This Community Foundation Went All In on Trust-Based Philanthropy. Here’s What It Has Learned

This Community Foundation Went All In on Trust-Based Philanthropy. Here’s What It Has Learned

Beginning in 2018, Patricia Mejia oversaw the San Antonio Area Foundation’s adoption of trust-based philanthropy practices. It wasn’t always easy, but the move is paying off for grantees and the foundation.

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Philanthropy Needs a New Normal: Here Are 3 Ways We’re Reimagining Our Grantmaking

Philanthropy Needs a New Normal: Here Are 3 Ways We’re Reimagining Our Grantmaking

Nonprofits are responding in the moment to a flurry of fast-moving challenges. In this guest opinion, director of programs at the Langeloth Foundation shares three ways they’ve adapted to meet grantees’ needs.

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Staying the Course: The Need for Mission-Driven Spending in Turbulent Times

Staying the Course: The Need for Mission-Driven Spending in Turbulent Times

In recent years, more foundations have made payout decisions based on mission and need, not just market forces. Guest author Dimple Abichandani encourages funders to continue this practice, even in a volatile economy.

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IP Explainer: The Debate Over Who Should Make Funding Decisions

IP Explainer: The Debate Over Who Should Make Funding Decisions

Philanthropy is difficult to navigate. That’s why we’ve produced a series of explainers to demystify the basics. Today, we summarize a key debate happening in the sector: Who should decide what gets funded?

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What Does it Look Like to Truly Shift Power in Philanthropy? Here Are 3 Real World Examples

What Does it Look Like to Truly Shift Power in Philanthropy? Here Are 3 Real World Examples

Deb Nelson of the Just Economy Institute recounts cases in which overturning funding models made a profound impact. In all of them, collaboration between people of different races, classes and generations were key.

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Answering the Call: One Foundation’s Approach to Shifting Power and Funding Racial Justice

Answering the Call: One Foundation’s Approach to Shifting Power and Funding Racial Justice

Since 2020, philanthropy has had to reckon with historic uprisings demanding racial justice. In this guest opinion, the Pink House Foundation’s leadership share how they responded, including handing over decision-making power.

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How Billionaire Couple Tegan and Brian Acton Are Giving in the Bay Area and Beyond

How Billionaire Couple Tegan and Brian Acton Are Giving in the Bay Area and Beyond

Part of an ongoing series on family philanthropy, we take a closer look at the giving of Tegan and Brian Acton, co-founder of WhatsApp. After an acquisition windfall, the Actons are giving extensively in the Bay Area and nationally.

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A Non-Arts Funder Commits Millions for the Arts—and Offers Elusive Endowment Funding

A Non-Arts Funder Commits Millions for the Arts—and Offers Elusive Endowment Funding

The Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation has made a huge arts commitment that includes often-overlooked endowment support. VP Jim Boyle explains how the foundation’s economic development focus area led them to the arts.

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