right training and resources.

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How a Public-Private Collaboration Is Providing Shelter for Homeless Students in California

How a Public-Private Collaboration Is Providing Shelter for Homeless Students in California

Blue Shield of California is supporting California’s ambitious Homekey program to provide housing for people experiencing homelessness in the Golden State. For some students, it’s been transformative.

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A Detroit Charity Fighting Homelessness Gets a Big Grant From a Surprising Source

A Detroit Charity Fighting Homelessness Gets a Big Grant From a Surprising Source

A Catholic charity fighting homelessness in Detroit received a $7 million grant from a family foundation based in California and Hawaii. It’s an interesting example of a small family funder reaching beyond its immediate sphere.

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How a Data-Driven Push to End Homelessness Landed MacArthur’s $100 Million Prize

How a Data-Driven Push to End Homelessness Landed MacArthur’s $100 Million Prize

After two years, we have a winner in the second round of MacArthur’s $100 million grant competition. Taking home the prize is Community Solutions and its public-health-inspired approach to functionally ending homelessness.

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