Inside Philanthropy
LightNews LightNews
insidephilanthropy.com
Inside Philanthropy
@insidephilanthropy.com
1.9K followers 320 following 420 posts
The how and why of foundations and major donors giving away their money, publishing 5 days a week.

https://linktr.ee/insidephilanthropy
Posts Replies Media Videos
insidephilanthropy.com
This is the first time since the creation of the Women & Girls Index in 2019 that giving for women’s and girls’ issues has exceeded 2% of all giving.

Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/2s4uyn3p

#WomenAndGirls #WomensEmpowerment #GenderEquity #ReproductiveRights #SocialImpact
Giving to Women’s and Girls’ Nonprofits Breaks the 2% Ceiling
This is the first time since the creation of the Women & Girls Index in 2019 that giving for women’s and girls’ issues has exceeded 2% of all giving.
tinyurl.com
November 11, 2025 at 3:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
California’s special election prompted some funders to act quickly to ensure access to the polls. Maintaining and growing that support will be key going into 2026.

Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/2t5t3d26

#DemocracyFund #ElectionProtection #VotingRights
Lessons from Prop 50: Why Safeguarding Elections Needs Year-Round Support
California’s special election prompted some funders to act quickly to ensure access to the polls. Maintaining and growing that support will be key going into 2026.
tinyurl.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
The Literary Arts Fund aims to put the historically under-resourced field on a path toward sustainability by granting at least $50 million to nonprofits within five years.

Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/35szkaje

#LiteraryArtsFund #MellonFoundation #FordFoundation #MacArthurFoundation
7 Funders Combine Forces to Launch New Literary Arts Fund
The fund aims to put the historically under-resourced field on a path toward sustainability by granting at least $50 million within five years.
tinyurl.com
November 8, 2025 at 2:01 AM
insidephilanthropy.com
Bill Gates’ current positions on climate reflect some deep disagreements with many in the movement. But are those differences irreconcilable?

Michael Kavate(@kavate.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/45fvzhxn

#ClimateChange #BillGates #ClimatePhilanthropy #BreakthroughEnergy #Sustainability
Bill Gates’ Climate “Breakup Letter”: The Bad and the Maybe Not So Bad
The billionaire’s current positions reflect some deep disagreements with many in the climate movement. But are those differences irreconcilable?
tinyurl.com
November 7, 2025 at 8:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Checking in with MacKenzie Scott's affordable housing grantees one year later.

Sarah Henry reports: tinyurl.com/yft9h4cr

#MacKenzieScott #YieldGiving #AffordableHousing #HousingTrustSiliconValley #Philanthropy #CommunityDevelopment #CDFI #EconomicMobility #SocialImpact #TrustBasedGiving
Checking in With MacKenzie Scott’s Affordable Housing Grantees a Year Later
Plans are coming into focus following the mega donor’s big gifts in 2024 to address housing costs in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area.
tinyurl.com
November 7, 2025 at 3:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
The 83-year-old heir and rail entrepreneur Timothy Mellon is one of Trump’s top political donors. His recent gift, meant to pay troops during the government shutdown, has raised eyebrows.

Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/2p9rjken

#TimothyMellon #MegaDonors
What Can We Make of Timothy Mellon’s $130 Million Donation to Pay the Military?
The 83-year-old heir and rail investor is one of Trump’s top political donors. His gift, meant to pay troops during the government shutdown, has raised eyebrows.
tinyurl.com
November 6, 2025 at 5:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
There’s a strange and disappointing unity in the sector around a dispiriting mantra: “philanthropy cannot.” Michael Kavate on the status quo:

Michael Kavate(@kavate.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/rsc62cnb

#SocialImpact #Nonprofits #Giving #Funders #ChangeMakers #Leadership #WealthTransfer
Can Love of Humanity Rise to This Moment? Maybe, If We Stop Talking About What It Can’t Do
There’s a strange and disappointing unity in the sector around a dispiriting mantra: “philanthropy cannot.”
tinyurl.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Office and event rental fees are a serious expense for nonprofits. Some funders help out by inviting nonprofits to share the foundations’ own buildings.

Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/yakeek93

#McKnightFoundation #ClevelandFoundation #FordFoundation #KresgeFoundation
Some Funders Share Their Buildings or Even Office Space with Nonprofits
Office and event rental fees are a serious expense. Some funders help out by inviting nonprofits to share the foundations’ own buildings.
tinyurl.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Mission Telecom Giving Director Ashindi Maxton discusses how Mission Telecom Giving deploys unrestricted support to mostly 501c4 organizations to galvanize systems change.

Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/y689br2d

#CivicEngagement #DemocracyFunding #501c4Philanthropy #MovementBuilding
Meet Mission Telecom Giving, a New Funder Building Grassroots Power
Unrestricted support to 501c4 organizations is central to this funder's approach. We connected with its director Ashindi Maxton to learn more.
tinyurl.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:00 AM
insidephilanthropy.com
Equimundo Founder and Melinda French Gates grantee Gary Barker supports men and boys as part of ending violence against women and girls.

Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/yc2ha857

#GenderEquality #MensEngagement #Equimundo #MelindaFrenchGates #Masculinity
Moving Beyond the Manosphere: 11 Questions for Gary Barker
The Equimundo founder and Melinda French Gates recipient supports men and boys as part of ending violence against women and girls.
tinyurl.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Recoding America Fund Chair Jennifer Pahlka discusses how the fund, which will disburse at least $120 million over six years, aims to make government more efficient and responsive.

Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/25zkshah

#GenderEquality #MensEngagement #Equimundo #MelindaFrenchGates
This New Pooled Fund Seeks to “Recode” the Administrative State
Recoding America Fund Chair Jennifer Pahlka discusses how the fund, which will disburse at least $120 million over six years, aims to make government more efficient and responsive.
tinyurl.com
November 4, 2025 at 3:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
From makeshift basketball camps to multi-year grants uniting AAPI youth organizations in New York and the Bay Area, the NBA star’s foundation has evolved from reactive giving to a mission on mental health, confidence and community.

Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.socia) reports: tinyurl.com/pjpw3yjy
Beyond Linsanity: Inside Jeremy Lin’s Philanthropic Journey
From makeshift basketball camps to uniting AAPI youth organizations in New York and the Bay Area, the NBA star has evolved a focused mission.
tinyurl.com
November 1, 2025 at 1:00 AM
insidephilanthropy.com
The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly being retooled to target philanthropy. IP's Philip Rojc takes a look at what’s going on and how we got here.

Philip Rojc Reports: tinyurl.com/yuzy8b8w

#Democracy #IRS #NonprofitSector #CivilSociety #PoliticalTargeting #FreeSpeech #PhilanthropicFreedom
With IRS Weaponization on the Way, Funders Now Face a Choice
The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly being retooled to target philanthropy. Here's a look at what’s going on and how we got here.
tinyurl.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Jody Levison-Johnson of Social Current thinks it’s time to ditch the term "nonprofit" and the funder mindsets that go along with it.

Guest Contributor, Jody Levison-Johnson Reports: tinyurl.com/v6k2ftrh

#NonprofitFunding #EconomicImpact #NarrativeChange #SocialInnovation #CommunityInvestment
Stop Calling Us “Nonprofit”: It’s Time for a New Name for the $1.4-Trillion Engine of Progress
Jody Levison-Johnson of Social Current thinks it’s time to ditch the term "nonprofit" — and the funder mindsets that go along with it.
tinyurl.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
White House ballroom donors include corporate giants and billionaire Trump benefactors — and most are counting on something in return.

Connie Matthiessen(@cmatthiessen.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/3jwn5j66

#WhiteHouse #TrumpAdministration #PoliticalDonations
Who Are the Donors Contributing to Donald Trump’s Ballroom Project?
They include corporate giants and billionaire Trump benefactors — and most are counting on something in return.
tinyurl.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:00 AM
insidephilanthropy.com
As the federal government threatens to revoke the 501c3 status of nonprofit organizations, a new California law will allow organizations to continue to receive grants and contracts from the state.

Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/3aakwvav

#NonprofitLaw
October 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
The Catalytic Impact Foundation replaces the short-term Rapid Response Fund launched by Founders Pledge and The Life You Can Save.

Lauren Evans reports: tinyurl.com/2jyybuym

#GlobalHealth #FoundersPledge #LifeYouCanSave #USAID #RapidResponseFund #CatalyticImpactFund #Collaboration
After USAID: Catalytic Impact Fund Aims to Create Durable Solutions Overseas
The new fund replaces a short-term Rapid Response Fund launched by Founders Pledge and The Life You Can Save.
tinyurl.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
If charities are going to successfully reverse small donor decline, they need younger people to help them do it. This NGO has made a concerted effort to get there.

Lauren Evans reports: tinyurl.com/yctfvevy

#GenZPhilanthropy #HumanitarianAid #SocialImpact #DigitalEngagement #HumanAppeal
How Human Appeal Is Courting Gen Z Donors
If charities are going to successfully reverse small donor decline, they need younger people to help them do it. This NGO has made a concerted effort to get there.
tinyurl.com
October 30, 2025 at 1:01 AM
insidephilanthropy.com
The venture philanthropy model is propelling research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a rare childhood genetic disease.

Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/5n85c5vr

#RareDiseaseResearch #GeneTherapy #CMTResearchFoundation #ElpidaTherapeutics #CureCMT4J #VenturePhilanthropy
CMT Research Foundation Funds Landmark Gene Therapy Trial
The venture philanthropy model is propelling research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a rare childhood genetic disease.
tinyurl.com
October 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
MacKenzie Scott’s first essay of the year sets the thematic stage for an upcoming tranche of grants — and offers a window into her thinking.

Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/2whtezsj

#MacKenzieScott #YieldGiving #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #WomenInPhilanthropy #BigPhilanthropy #RacialEquity #HBCUs
The Eleventh Hour: 3 Takeaways from MacKenzie Scott’s Latest Essay
Scott’s first Yield Giving essay of the year sets the thematic stage for an upcoming tranche of gifts — and offers a window into her thinking.
tinyurl.com
October 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Countless new women donors are entering the mix as the Great Wealth Transfer takes place. Here’s how guest contributors Suzanne Ehlers & Jessica de Rothschild of USA for UNHCR seek to engage them differently.

Guest Contributors, Suzanne Ehlers and Jessica de Rothschild Reports: tinyurl.com/3cw9kj9b
Fundraising Wasn’t Built for Women. So We Built Something New
Countless new women donors are entering the mix as the Great Wealth Transfer takes place. Here's how USA for UNHCR is seeking to engage them differently.
tinyurl.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
The Adam R. Scripps Foundation has moved over $65 million out the door in its first two years, with an emphasis on organizations in Central and South Texas.

Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/p583sjvy

#InsidePhilanthropy #NonprofitNews #Grantmaking #ImpactInvesting #CorporateGiving
A Closer Look at the Adam R. Scripps Foundation, a New Philanthropic Force in Texas
Launched by a Scripps family heir, the foundation has moved over $65 million out the door in its first two years, with an emphasis on organizations in Central and South Texas.
tinyurl.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Rebecca Hamburg of the California Donor Table shares why it’s vital that progressive funders, including 501c3 donors, give to support nonpartisan civic engagement around the state’s upcoming Prop 50 special election.

Guest Contributor, Rebecca Hamburg Reports: tinyurl.com/yz7me2fa

#Democracy
With Democracy in Peril, Philanthropy Can Make a Difference on California’s Prop 50
Rebecca Hamburg of the California Donor Table shares why it’s vital that funders support nonpartisan civic engagement around the state’s upcoming Prop 50 special election.
tinyurl.com
October 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff had to apologize after saying he was “all for” Trump calling in the National Guard — and then had to tell Trump to back off.

Sarah Henry reports: tinyurl.com/2p825n5n

#MarcBenioff #SalesforceFoundation #TechBillionaires #SanFrancisco #LaurenePowellJobs
How Marc Benioff Sparked a Bay Area Uproar and Turned the City Against Him
The Salesforce founder and longtime philanthropist had to apologize after saying he was “all for” Trump calling in the National Guard — and then had to tell Trump to back off.
tinyurl.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:00 PM
insidephilanthropy.com
Daria and John Barry have quietly become major private backers of glaucoma research, driven not by legacy-building, but by lived experience.

Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/5n8645k3

#MedicalResearch #GlaucomaAwareness #BarryFamilyFoundation #EducationGrants
Meet a Wall Street Couple Betting Big on Glaucoma Research, Education and More
Daria and John Barry have quietly become major backers of glaucoma research, driven in part by lived experience with the condition.
tinyurl.com
October 25, 2025 at 1:01 AM