Why Nonprofit Causes Need 'Surprising' Allies

"You can't sidestep polarization," says More in Common's Tim Dixon. Plus: advice on how everyday nonprofit leaders can close 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](. Visit [The Commons]( for our latest content, sign up for [The Commons LinkedIn newsletter]( and join the conversation in our [Commons LinkedIn group](. Special note: In the wake of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, [we’re examining the attack through the eyes of Tim Dixon]( a nonprofit leader who dedicated himself to fighting toxic polarization after his close friend Jo Cox, a British politician, was the victim of a politically motivated murder. Few nonprofits have a mission so directly linked to healing divisions. But [The Commons]( explores ways all nonprofits can help strengthen the country’s social fabric. After the story about Dixon, you’ll find previous Commons articles exploring ways groups in their everyday work aim to bring people together. From The Commons DEMOCRACY [Born of Political Violence, This Group Helps Nonprofit Causes Find ‘Surprising’ Allies]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( In the wake of the shooting at Saturday’s Trump rally, Tim Dixon talks about the work of More in Common, which he co-founded after the murder of British politician Jo Cox, a close friend. ADVICE [Relentless Fundraising Is Eroding Trust in Nonprofits. Here’s How to Fix Things]( By Allison Fine [STORY IMAGE]( Simple strategies to build relationships with supporters and show your organization is worthy of their backing COMMUNICATIONS [Can Your Group Stay Neutral on Controversial Topics? 5 Things to Know]( By Seth Chalmer [STORY IMAGE]( A communications pro offers tips for nonprofits considering whether to publicly take a stand on divisive issues. TIPS [Advice to Keep Tough Conversations Civil]( By Rasheeda Childress [STORY IMAGE]( A primer for the nonprofit professional who has to keep things cool even when temperatures are rising. Of the Moment Instead of our usual weekly roundup of news and noteworthy items, we’re offering some deeper looks at political violence and extreme polarization. - “[Polarization, Democracy, and Political Violence in the United States: What the Research Says”]( — from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace - “[How to Reduce Partisan Animosity]( — a podcast interview from the Niskanen Center, a nonpartisan think tank, with Robb Willer, director of Stanford’s Polarization and Social Change Lab - “[How Can the U.S. Help Prevent More Political Violence?]( — a Washington Post op-ed by Willer and colleagues Joseph Mernyk and Sophia Pink SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE [Chronicle of Philanthropy Subscription] Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Webinars [July 23 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( For years, nonprofits have been worried about the decline in the number of Americans who give. To reverse the trend, many are using new messages and communication channels to reconnect with middle-class donors. To explore what’s working now, join our free online forum, Bring Everyday Donors Back Into the Fold. You’ll hear from Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together; CJ Ortuño, vice president of philanthropy at Civic News; and Victoria Vrana, CEO of GlobalGiving. [July 31 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( Join us for How Data Is Driving Fundraising Success to learn about the latest data-driven fundraising techniques and tools that savvy nonprofit leaders are embracing. You’ll hear from Louis Diez of the Donor Participation Project, Don Irwin of Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, and Natalia Pierson of Norfolk State University. They’ll explain how they put their donor data into action — and how your nonprofit can, too. Editor's Picks RESEARCH [In a World Filled With Misinformation, Donors Want Truth From Charities]( By Rasheeda Childress [STORY IMAGE]( New research from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance finds that appeals from charities are sometimes misleading for donors. DATA & RESEARCH [Trust Issues Could Plague Nonprofits, Philanthropy Ahead of Election]( By Stephanie Beasley [STORY IMAGE]( Americans’ trust in nonprofits is the highest it’s been since 2020, a new survey shows. However, many don’t believe nonprofits can be unbiased advocates for policy changes or voter engagement. OPINION [How One Word Could Change Philanthropy]( By Leah Hunt-Hendrix [STORY IMAGE]( Embracing the word “solidarity” alongside “justice” and “equity” will help philanthropy rethink what it means to do good. [Chronicle of Philanthropy Logo]( This newsletter was sent to {EMAIL}. [Read this newsletter on the web](. 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