The 'Overhead Myth' Debunked, in a Theater Near You

Plus, the case for funding drag performers; and grant makers join together to learn about — and fund — racial justice ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. INTERVIEW [The ‘Overhead Myth’ Debunked, Again: A Q&A With Dan Pallotta]( By Sara Herschander [STORY IMAGE]( His 2013 TED Talk made him a polarizing figure, sparking changes, debates, and criticism. Now his new film Uncharitable is making the case again. ADVERTISEMENT OPINION [Why Democracy Donors Should Fund Drag Performers]( By Beatrice Thomas and Lane Harwell [STORY IMAGE]( As anti-drag protests put the art form in crisis, philanthropy needs to end its silence on this issue. SPECIAL REPORT [Grant Makers Join Together to Learn About — and Fund — Racial Justice]( By Marc Gunther [STORY IMAGE]( New pooled funds seek grants from foundations or individuals, aggregate the money, and give it away. The efforts aim to drive fundamental change by building Black nonprofits’ public-policy muscle. Webinar [Thursday: 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 [Dr. Robert Ross reflects on 23 years as CEO at The California Endowment]( VIRTUAL FORUMS & BRIEFINGS [Today: How to Fix What Ails Philanthropy]( [STORY IMAGE]( Left-right divides don’t apply. That’s why the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Giving Review, and the Institute for Policy Studies are holding a discussion about ways forward that can attract broad support. Joining us are Chuck Collins, director of the Charity Reform Initiative at the Institute for Policy Studies; Craig Kennedy, a former foundation president and a fellow at the Giving Review; Andrea Caupain Sanderson, co-founder and co-executive director of the BIPOC Executive Directors Coalition; Jan Masaoka, head of California Association of Nonprofits; and Dean Zerbe, former counsel to the Senate Finance Committee. [Sign up now for this free session]( today, September 26, at 3 p.m. Eastern, and join Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle, who will moderate the discussion. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online Tales of dysfunction and disappointment continue to come out of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, as its founder defends his vision for the troubled organization. Former employees describe a capable staff hamstrung by baffling management decisions and a leadership model that put too much control into the hands of founder Ibram X. Kendi. For his part, Kendi said recent layoffs were in service of the center’s long-term mission and noted that many new organizations pass through a difficult evolution before hitting on the right model. - What I Saw While Working at Ibram Kendi’s Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University ([Daily Beast]( - I Headed the BU Center for Antiracist Research. Here’s What I Learned. ([Boston Globe]( - Ibram X. Kendi, Head of Center for Antiracist Research at BU, Defends Layoffs and Restructuring ([Boston Globe]( - Ibram X. Kendi and the Problem of Celebrity Fundraising ([New York Times]( Six young people in Portugal are suing 32 European governments, arguing that the governments’ failure to adequately address climate change violates their human rights. Supported by the nonprofit Global Legal Action Network, the plaintiffs will appear before the European Court of Human Rights on Wednesday. Activists and young people have won similar lawsuits against the Netherlands and, recently, against the state of Montana. ([Associated Press]( Background from the Chronicle: [Behind Landmark Climate Ruling in Montana, a Trailblazing Nonprofit Law Firm and an Army of Youth Activists]( More News and Opinion - Anti-Affirmative Action Group, Emboldened by U.S. Supreme Court, Targets Scholarships ([Reuters]( - Opinion: America Pulled Children Out of Poverty. Now It’s Set to Reverse Course With a Vengeance. ([New York Times]( - Congress Can Help Reverse the Freefall of Charitable Donations ([Bloomberg Tax]( - Poor Families Could See Cuts to Food Aid as Congress Battles Over Budget ([Washington Post]( - “These Dollars Are Not Reaching BIPOC Newsrooms”: Tracie Powell and Meredith Clark on Funding Inequities and Local News ([Nieman Lab]( - A Qualified Charitable Distribution From an IRA Is a Tax Break Worth the Hassles ([Wall Street Journal]( — subscription) Arts & Culture - Perspective: How the National Gallery Has Broken Its Corcoran Promise ([Washington Post]( - Smithsonian’s Latino Museum Faces Political Winds Before a Brick Is Laid ([New York Times]( - What the Hell Is Happening With the Mütter Museum? ([Philadelphia Magazine]( - Free Babysitting on Broadway? This Nonprofit Helps Parents Get to the Theater ([NPR]( - She Wants to Overhaul the Louvre. Can She? ([New York Times]( - André Bishop to Step Down After 3 Decades Running Lincoln Center Theater ([New York Times]( Note: In the links in this section, we flag articles that only subscribers can access. But because some journalism outlets offer a limited number of free articles, readers may encounter barriers with other articles we highlight in this roundup. EDITOR'S PICKS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE [7 Questions Nonprofits Have About A.I., Answered]( By Sara Herschander [STORY IMAGE]( A.I. is quickly changing the way we live and work — and nonprofits are no exception. Here’s what you need to know to get started. RACIAL RECKONING [Statues of Confederate Generals Have Come Down. What Should Take Their Place?]( By Alex Daniels [STORY IMAGE]( The Mellon Foundation has launched a $250 million nationwide effort to rethink public art and memorials. The debates over it are just starting. OPINION [J.D. Vance Had a Point: Let’s Rein in All Large Endowed Institutions]( By Craig Kennedy [STORY IMAGE]( Wealthy nonprofits, especially universities, increasingly demonstrate the same behaviors that led Congress to regulate foundations more than 50 years ago. The law should be updated to include these organizations. 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://). [Development Manager, Youth Welfare Non-Profit]( National Center for Youth Law [Development Officer]( Coe College [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