We Went in Search of Funders Prioritizing Nonprofit Pay and Benefits. The Results Were Underwhelming

We Went in Search of Funders Prioritizing Nonprofit Pay and Benefits. The Results Were Underwhelming

With worker burnout surging and nonprofits struggling to retain staff, we figured there must be some funders out there making better pay and benefits a part of their grantmaking. Spoiler alert: We only found one.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A Fund's Unique Mission Helps Refugees and Immigrants Chart a Better Path to the Future

 A Fund's Unique Mission Helps Refugees and Immigrants Chart a Better Path to the Future

The WES Mariam Assefa Fund supports efforts in the U.S. and Canada to give immigrants and refugees a leg up — and a decent paycheck.

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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.

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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.

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How This Sex Worker-Led Giving Circle Grew, Letting the Movement Lead the Way

How This Sex Worker-Led Giving Circle Grew, Letting the Movement Lead the Way

When it was founded in 2018, the Sex Worker Giving Circle was the first sex worker-led fund housed at a U.S. foundation. Its growth since then underscores the benefits of giving circles for marginalized communities.

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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.

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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.

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Kendeda Doubles Down on Employee Ownership, an Underused Part of the Equity Toolbox

Kendeda Doubles Down on Employee Ownership, an Underused Part of the Equity Toolbox

Giving employees a stake in the business has been shown to not only improve outcomes for workers, but also to increase profitability and survivability. Here’s how the Kendeda Fund’s pitching the concept to the private sector.

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Five Lessons for Funders From the Implosion of a Nonprofit News Site

Five Lessons for Funders From the Implosion of a Nonprofit News Site

Alleged worker mistreatment took The Appeal, a nonprofit news site, from ambitious expansion plans to complete implosion in a matter of months. Here’s what funders can do to help their grantees avoid a similar fate.

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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.

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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.

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