Fast and Furious — How DAFs Became Giants

Plus, both left and right are pushing back at House GOP effort to probe nonprofits; and what would philanthropy look like if Black women were in charge? ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. GIVING [A Short History of the Fast and Furious Rise of DAFs]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( Just 30 years after Fidelity Charitable opened, contributions to donor-advised funds now top giving to foundations. ADVERTISEMENT GOVERNMENT AND REGULATION [The House GOP Wants to Probe Nonprofits. Both Left and Right Have Pushed Back]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( The Ways and Means Committee is looking into whether the nonprofit tax code is rife with abuse, allowing nonprofits to be key players in political races, rather than serving charitable causes. OPINION [What Would Philanthropy Look Like if Black Women Were in Charge?]( By Cora Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( In her introductory column for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Cora Daniels explores the innovative approaches of Black women leaders and why the sector should follow their lead. COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE [Coming Thursday: Watch ComNet Keynotes on A.I., Black Voters Matter, and More]( [STORY IMAGE]( The Chronicle is livestreaming keynote sessions from ComNet23, the Communications Network annual gathering, on Thursday and Friday. GRANTS ROUNDUP [Ballmer Group Commits $175 Million to StriveTogether for Youth Economic-Mobility Programs]( By M.J. Prest [STORY IMAGE]( Also, Blue Meridian Partners awarded $124 million to the HBCU Transformation Project, and Virginia Tech received $50 million to bolster health-sciences research. Webinar [Top Ways to Thank Donors and Inspire Loyalty]( [STORY IMAGE]( Before the critical year-end giving season begins, join us on Thursday, September 28, at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn how to freshen your donor communications and donor recognition efforts. We’ll share insights from the latest research in donor psychology and offer practical advice on how to apply the findings. Get inspired by real-world examples of creative and fun ways nonprofits thank their donors. Plus, our expert guests will offer guidance on how to build a culture of gratitude at your organization. [Sign up today.]( SPONSOR CONTENT | The California Endowment [“The Good Troublemakers”: Building Power in California]( VIRTUAL FORUMS & BRIEFINGS [Reshaping the Conversation: How to Rebuild Public Trust in Philanthropy Â]( [STORY IMAGE]( Philanthropy is facing a major trust deficit, and closing the gap will require changes in how donors and foundations operate. For instance, many have long called for changes in how charitable tax exemptions and deductions work, criticized foundations for sitting on huge endowments, and sought stronger regulations on political giving. We’ll gather experts from diverse perspectives to debate potential solutions — and outline where everyone agrees — with the goal of moving from debate to action. [Join this free session]( on September 26 at 3 p.m. Eastern. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online The group that was behind the Supreme Court case that effectively overturned affirmative action at colleges and universities is suing the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Military academies had been left out of the court’s affirmative action ruling because of “the potentially distinct interests” they may present, as Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in a footnote to the opinion. The group, Students for Fair Admissions, argues that West Point is in violation of the Fifth Amendment, which “contains an equal-protection clause that binds the federal government.” Supporters of affirmative action have long argued that an officer corps that reflected the larger population was essential to morale and national security. ([New York Times]( Two-thirds of the nation’s museum workers are thinking about quitting their jobs, and possibly leaving the field, according to a new survey that cites burnout, low pay, and career stasis as the main culprits. In a survey of nearly 2,000 museum employees, Museums Moving Forward, a group formed in 2020 “to improve equity and organizational culture,” found mid-career workers were the most unhappy. Experts and union leaders say there are various ways management could help workers feel more engaged. ([Art Newspaper]( More News - Zuckerberg’s Philanthropy Project Plans A.I. System for Life Sciences Research ([Reuters]( - Michael J. Fox Receives 2023 Elevate Prize Catalyst Award at Clinton Global Initiative ([Associated Press]( - Chelsea Clinton Hopes New Donations and Ideas Can Help Women and Girls Face Increasing Challenges ([Associated Press]( - Almost all Minn. Nonprofits Need Workers, Forcing Some Organizations to Scale Back Services ([Star Tribune]( - Aging and Hungry: San Diego Nonprofits Combat Food Insecurity Crisis Among Older Adults ([San Diego Union-Tribune]( - Mass. Program Aims to Make Electric Cars Affordable by Selling Power Back to Grid ([Boston Globe]( - A Paywall? Not NPR’s Style. A New Pop-Up Asks for Donations Anyway ([Nieman Lab]( - State-Run, Land-Grant HBCUs Are Owed More Than $13 Billion, the White House Says ([NPR]( - Former Top Executives of Columbus Zoo Indicted on Corruption, Theft Charges ([Columbus Dispatch]( Big Gifts - GE HealthCare Gets $44 Million Gates Foundation Grant for Ultrasound Tech ([Crain’s Chicago Business]( - Suburban Chicago Zoo Lands a Record $40 Million Donation ([Crain’s Chicago Business]( Museums - Yemen Gets Ownership of Artifacts, but Met Will Still Display Them ([New York Times]( - Meet the New Curator at the Duke Art Museum. It Isn’t Human. ([News & Observer]( EDITOR'S PICKS CLIMATE CHANGE [How to Turn $75,000 Into $25 Million for Nonprofits]( By Jim Rendon [STORY IMAGE]( The Invest in Our Future fund will award $180 million to help organizations and communities win money from the Infrastructure and Inflation Reduction acts. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT [It’s Halftime for the Sustainable Development Goals. Are They Achievable?]( By Eden Stiffman [STORY IMAGE]( Danish author Bjorn Lomborg argues the United Nations promised too much — and recommends 12 priorities. INDIVIDUAL GIVING [Latino Charitable Giving Rates Drop Sharply — but That’s Not the Full Story]( By Kay Dervishi [STORY IMAGE]( Donations to established nonprofits are sliding, but Hispanic households give to people in need at high rates. ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join our next webinar]( — Are you sending out templated thank-you letters to donors? If so, you’re missing out on an opportunity to connect more deeply with your supporters. Savvy fundraisers take the time to customize communications that speak directly to a donor’s heart and inspire loyalty. How can you thank donors in ways that energize connection to your cause and further commitment to your organization? Join us September 28 at 2 p.m. Eastern to learn the latest research in philanthropic psychology and learn how you can easily apply it to thank-you letters and campaigns to increase donor retention. We’ll share real-world examples and proven tips that work, no matter the size of your budget. Plus, you’ll learn about creative, fun ways nonprofits are showing gratitude that will likely spark your own ideas for fostering love for your organization. [Register now.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Apply today](http://). [Major Gift Officer, Athletics]( Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute [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. © 2023 [The Chronicle of Philanthropy]( 1255 23rd Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20037