June 09, 2020

Real Change or More of the Same? Foundation Leaders Look Beyond COVID-19

June 09, 2020/ Thomas Boyd

Philanthropy, like the rest of the the world, is having to adapt in a time of deep uncertainty. We asked leaders at prominent foundations to forecast how the pandemic and its fallout might change the sector.

February 18, 2020

Founding Funder: How John D. Rockefeller’s Legacy Still Shapes Philanthropy

February 18, 2020/ Thomas Boyd

As new billionaire givers wrestle with how to have impact while also facing a growing backlash, it’s a good moment to look back at a pioneering mega-giver— a man reviled by many who established key practices of modern philanthropy.

August 01, 2019

What to Know Before You Ask: Talking Shop with a Veteran Prospect Researcher

August 01, 2019/ Thomas Boyd

Researching potential donors isn’t exactly rocket science. But nor are the tricks of this trade so obvious to newcomers to development. We chat with a long-time high-level fundraiser about the ins and outs of digging for dollars.

July 01, 2019

Lofty Ambitions and a Focus on "Authentic Leaders." Inside the George Family Foundation

July 01, 2019/ Thomas Boyd

Penny and Bill George are hands-on philanthropists who work with a tiny staff to pursue large-scale changes around health and medicine, as well as other goals. Like many donors, they’re more focused on backing great leaders than tracking metrics.