How to Stem the Exodus of Everyday Donors — and Help Save Democracy

Answers for the giving crisis — and the democracy crisis; plus, what PEN America's turmoil says about groups that bridge ideological divides [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](. Testing ... Testing ... From senior editor Drew Lindsay: We’re experimenting with the format for The Commons weekly edition of Philanthropy Today, highlighting a few top stories. If you have suggestions or feedback, [let me know here]( or send us an email: TheCommons@philanthropy.com. This Week in The Commons OPINION [The Exodus of Everyday Donors Is Bad for America. Here’s How to Stop It.]( By Victoria Vrana [STORY IMAGE]( The decline in charitable giving by average Americans threatens democracy. Among the solutions: pooled micro-donations, giving incentives, and a focus on the donor relationship. OPINION [The PEN America Crisis, Free Speech, and the Future of Big Tent Organizations]( By Joel Simon [STORY IMAGE]( Foundations that fund organizations focused on free speech and bridging ideological divides must ask themselves which ideas are worth defending. Of the Moment Noteworthy news and items: - Read: Journalist Bryce Covert and photographer Matt Eich spent nine months with five faith-based organizations for [an Atlantic story](. The groups are led by pastors and nuns, reverends and imans: “In many cases, they are the most trusted members of their communities, and they fill care gaps others can’t or won’t.” - Watch: Journalist Sonali Kolhatkar talks to[YES! senior editor Lajward Zahra]( a Rice University freshman, about campus protests, student activism, and Gen Z’s disconnect with politics. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE [Chronicle of Philanthropy Subscription] Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Webinar Promotion [June 13 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( Many nonprofits focus their grant seeking on large national foundations, even though community foundations are often more accessible, with stronger local ties. Join us for Attracting Support for Community Foundations to learn from Samuel Bellamy of the Coastal Community Foundation and Irfan Hasan of the New York Community Trust. They’ll explain how to approach and engage program officers, write proposals that rise above the competition, and more. Editor's Picks FISCAL SPONSORSHIP [Why Tides and Black Lives Matter Are Fighting Over $33 Million]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( The rift provides a glimpse into legal gray areas surrounding fiscal sponsorships. CASE STUDY [Charity:water Breaks a Fundraising Taboo and Talks About Division — Sort of]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( “These days, it seems so easy to hear opinions of what people are against,” wrote CEO Scott Harrison. “But there’s also something powerful about being for something good.” FOUNDATION GIVING [$100 Million for Equity: MacArthur’s New Big Bet and Mandate]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( In the third installment of the MacArthur Foundation’s 100&Change competition, grant applicants are required to address diversity, equity, and inclusion issues. [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