Facing Scrutiny, Foundations Lack a Clear Message

Plus, readers respond to op-ed criticizing MacKenzie Scott for ignoring small nonprofits; and ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. RESEARCH [Foundations Need a New Message, Survey Suggests]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( A Council on Foundations study finds that philanthropy hasn’t created a coherent message about its impact and warns of a “narrative vacuum” as grant makers face increased scrutiny on Capitol Hill. ADVERTISEMENT THE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY [Where Theater Is Resistance]( By Sara Herschander [STORY IMAGE]( The Theater Offensive has nurtured the talent of young LGBTQ artists, playwrights, and performers for more than three decades. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR [Readers Respond to Op-Ed Criticizing MacKenzie Scott for Ignoring Small Nonprofits]( A call for the philanthropist to pay more attention to small nonprofits draws agreement, dissent. WEBINARS [April 18 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( Affluent donors continue to take advantage of donor-advised funds. To better understand the motivations and giving preferences of those who hold these accounts, join us for How DAF Donors Are Giving Away Their Money. We’ll share insights to help you better connect with donors who give this way, and you’ll learn how nonprofits are successfully attracting contributions through DAFs. SPONSOR CONTENT | Ganbina [Breaking the Cycle of Disadvantage, One Success Story at a Time.]( ONLINE FORUMS [April 23 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( Join the Chronicle and a panel of nonprofit experts for the free online forum Using A.I. to Streamline Nonprofit Operations. Our guest experts will share practical examples of the latest A.I. applications and advice on how to manage the rapid pace of A.I.-driven change. Don’t miss this chance to learn how harnessing smart tools can introduce efficiencies and help increase productivity at your organization. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE [Chronicle of Philanthropy Subscription] Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online Chef Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen has taken its place among bigger, more established charities to become one of the leading global providers of humanitarian aid in times of war or natural disasters. The organization’s decision to pause operations in Gaza after the Israeli attack on its convoy this week “will be a serious blow to overall humanitarian efforts” there. ([Associated Press]( More on Aid in Gaza and World Central Kitchen - José Andrés: Let People Eat ([New York Times]( - World Central Kitchen Attack in Gaza Spotlights Dangers for Aid Workers ([Washington Post]( - In Besieged and Starving Gaza, Ramadan Charity and Prayers Endure ([Christian Science Monitor]( - How José Andrés and His Corps of Cooks Became Leaders in Disaster Aid ([New York Times]( - Miami Nonprofit Won’t Halt Gaza Aid After Deadly World Central Kitchen Strike ([Miami New Times]( - They Had Just Delivered Tons of Food. Then Their Convoy Was Hit. ([New York Times]( - Israel Blames Misidentification for Strike That Killed Gaza Aid Workers ([Wall Street Journal]( More News - Wisconsin Becomes Latest State to Ban Private Funding Of Elections ([Washington Post]( - Audit Finds S.F. Homeless Housing Provider Misspent Taxpayer Money ([KQED]( - Troubled S.F. Nonprofit Will Pay City Back For Millions Borrowed Amid Financial Crisis ([San Francisco Chronicle]( - New York Health Services Nonprofit to Lay Off 132 ([Crain’s New York Business]( subscription) - New York City’s M.T.A. Wants Marathon Runners to Pay Bridge Tolls, Too ([New York Times]( - Grass-Roots ‘Giving Circles’ Are the Fast Track of Philanthropy ([Barron’s]( Note: In the links in this section, we flag articles that only subscribers can access. But because some journalism outlets offer a limited number of free articles, readers may encounter barriers with other articles we highlight in this roundup. EDITOR'S PICKS OPINION [The Fearless Fund, DEI, and Attacks on Philanthropic Freedom]( By Howard Husock [STORY IMAGE]( Even conservatives skeptical of race-based policies should support a foundation’s right to hold a grant contest for Black women. GRASSROOTS [What Philanthropy Elites Can Learn From Appalachia]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( “We’ve got to stop hyperintellectualizing things,” says L.B. Prevette, a North Carolina leader of a program founded by New York Times columnist David Brooks to build community. [Introducing the Commons]( [STORY IMAGE]( The Chronicle of Philanthropy launches a digital space to explore the ideas, conversations, and solutions for a fractured country. We will examine what foundations and nonprofits are doing to heal divisions and build community. Plus, see the rest of our [new issue]( published online today. RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join our webinar]( — It’s an age-old problem: many nonprofit CEOs and senior leaders struggle to persuade board members to raise money — even though trustees care deeply about the nonprofits they serve. Experts cite a variety of reasons, including the need to define roles and responsibilities when recruiting board members. What does it take to create a vibrant culture of fundraising among board members? Join us on Thursday, May 9, at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn from our expert guests as they share proven ways to solve this perennial challenge. [Register now.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Apply today](. [Director of Foundation Relations (Grants)]( NorthBay Education Inc [Hawai'i Public Radio - President and General Manager]( Hawai'i Public Radio [Search other jobs.]( [Chronicle of Philanthropy Logo]( This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. [Manage]( your newsletter preferences, [stop receiving]( this email, or [view]( our privacy policy. © 2024 [The Chronicle of Philanthropy]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037