Democracy and Philanthropy: Scrutiny of Charities and Political Giving

Plus, in opinion: Philanthropy should build up programs that fuel civic involvement, and donors should trade tax breaks for political wins ADVERTISEMENT [Academe Today Logo]( Did someone forward you this newsletter? [Sign up free]( to receive your own copy. Democracy and Philanthropy ADVOCACY [$1 Billion in Gifts Attracts New Attention to the Rules on Charities and Political Giving]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( The New Venture Fund doubled its donations last year, becoming what some see as a liberal powerhouse to counter Charles Koch’s support of conservatives charities and advocacy groups. ADVERTISEMENT OPINION [Philanthropy Can Help Build a Thriving Democracy by Building Up Programs and Places That Fuel Civic Involvement]( By Stephen Heintz [STORY IMAGE]( Vibrant local libraries, community centers, parks, and other forms of civic infrastructure foster a sense of pride and connection to one’s community — and help shut down polarized politics and anti-democratic impulses. OPINION [To Save American Democracy, Donors Should Trade Tax Breaks for Political Wins]( By Pamela Shifman and Lateefah Simon [STORY IMAGE]( One year after the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, grant makers need a much more powerful response to the continuing spread of right-wing extremism. That should include more direct funding of political organizations and candidates — and a less exclusive focus on organizations with charity status. Webinars [Get Ready for the New Year With a Fundraising Plan for Growth and Recovery]( [STORY IMAGE]( Research shows that most American households are on stronger financial footing than at any other point since the pandemic hit, but the Omicron variant of Covid-19 demonstrates that uncertainty still lies ahead. So how can you craft a smart fundraising strategy for 2022 with so much still in flux? Join us on Thursday, January 20 at 2 p.m. Eastern to get advice from our expert guests as they explain what to include in your 2022 fundraising plan, how to make it adaptable, and how to set priorities. [Register now.]( SPONSOR CONTENT | INDEPENDENT SECTOR [Why Embedding an Artist in Your Nonprofit Is a Sound Investment](. NONPROFIT NEWS FROM ELSEWHERE The Boy Scouts of America is struggling to win sufficient support from sex-abuse victims for a $2.7 billion settlement plan that would give the organization a way out of bankruptcy. The Boy Scouts wanted support from 75 percent of victims to help it win final approval from a bankruptcy judge, but a preliminary count showed 73 percent support. The group said it is working on adjustments to the plan that would win broader support. Some lawyers say the 75 percent threshold is crucial, although the organization could try to make a case to a judge that 73 percent was sufficient. Many lawyers representing victims had endorsed the plan as a fast and fair way to get funds distributed, while others want more money and an improved plan for youth protection. ([New York Times]( The departure of Audie Cornish from NPR has unleashed a public airing of grievances from within the public-radio giant about its treatment of minority journalists. Cornish, the co-host of NPR’s popular “All Things Considered” news program, said she was leaving to pursue other unspecified journalism projects. Other prominent people of color to depart NPR recently include “Weekend Edition Sunday” host Lourdes Garcia-Navarro, “Morning Edition” host Noel King, and “1A” host Joshua Johnson. Ari Shapiro, Cornish’s “All Things Considered” co-host, was among those raising alarms, tweeting that the organization was “hemorrhaging hosts from marginalized backgrounds.” NPR’s chief spokesperson, Isabel Lara, said the Washington-based organization regrets losing familiar journalists, while also noting that many of those people were lured away by other high-profile, deep-pocketed news organizations. Lara also said that NPR was tapping other journalists of color to replace those who have left. ([Washington Post]( Arts and Culture - Why the Smithsonian Is Changing its Approach to Collecting, Starting With the Removal of Looted Benin Treasures ([Washington Post]( - More Philly Museums Requiring Visitors to Be Vaccinated Against Covid-19 ([Philly Voice]( - Newly Formed Jack Kerouac Foundation Hopes to Build Museum and Performance Center ([Boston Globe]( More News - Disturbing Allegations Emerge About Nonprofit Hired to End Bitter Lake Encampment in Seattle ([Seattle Times]( - Nonprofits Battle for Disability Dollars, Alleging Theft, Slander, and Espionage ([Iowa Capital Dispatch]( - Rabbi Shot in Poway Synagogue Attack Is Sentenced to Prison for Fraud ([San Diego Tribune]( - Bank of America to Staff: Get a Booster, We’ll Give a Food Bank $100 ([Reuters]( - Refugee Nonprofit Faces Bias Suit Over Remote Work Refusal ([Law360]( SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. EDITOR'S PICKS FUNDRAISING [New Data Eases Worries That Giving Is Declining Due to Compassion Fatigue]( By Dan Parks Giving held roughly steady in the third quarter of 2021 compared with the second quarter of that year, according to a new study, but charities are struggling to keep donors giving again and again. FUNDRAISING OUTLOOK [As 2022 Dawns, Economy Bodes Well for Giving]( By Michael Theis [STORY IMAGE]( The stock market’s strength and growth in GDP mean that even with the Covid concerns upending the globe again, philanthropy is likely to grow. Inflation and decreasing confidence among the wealthiest are worrisome, however. WHAT I LEARNED [Audacious Goals: Meet a Leader Who Turned a Nonprofit Start-Up Into a Quarter-Century Success]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( When Argelia Rodriguez took the helm of the District of Columbia College Access Program, she was charged with doubling the number of D.C. public school students who go to college. She leaves her job later this year, secure that her mission is accomplished. OPINION [Franklin Thomas’s Legacy at the Ford Foundation Permeates Philanthropy Today]( By Susan Berresford [STORY IMAGE]( As the first leader of color to head a major philanthropy, Thomas averted the foundation’s financial dissolution, looked out for grantees, and made diversity a core part of the institution’s work, writes Susan Berresford, who succeeded him as president. DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION [How to Ask Donors to Share Demographic Details]( By Michael Theis [STORY IMAGE]( A new guide aims to clear up common issues related to charities’ collection and use of donors’ demographic information. SPONSOR CONTENT | Center for Creative Leadership [Burning Bright Instead of Burning Out]( Learn what philanthropic organizations are doing to limit the nonprofit burnout rate and turnover, guiding individual and organizational resilience. ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join Our Webinar]( — Research shows that most American households are on stronger financial footing than at any other point since the pandemic hit. That’s encouraging news for nonprofits that are looking to rebuild — or even expand — in the year ahead. However, the latest wild card, the Omicron variant of Covid-19, demonstrates that we’re still facing a lot of uncertainty. So, how can you craft a smart fundraising strategy for 2022 with so much still in flux? Join us on Thursday, January 20, at 2 p.m. Eastern for a 75-minute webinar to get insights and advice from our expert guests as they outline key things to include in a fundraising plan for 2022, explain how to set priorities, and share ways to build in flexibility, so you can adapt as needed. [Register today for the early-bird rate.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES Apply for the top jobs in philanthropy and [search all our open positions](. 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