February 28, 2023 Billionaire Philanthropists Want Us to Really Consider Dimming the Sun February 28, 2023/ Michael Kavate Several of the most prominent mega-donors on the planet are supporting the idea of solar geoengineering — or at least looking into it. Here’s an update on the philanthropic landscape and what might be ahead.Read More
February 02, 2023 Omidyar’s Latest Effort to “Reimagine Capitalism” — Funding Intrepid Journalists February 02, 2023/ Connie Matthiessen The Omidyar Network’s Reporters in Residence program is backing journalists who cover economic issues neglected by the mainstream media. It’s the latest philanthropic effort to boost a struggling field — and spur systemic change.Read More
November 09, 2022 In a Fast-Changing Political Landscape, How Is the Democracy Alliance Evolving? November 09, 2022/ Philip Rojc It’s a very different world than it was when the Democracy Alliance formed, way back in the Bush era. How has this progressive donor powerhouse, once the only game in town, changed over the years? And where is it headed?Read More
October 14, 2022 With a Higher Ed Partnership, a New Foundation Is Spotlighting Indigenous History and Culture October 14, 2022/ Connie Matthiessen The Gochman Family Foundation is a new grantmaker founded in 2021. Here’s a look at how it’s joining forces with the Open Society Foundations to launch new Indigenous arts and history programs at Bard College.Read More
March 10, 2022 A New Book on George Soros’ “Life in Full” Examines His Giving—and Impact on Philanthropy March 10, 2022/ Connie Matthiessen A new book edited by Peter L.W. Osnos examines the many facets of the life of George Soros, including a chapter on his philanthropy written by Ford’s Darren Walker. It’s an insightful look at what makes Soros so unique as a donor.Read More
March 02, 2022 In Ukraine, a Vindication for OSF and a Call for More Global Democracy Funding March 02, 2022/ Philip Rojc In recent years, philanthropy’s efforts to promote democracy abroad—with OSF in the lead—have faced an uphill battle. What does Ukraine’s story of resilience tell us about such funding? And will more funders join the fight?Read More
December 09, 2021 Who Are the Next Billionaire Climate Mega-Donors? December 09, 2021/ Michael Kavate Growing numbers of America’s super-wealthy are wading into giving to avert the climate crisis. Here’s a list of billionaires who are just getting started in climate funding, or otherwise signaling greater potential giving ahead.Read More
October 19, 2021 Recognizing a Powerful Force for Democracy, OSF Backs Native-Led Organizations October 19, 2021/ Connie Matthiessen With $10 million in grants, Open Society Foundations is backing Native American-led groups’ work on civic participation, policy and voter outreach. The grants will extend the work of another funder that is spending down.Read More
January 19, 2021 Major “Transformation” Underway at OSF—Temporary Limits on Spending, Freeze on New Initiatives January 19, 2021/ Michael Kavate Open Society Foundations, one of the world’s largest funders of democracy, human rights and more, is undergoing a “transformation.” The institution has put a freeze on new initiatives and temporarily reduced spending as it charts a new course.Read More
December 11, 2020 Seven Things to Know About Mark Malloch-Brown, OSF’s New President December 11, 2020/ Philip Rojc Patrick Gaspard is departing the Open Society Foundations, possibly for a role in the Biden cabinet. OSF’s new head is a former U.N. second-in-command with a long history of working in international development and a close bond with George Soros.Read More
December 08, 2020 How a New Philanthropic Award Seeks to Support Refugees—and Rally More Donors December 08, 2020/ Liz Longley A new philanthropic prize to help refugees looks for bold short- and long-term solutions to the challenges they face—and welcomes like-minded funders.Read More
November 12, 2020 OSF Turns Its Attention to Climate Change, With a New Justice-Focused Initiative November 12, 2020/ Michael Kavate Open Society Foundations, a giant in the sector, is launching a climate change program focused on human rights, economic justice and movement building. OSF leadership pulls back the curtain on the new initiative.Read More
February 14, 2020 Four Things to Know About That $1 Billion Soros Bet on Global Liberal Arts Education February 14, 2020/ Liz Longley George Soros has already given away $32 billion through a sprawling philanthropic network that operates in 120 countries. But at 89, the hedge fund billionaire says his latest venture is his “most important” project yet. Here’s the deal.Read More
October 02, 2019 Soros in Baltimore: Lessons From 20 Years of Place-Based Giving October 02, 2019/ Liz Longley In the 1990s, George Soros set out to make a difference in a single U.S. city. He chose Baltimore, and today, the institute created by his foundation is still going strong, addressing entrenched urban problems. What are some takeaways? Read More
May 06, 2019 “Create Momentum for Change.” A Soros-Backed Arts Fellowship Focuses on Migration May 06, 2019/ Mike Scutari The Open Society Foundations launched its Soros Arts Fellowships last year to support the work of artists in repressive regimes. This year’s fellowship builds on this approach by focusing on an issue that’s deeply personal for OSF’s founder. Read More
April 15, 2018 “I, Too, Was a Rohingya." Soros Steps Up in a Humanitarian Crisis. Will Other Funders Follow? April 15, 2018/ IP Staff The world mostly sits on its hands as Rohingya refugees suffer in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, but a few private funders are throwing them a lifeline, now including Soros and OSF. Read More