Claudine Gay, Nikole Hannah-Jones, and Donor Power

Plus, peacebuilders under pressure; and how vaping might derail the war on tobacco ADVERTISEMENT [Philanthropy Today Logo]( You can also [read this newsletter on the web](. Or, if you no longer want to receive this newsletter, [unsubscribe](. OPINION [What I Learned About Donor Power From Trying to Hire Nikole Hannah-Jones]( By Susan King [STORY IMAGE]( I was dean at UNC-Chapel Hill when a donor pressure campaign blew up the appointment of the 1619 Project author. Clearer donor guidelines would have prevented this. GRANT MAKING [War Exacerbates Need for, Threat to Israeli-Palestinian Peace Groups]( By Kay Dervishi [STORY IMAGE]( Government revenue is often volatile, but there is little precedent for the rapid surge and subsequent decline of the past few years. PHILANTHROPY AND HEALTH [How a Debate Over Vaping Might Derail the War on Tobacco]( By Marc Gunther [STORY IMAGE]( Anti-smoking groups aren’t just fighting big tobacco. They’re fighting amongst themselves. WEBINARS [January 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( How can you keep supporters connected to, and inspired by, your cause in uncertain times? Join us for the webinar Developing a Donor-Engagement Plan for 2024 to get tips and tactics for mapping out a year-long strategy that you can adjust as conditions warrant. You’ll learn how to prioritize tactics and communication channels that get results, keep your cause top of mind among supporters, and lay a strong foundation for year-end fundraising appeals. SPONSOR CONTENT | Amazon Business [How Nonprofits are Sourcing Sustainably Today]( ONLINE FORUMS [January 23 at 2 p.m. ET | Register Now]( [STORY IMAGE]( Join us for a review of the risks and rewards of Fundraising in the Age of A.I. Our panel of nonprofit, higher-ed, and tech leaders will explore the emerging benefits of A.I. fundraising tools. You’ll learn which questions you should be asking now, how technology may reshape fundraising, and get a glimpse of what’s on the horizon with Daniel Hadley of the University of Utah, Elizabeth Searing of the University of Texas at Dallas, and Kim Snyder of Roundtable Technology. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRONICLE Enjoying the newsletter? [Subscribe today]( for unlimited access to nonprofit news and analysis. Nonprofit News From Elsewhere Online Beset by post-pandemic giving fatigue, focused on the war in Gaza, and lacking strong connections with the Adams administration, New York City’s millionaires and billionaires are closing their checkbooks to the crises facing the city, including a surge of migrants, homelessness, and a lack of affordable housing and child care. ([New York Times]( A 51-acre community of tiny houses, manufactured homes, and RVs outside Austin, Texas, with a population of nearly 400, held up as a possible model of permanent, affordable housing for chronically homeless people, has attracted private, local, and federal funds as it plans a major expansion. ([New York Times]( Background from the Chronicle: [Affordable Housing: a Concern for Every Cause]( More News - Wornick Family Threatens to Revoke Bequest to S.F. College Over Anti-Israel Post ([J.]( - Ozempic Rival Fuels Growth of $60 Billion Charity to Challenge Gates Foundation in Size ([Bloomberg]( - Backed by Mayo Clinic and Microsoft, A Nonprofit Forms to Test A.I. Tools Used in Health Care ([Stat]( - In 2020, RI Historian Pat Conley Gave His Home to His Nonprofit. Then, They Gave It Back. ([Providence Journal]( - N.R.A. Civil Corruption Trial to Begin in New York ([New York Times]( - N.Y. Governor to Propose A.I. Research Center Using State and Private Funds ([New York Times]( - Denver Museum of Nature and Science Renovating East Wing with $20M Gift ([KDVR]( - Joe O’Donnell, Entrepreneur and Transformative Philanthropist for Cystic Fibrosis, Dies at 79 ([Boston Globe]( 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. SPONSOR CONTENT | James Irvine Foundation [How Funders and Employers Can Partner With Disabled Communities]( The philanthropic community plays a pivotal role in fostering authentic, disability inclusion in the workforce. EDITOR'S PICKS BIG GIFTS [What MacKenzie Scott Wants in a Grantee — a New Analysis Offers Clues]( By Drew Lindsay [STORY IMAGE]( Harvard researchers mined information about the maverick philanthropist’s nearly 2,000 grants to offer the best window yet into the types of organizations she favors. OUTLOOK FOR A NEW YEAR [5 Trends Fundraisers Need to Watch in 2024]( By Rasheeda Childress [STORY IMAGE]( Among the forces that will shape development this year: artificial intelligence, the explosion of DAFs, and the culture wars. NONPROFIT TRUSTEES [A Lesson From the Wayne LaPierre-NRA Scandal: ‘Designated Contrarians’ Could Improve Nonprofit Boards]( By Dana Brakman Reiser [STORY IMAGE]( They can disrupt the kind of consensus and groupthink that contributed to the National Rifle Association’s woes. ADVERTISEMENT RECOMMENDED WEBINAR [Join our webinar]( — Fundraisers and nonprofit communicators know how vital it is to keep donors regularly informed and inspired by your work. The year ahead is likely to be filled with distractions — from ongoing economic uncertainty and geopolitical strife to a U.S. presidential election — so cutting through the noise will take creativity and thoughtful planning. How can you keep supporters connected to your cause in unpredictable times? Join us on Thursday, January 18, at 2 p.m. Eastern for a 75-minute webinar to get tips and tactics for mapping out a year-long strategy that you can adjust as current events or economic conditions warrant. You’ll learn how to prioritize tactics and communication channels that get results and lay a strong foundation for year-end fundraising appeals. Don't miss this chance to start the year off strong. [Register now.]( JOB OPPORTUNITIES [Apply today](http://). 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