Funders Get Behind a New Effort to Create Unifying Economic Messaging for Progressives

Funders Get Behind a New Effort to Create Unifying Economic Messaging for Progressives

The Rural Democracy Initiative, Open Society Foundations and more are supporting the Winning Jobs Narrative Project, which aims to build strong progressive messaging about workers, jobs and the economy.

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How Restricted Project Grants Distort the Missions of Nonprofits

How Restricted Project Grants Distort the Missions of Nonprofits

While we’ve seen some advances in the push for more general operating support, the norm is still restricted funding. Nonprofit veterans share the many ways project grants have led them astray and held back progress.

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In a Fast-Changing Political Landscape, How Is the Democracy Alliance Evolving?

In a Fast-Changing Political Landscape, How Is the Democracy Alliance Evolving?

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?

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Rob Stein's Liberal Legacy

Rob Stein's Liberal Legacy

The founder of the Democracy Alliance, who died earlier this month, tried to rally progressive funders to copy the Right's infrastructure-building. But wealthy donors had other, less effective, ideas about where to put their money.

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“Fighting for Our Lives.” Veteran Progressive Donor Patricia Bauman Is Going All in for Democracy

“Fighting for Our Lives.” Veteran Progressive Donor Patricia Bauman Is Going All in for Democracy

For decades, Patricia Bauman has had an outsized impact in progressive philanthropy, as both donor and organizer. She’s now narrowing her foundation’s focus to confront dire threats to democracy.

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Should Progressive Funders Be Paying Closer Attention to the Fate of the Democratic Party?

Should Progressive Funders Be Paying Closer Attention to the Fate of the Democratic Party?

With a possible midterm wipeout on the horizon, some progressive funders remain committed to vanguard issues that large numbers of the traditional Democratic base don’t prioritize. Is that a problem?

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Eds and Meds: How 2021's 50 Biggest Donors Contradict the "Woke Philanthropy" Narrative

Eds and Meds: How 2021's 50 Biggest Donors Contradict the "Woke Philanthropy" Narrative

The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s annual list of the nation’s 50 biggest donors reads a lot like a return to 2019—hardly a narrative of surging progressive giving. Even if activist giving is on the upswing, big donors aren’t driving it.

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Centrists Are Blaming Lefty Philanthropists for Democrats' Woes. Here's What They're Missing

Centrists Are Blaming Lefty Philanthropists for Democrats' Woes. Here's What They're Missing

While some funders do back progressive organizations, the argument that philanthropy has played any major role pushing Democrats to the left misunderstands what is still a very cautious, behaviorally conservative sector.

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What Kind of Progressive Donor Is MacKenzie Scott Turning Out to Be?

What Kind of Progressive Donor Is MacKenzie Scott Turning Out to Be?

She’s pretty much the nation’s biggest progressive philanthropist, whether or not she’d use that term. After a third round of grants furthered her commitment to equity work, what can we learn about MacKenzie Scott’s progressivism?

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Carmen Rojas Wants to Create a Future Where Foundations Don't Need to Exist

Carmen Rojas Wants to Create a Future Where Foundations Don't Need to Exist

Stalwart grassroots progressive funder Marguerite Casey Foundation has a new president with ambitious goals for power-building in marginalized communities. We catch up with Dr. Carmen Rojas to find out where she’s taking MCF.

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Neera Tanden on Building a Progressive Think Tank and Influencing Policy

Neera Tanden on Building a Progressive Think Tank and Influencing Policy

IP’s David Callahan talks with Neera Tanden—who leads the Center for American Progress and has been tapped to head OMB—on the center’s work, the donors who support its $50 million budget, and the role of think tanks in shaping policy.

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The Uneasy Alliance Between Progressives and Billionaire Donors

The Uneasy Alliance Between Progressives and Billionaire Donors

The super-rich are under heavy fire from progressives, especially as they rack up billions while the nation’s vulnerable suffer. So what are we to make of mega-donors now backing justice movements?

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Beyond Trump: A Call to Action for Progressive Donors

Beyond Trump: A Call to Action for Progressive Donors

Defeating Donald Trump is a clear priority for progressives. But guest contributor Leah Hunt-Hendrix urges donors to look beyond the election and support institutions and movements that will move the nation forward.

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MacKenzie Scott’s Big Giving Is Just Getting Started. What Should She Fund Next?

MacKenzie Scott’s Big Giving Is Just Getting Started. What Should She Fund Next?

With her deep commitment to equity and her plan to give away billions, Scott is poised to become one of the most consequential philanthropists of our time. We offer a set of recommendations for how she can make good on that potential.

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How Donor and Organizer Leah Hunt-Hendrix Uses Generational Wealth to Back Social Movements

How Donor and Organizer Leah Hunt-Hendrix Uses Generational Wealth to Back Social Movements

When Leah Hunt-Hendrix hit the pavement with Occupy Wall Street back in 2011, few knew her family was worth billions. Since then, she’s become a key figure in the next-gen push to build out funding infrastructure for social movements.

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As Nonprofits Struggle, “Progressive Stimulus” Will Back Fundraising Innovations

As Nonprofits Struggle, “Progressive Stimulus” Will Back Fundraising Innovations

The pandemic and economic downturn have nonprofits reeling, in many cases, needing to find new and improved revenue streams. A group of progressive funders is out to raise $15 million in support of fundraising innovations.

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An Unprecedented Fundraising Campaign for a Progressive Magazine Nears the Finish Line

An Unprecedented Fundraising Campaign for a Progressive Magazine Nears the Finish Line

Fueled by support from foundations, wealthy individuals and small donors, Mother Jones has raised nearly $25 million in the past three years. How did it haul in so much cash? And how is the magazine using the funds to expand?

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Strength in Numbers: The New Donor Fund Resisting Trump

Strength in Numbers: The New Donor Fund Resisting Trump

Progressive funders are preparing for threats on all fronts under a Trump administration. The latest response is a new donor fund that will make rapid response grants and build diverse power.

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