Et Tu, Philanthropy?

How nonprofits and philanthropy that want to bridge divides may stoke division; plus, everyday donors and campus unrest. [Philanthropy Today Logo]( This is a special weekly edition of Philanthropy Today featuring stories and content from [The Commons](. You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. If you no longer want to receive the Philanthropy Today newsletter, [unsubscribe](. [This Week in The Commons]( - How nonprofits and philanthropy contribute to polarization - Donor ultimatums and boycotts amid Israel-Gaza campus unrest - Inside the shaky start for the massive Press Forward effort to support journalism Is Philanthropy a Threat to Democracy? From senior editor Drew Lindsay: I’m heading next week to a Council on Foundations [meeting]( in Chicago where some 500 grant-making professionals will consider the implications of America’s divisions for their work. The Council is hosting workshops with groups that aim to help Americans bridge differences — Braver Angels, BMe Community, the Convergence Center for Policy Resolution, and more. I’ll report on the conference next week, but in advance of that, we invited critiques from three philanthropy and nonprofit veterans whose work strengthening democracy gives them an insider’s view of how philanthropy contributes to America’s divides: - [Kristen Cambell]( on five ways that grant makers stoke division. - [Sam Daley-Harris]( on how nonprofits embrace a faux advocacy that robs them of influence. - [Daniel Stid]( on grant makers as “shadow partisans” who push our politics to the extremes. Everyday Donors: ‘The Only Power We Have’ Billionaires like Bill Ackman made headlines pulling their support from colleges amid Israel-Gaza protests. As campus unrest grows and spreads, we look at how rank-and-file college supporters are issuing ultimatums, withholding donations, and boycotting events — a concern as commencement and reunion season gets underway. Read the story: [“The Donor Revolt Comes to the Annual Fund”]( A $500 Million Rollout Begins Philanthropy is making big bets to rebuild journalism as a key to a strong democracy — none bigger than the $500 million commitment by 22 foundations to support local news. That effort, Press Forward, launched last fall and wobbled on takeoff, with one news outlet complaining it was setting up a “Hunger Games"-like competition for funding and depressing other giving. Now, it’ has announced its first funding opportunity: $100,000 grants for organizations with an annual budget of less than $1 million. - Read the story: [“After Shaky Start, $500 Million Local News Effort Takes Shape]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE [Chronicle of Philanthropy Subscription] Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Of the Moment Noteworthy news and items: - Watch: [In a TED Talk]( Aziz Abu Sarah, Palestinian author and cofounder of InterAct International, spoke with Israeli social entrepreneur and peace activist Maoz Inon. Both have had family members killed in the Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. - Watch: “Can an organization that sees itself as above politics, that sees itself straightforwardly as a support system for an open society, be allowed to exist anymore?” That’s the question [the Atlantic]( in the wake of PEN America’s announcement this week it is canceling its World Voices festival. Editor's Picks VOTING [In Unusual Push, Funders Band Together to Give Grants for Election Work ‘Early’]( By Thalia Beaty, Associated Press [STORY IMAGE]( The Democracy Fund’s All by April campaign is trying to get grant makers to provide general operating support and to disburse it by the end of the month. OPINION [A New Lawsuit Could Erase the Red Line Between Politics and Charity]( By Craig Kennedy [STORY IMAGE]( If successful, the suit brought by a small nonprofit would damage the charitable world’s legitimacy and fuel partisan divisions. OPINION [Why My Nonprofit Relies on the Ideas of an 83-Year-Old Scholar]( By Eboo Patel [STORY IMAGE]( A champion of interfaith cooperation says “Bowling Alone” author Robert Putnam has answers to our crisis in loneliness and despair. Yet no one is listening. [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