Report: What Philanthropy Can Do About Workers’ Struggles in a Digitalized Global Economy

Report: What Philanthropy Can Do About Workers’ Struggles in a Digitalized Global Economy

Though touted as a force for progress, digital technology has negatively impacted many workers, especially in the Global South. A new report backed by the Ford Foundation lays out the problem and how funders can respond.

Read More

This Small Family Foundation Had the Labor Movement’s Back Before It Was Cool

This Small Family Foundation Had the Labor Movement’s Back Before It Was Cool

While foundation support for workers’ rights can be scarce, General Service Foundation has been on the case since the 1990s. Now, it's taking things a step further by investing its endowment in alignment with the cause.

Read More

Funders Partner with the Biden Administration to Back Workers' Rights Around the Globe

Funders Partner with the Biden Administration to Back Workers' Rights Around the Globe

With support from major U.S. funders, a new initiative called M-POWER is combining the forces of government, philanthropy and labor organizations to bolster workers’ rights and advance democracy.

Read More

Team Lift: Foundations and Labor Unions Partner up to Support U.S. Workers in the South

Team Lift: Foundations and Labor Unions Partner up to Support U.S. Workers in the South

Backed by a unique combination of major foundations and unions, the Southern Workers Opportunity (SWO) Fund aims to strengthen workers’ rights in the South, with implications nationwide.

Read More

An Alternative Model for the Restaurant Industry Blooms with the Help of Philanthropy

An Alternative Model for the Restaurant Industry Blooms with the Help of Philanthropy

The restaurant business is known for slim profits, hard work and low pay. Through a partnership with a foundation and a funding collaborative, Oakland Bloom is one of many organizations seeking a better way.

Read More

The New Labor Movement Is Having a Moment. Here Are Eight Funders That Have Its Back

The New Labor Movement Is Having a Moment. Here Are Eight Funders That Have Its Back

The movement for workers’ rights has never been a philanthropic staple, but recent unionization wins on the ground have coincided with broadening funder support. Here’s a short list of labor-friendly funders we’re keeping an eye on.

Read More

Funder Spotlight: How the James Irvine Foundation Backs California’s Low-Income Workers

Funder Spotlight: How the James Irvine Foundation Backs California’s Low-Income Workers

In our latest funder spotlight, we look at the origins of the James Irvine Foundation and how it’s harnessing a hefty endowment to empower California’s low-income workers, including by getting behind the labor movement.

Read More

The Pandemic Has Hit Informal Workers Hard. Here's How Ford's Supporting Them

The Pandemic Has Hit Informal Workers Hard. Here's How Ford's Supporting Them

The Ford Foundation is upping its support for advocacy on behalf of the world’s 2.1 billion informal workers, who’ve been severely impacted by COVID. The $25 million effort is financed by Ford’s social bond.

Read More

Deep Dive: What’s Going On With Philanthropy for Workers’ Rights

Deep Dive: What’s Going On With Philanthropy for Workers’ Rights

Philanthropy hasn’t given too much to the labor movement, but a few funders are supporting new movements for workers’ rights. There may be more to come. Here’s a rundown of who’s giving, with links to our past coverage.

Read More

How the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Put Equity First to Decolonize Philanthropy

How the Restaurant Workers' Community Foundation Put Equity First to Decolonize Philanthropy

Created to meet the needs of restaurant workers by putting those workers in the driver’s seat, the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation had a banner fundraising year in 2020. Guest contributor Kiki Louya fills us in.

Read More

How the Pandemic Spurred a Rise in Giving to Worker-Focused Charities

How the Pandemic Spurred a Rise in Giving to Worker-Focused Charities

As COVID-19 prompted mass layoffs and exacerbated existing inequities in employment, it also shone a light on the essential roles many low-income workers play. We look at how these factors have affected nonprofit fundraising.

Read More

Workers First: How a Unique Funder Collaboration Is Reimagining Workforce Development

Workers First: How a Unique Funder Collaboration Is Reimagining Workforce Development

For several years, ReWork the Bay has sought to model what a truly worker-centered approach to workforce development giving might look like. Here’s how it wants to evolve a creaky workforce system in the face of rapid change.

Read More

Seven Funders Behind the Movement for a Higher Minimum Wage

Seven Funders Behind the Movement for a Higher Minimum Wage

A minimum wage hike may no longer be part of the first Biden-era stimulus bill, but economic justice advocates still have a cadre of dedicated funders in their corner as the fight continues. Here are seven examples from philanthropy.

Read More

Facing Pandemic and Recession, Will Philanthropy Get Serious About Economic Justice?

Facing Pandemic and Recession, Will Philanthropy Get Serious About Economic Justice?

Labor advocacy and workers’ rights have long been an underfunded niche within economic opportunity philanthropy. Will that remain true during the COVID-19 recession, or will an unprecedented crisis spur more funders to action?

Read More

Bucking the Trend: Behind a Tech Billionaire’s Unlikely Foray into Building Worker Power

Bucking the Trend: Behind a Tech Billionaire’s Unlikely Foray into Building Worker Power

Worker power isn’t exactly a popular cause among captains of industry. But Pierre and Pam Omidyar aren’t afraid to walk the road less traveled. Here’s what makes the Omidyar Network’s new labor movement investment so important.

Read More