RECENT POSTS
CHANGE Philanthropy’s Diversity Among Philanthropic Professionals survey is perhaps the most in-depth instrument of its kind in the sector. It’s particularly apt this year as attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion escalate.
In this guest piece, authors John H. Jackson and Susan Taylor Batten pose the question: If funders believe racial justice organizations are the path to change, why not give them the true wealth they need to stabilize their work?
In this in-depth conversation, Ryan Easterly discusses his foundation’s work backing healthcare for adults with developmental disabilities, and his efforts to expand overall philanthropic support for disability rights.
Deborah Santana is a lifelong activist and donor, including work at the Milagro Foundation with former husband Carlos Santana, and her own charitable fund Do A Little. Santana talks with IP about her past work and future plans.
Spelman College and the UNCF received $100 million apiece in recent weeks. We dig into the common ingredients in each donation, and why they’re an encouraging sign for the HBCU field as a whole.
Flozell Daniels Jr. heads up this North Carolina-based funder focused on economic justice and racial equity in the South. In a candid chat, he reflects on his career, philanthropy’s blind spots and more.
On the heels of Harvard President Claudine Gay’s resignation, activists are pivoting to hot-button issues like dismantling DEI programs. Major donors have played a key role, and will likely continue to do so.
In 2023, Alice Y. Hom, Ph.D., took the lead at this coalition of groups challenging the sector to advance equity. We spoke with Hom about the organization’s role and what gives them hope for philanthropy.
Major Golden State grantmakers have gotten behind PIVOT, a collaborative fund to resource democracy work and build community power. Its initial grants have prioritized voter organizing alongside wider movement building.
The author and political strategist reflects on his long career in progressive giving — including the early days of the Democracy Alliance, the Obama years, and working with his late wife Susan Sandler to back racial justice leaders.
Drawing wealth from a successful run as an IBM engineer, Rodney C. Adkins and wife Michelle Adkins are big backers of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, along with universities and STEM education.
This pooled funding initiative has been fighting for immigrant rights for over 20 years. Fund leaders point to success in key states as a template for others interested in supporting the cause — and protecting democracy.
The Cleveland Foundation's Anisfield-Wolf Book Awards recognize books that contribute to our understanding of racism and diversity. Manager Karen R. Long walks us through the only juried American book prize of its kind.
After more than a decade at the helm of the $13 billion foundation, Larry Kramer will step down at the end of the month. IP’s David Callahan looks back on what made his tenure unique, and some of his key accomplishments.
In its mission to take on stubborn racial wealth divides in Minneapolis-St. Paul, the GroundBreak initiative has the backing of partners spanning philanthropy, the private sector and government. Here’s a closer look.
In 2008, the Omaha Community Foundation launched its first participatory fund, and has since expanded the strategy with four more. Here’s how and why the foundation has committed to the approach.
In this in-depth and wide-ranging interview, the head of Citi Foundation explains how the banking giant’s philanthropy is adapting to address the racial wealth gap, food insecurity, and much more.
Even as attempts are made to “decolonize philanthropy,” guest authors Ana Marie Argilagos, Deanna James and Sarah Thomas Nededog argue that beyond some disaster funding, the field still pays little attention to U.S. territories.
Established in 1999, the Swift Foundation supports Indigenous communities throughout South and North America. We take a closer look at the Santa Barbara-based funder, which plans to close shop by December 2028.
In the past year, this research nonprofit has expanded efforts to diversify ocean science through new educational partnerships with HBCUs Spelman College and Howard University — with more set to come.
Richard Tate assumed the top role at the Golden State public health funder in September. We connected with him to learn about his personal journey, what’s on the horizon at Cal Wellness, and his hopes for philanthropy.
Democracy Frontlines Fund launched as a time-limited racial justice and democracy initiative in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. The collaborative is extending its mission with another $35.5 million.
Two new reports from Bridgespan and Liberation Ventures make the case for funders to back reparations for slavery and systemic racism. The researchers also found a surprisingly high level of support for such work.
The outcome of the 2024 election will have a huge impact on many of the goals advanced by philanthropy, but groups on the ground are seeing major funding shortfalls. Billy Wimsatt from Movement Voter Fund has a plan.
John Palfrey has led this $8 billion foundation through a time of great change — a racial reckoning, the rise of trust-based philanthropy, and program shifts at MacArthur. We take stock of how Palfrey’s done so far, and what’s next.
Despite their crucial role at the front lines of progressive change, Black feminist leaders face a marked lack of philanthropic backing. Guest authors Tynesha McHarris and Nicky McIntyre challenge funders to step up.
Carnell Chosa’s philanthropic journey began with his experiences growing up in the Jémez Pueblo community in New Mexico. We connected with him to learn about his story, the foundation he started, and more.
In this guest article, Equal Justice Works CEO Verna Williams makes a case for funders to sustain and step up their support for diversity and inclusion, giving people of color a better chance to enter fields like the legal profession.
Several criticisms have circulated around Press Forward, a recently-announced $500 million local news initiative backed by a host of funders. One issue stands out: its vague, noncommittal language around racial equity.
While some strides have been made, many Black-led nonprofits are still out in the cold. New insight from the Young, Black, and Giving Back Institute focuses on resourcing the smallest grassroots groups.