Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on September 15, 2020 With demands for equity and inclusion in philanthropy growing in recent years, and particularly over the past few months as part of a surging movement for racial justice, critics have called for breaking down the barriers between funders and the beneficiaries…

Originally appeared at Inside Philanthropy on September 11, 2020 Conversations in philanthropy about racism and racial justice have been growing in recent years, leading many foundations to examine their own internal dynamics, as well as their funding priorities and practices. …

Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on September 10, 2020 There is a saying in philanthropy that “when you’ve seen one foundation, you’ve seen one foundation.” The variety of foundation priorities, operations, policies and practices is due to the overall lack of regulation and standardization in the sector. For some, this…

The key overall finding based upon available evidence is that adopting more humane, person-centered approaches produces more efficient and effective outcomes than the more punitive policies that are often used throughout the U.S. — Arnold Ventures As the visibility of homelessness has grown throughout Los Angeles in recent years, it…

Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on July 18, 2020 As we’ve reported previously, left-leaning nonprofit organizations have become more politically involved through advocacy and lobbying, as well as civic engagement, sometimes by establishing 501(c)(4) affiliates. Foundations are increasingly coming together to back these efforts through funder collaboratives, while major donors…

Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on June 24, 2020 Philanthropy has long exemplified a power imbalance of haves and have-nots, between those who have funding to give out and those seeking grants to do good in the world. To the have-nots, how funding decisions get made is often a mystery…

Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on June 4, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic and resulting economic crisis have generated calls for, and some action by, philanthropy to support grantees by relaxing funding and other requirements, and in some cases, increasing grant dollars during this time of need. Is the same true…

The news from the Twin Cities and reactions across the country this week has brought back memories of April 1992, when I was living in Inglewood, just three miles from the flashpoint of the civil unrest in Los Angeles after the acquittal verdict in the Rodney King beating case. Over…

Originally published at Inside Philanthropy on May 20, 2020 Philanthropy has become increasingly comfortable with funding community organizing and movement building to advance racial and economic equity, particularly in response to threats to democracy, civil rights and community life since the 2016 election. At the same time, funders have given…