The 83-year-old heir and rail entrepreneur Timothy Mellon is one of Trump’s top political donors. His recent gift, meant to pay troops during the government shutdown, has raised eyebrows. Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/2p9rjken #TimothyMellon #MegaDonors

There’s a strange and disappointing unity in the sector around a dispiriting mantra: “philanthropy cannot.” Michael Kavate on the status quo: Michael Kavate(@kavate.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/rsc62cnb #SocialImpact #Nonprofits #Giving #Funders #ChangeMakers #Leadership #WealthTransfer

Office and event rental fees are a serious expense for nonprofits. Some funders help out by inviting nonprofits to share the foundations’ own buildings. Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/yakeek93 #McKnightFoundation #ClevelandFoundation #FordFoundation #KresgeFoundation

Mission Telecom Giving Director Ashindi Maxton discusses how Mission Telecom Giving deploys unrestricted support to mostly 501c4 organizations to galvanize systems change. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/y689br2d #CivicEngagement #DemocracyFunding #501c4Philanthropy #MovementBuilding

Equimundo Founder and Melinda French Gates grantee Gary Barker supports men and boys as part of ending violence against women and girls. Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/yc2ha857 #GenderEquality #MensEngagement #Equimundo #MelindaFrenchGates #Masculinity

Recoding America Fund Chair Jennifer Pahlka discusses how the fund, which will disburse at least $120 million over six years, aims to make government more efficient and responsive. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/25zkshah #GenderEquality #MensEngagement #Equimundo #MelindaFrenchGates

From makeshift basketball camps to multi-year grants uniting AAPI youth organizations in New York and the Bay Area, the NBA star’s foundation has evolved from reactive giving to a mission on mental health, confidence and community. Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.socia) reports: tinyurl.com/pjpw3yjy

The Internal Revenue Service is reportedly being retooled to target philanthropy. IP's Philip Rojc takes a look at what’s going on and how we got here. Philip Rojc Reports: tinyurl.com/yuzy8b8w #Democracy #IRS #NonprofitSector #CivilSociety #PoliticalTargeting #FreeSpeech #PhilanthropicFreedom

Jody Levison-Johnson of Social Current thinks it’s time to ditch the term "nonprofit" and the funder mindsets that go along with it. Guest Contributor, Jody Levison-Johnson Reports: tinyurl.com/v6k2ftrh #NonprofitFunding #EconomicImpact #NarrativeChange #SocialInnovation #CommunityInvestment

White House ballroom donors include corporate giants and billionaire Trump benefactors — and most are counting on something in return. Connie Matthiessen(@cmatthiessen.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/3jwn5j66 #WhiteHouse #TrumpAdministration #PoliticalDonations

As the federal government threatens to revoke the 501c3 status of nonprofit organizations, a new California law will allow organizations to continue to receive grants and contracts from the state. Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/3aakwvav #NonprofitLaw

The Catalytic Impact Foundation replaces the short-term Rapid Response Fund launched by Founders Pledge and The Life You Can Save. Lauren Evans reports: tinyurl.com/2jyybuym #GlobalHealth #FoundersPledge #LifeYouCanSave #USAID #RapidResponseFund #CatalyticImpactFund #Collaboration

If charities are going to successfully reverse small donor decline, they need younger people to help them do it. This NGO has made a concerted effort to get there. Lauren Evans reports: tinyurl.com/yctfvevy #GenZPhilanthropy #HumanitarianAid #SocialImpact #DigitalEngagement #HumanAppeal

The venture philanthropy model is propelling research for Charcot-Marie-Tooth, a rare childhood genetic disease. Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/5n85c5vr #RareDiseaseResearch #GeneTherapy #CMTResearchFoundation #ElpidaTherapeutics #CureCMT4J #VenturePhilanthropy

MacKenzie Scott’s first essay of the year sets the thematic stage for an upcoming tranche of grants — and offers a window into her thinking. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/2whtezsj #MacKenzieScott #YieldGiving #TrustBasedPhilanthropy #WomenInPhilanthropy #BigPhilanthropy #RacialEquity #HBCUs

Countless new women donors are entering the mix as the Great Wealth Transfer takes place. Here’s how guest contributors Suzanne Ehlers & Jessica de Rothschild of USA for UNHCR seek to engage them differently. Guest Contributors, Suzanne Ehlers and Jessica de Rothschild Reports: tinyurl.com/3cw9kj9b

The Adam R. Scripps Foundation has moved over $65 million out the door in its first two years, with an emphasis on organizations in Central and South Texas. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/p583sjvy #InsidePhilanthropy #NonprofitNews #Grantmaking #ImpactInvesting #CorporateGiving

Rebecca Hamburg of the California Donor Table shares why it’s vital that progressive funders, including 501c3 donors, give to support nonpartisan civic engagement around the state’s upcoming Prop 50 special election. Guest Contributor, Rebecca Hamburg Reports: tinyurl.com/yz7me2fa #Democracy

Salesforce founder and CEO Marc Benioff had to apologize after saying he was “all for” Trump calling in the National Guard — and then had to tell Trump to back off. Sarah Henry reports: tinyurl.com/2p825n5n #MarcBenioff #SalesforceFoundation #TechBillionaires #SanFrancisco #LaurenePowellJobs

Daria and John Barry have quietly become major private backers of glaucoma research, driven not by legacy-building, but by lived experience. Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/5n8645k3 #MedicalResearch #GlaucomaAwareness #BarryFamilyFoundation #EducationGrants

DAF Day 2025 sought to bring awareness and spur DAF giving. But nonprofits need to make donor education about DAFs a year-round endeavor. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/yc7p854x #DonorAdvisedFunds #DAFDay #Nonprofits #CharitableGiving #ImpactInvesting #WealthTransfer #Fundraising #SocialImpact

LEMNIS, a foundation born out of an assets sale, invests in next-generation learning. Connie Matthiessen(@cmatthiessen.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/ms6cysnf #EducationPhilanthropy #LemnisFoundation #EdInnovation #FutureOfLearning #TechForHumanity #SocialEmotionalLearning #AIinEducation

The annual star-studded event “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation” challenged creators, writers and filmmakers to fight authoritarianism with the pen. Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/5n7zpkae #NarrativeChange #HollywoodImpact #AdayofUnreasonableConversation

Shab and Shay, the Iranian-born sisters behind the SGF are redefining what philanthropy looks like from Los Angeles and Lagos to Tehran, blending education technology, fashion partnerships, and a commitment to girls’ education. Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/rfrphzat

As federal cuts hit rural places, Gary Wilmot of the LOR Foundation discusses how relatively modest support for often-overlooked rural innovators can pay dividends. Guest Contributor, Gary Wilmot Reports: tinyurl.com/s2cc5zbj #RuralPhilanthropy #CommunityDevelopment #EconomicResilience

The downsides of most open-call processes are painfully familiar to global grantees, guest contributor Micheal Gumisiriza writes. His organization, Cohere, has now adopted an approach that “begins with trust.” Guest Contributor, Micheal Gumisiriza Reports: tinyurl.com/y79e7zhp

In an era of renewed government hostility, the Defending Our Neighbors Fund aims to help migrants obtain qualified legal assistance as they face deportation and immigration authorities. Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/y33trrkf #ImmigrationJustice #Philanthropy

The Avenir Foundation grew 1,000-fold between 2023 and 2024 after the death of its founder, the heir of an early Buffett investor. Michael Kavate(@kavate.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/y2h3838k #WarrenBuffett #BerkshireHathaway #AvenirFoundation #WalterScottFamilyFoundation #GottesmanFund

Everyone wants to create narrative change. Now some want to change how philanthropy narrates its own efforts. Garance Franke-Ruta reports: tinyurl.com/2b59rm26 #SocialChange #NonprofitLeadership #ProgressivePolitics #Communications #SocialJustice #CivicEngagement #LanguageMatters #Inclusion

Press Forward has brought on 110 funders and disbursed $400 million to local news outlets. Executive Director Dale Anglin reflects on its accomplishments as it enters year three. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/zc86jjnd #LocalNews #Philanthropy #PressForward #JournalismFunding #MediaInnovation

Now in its second year, the Trust for Civic Life is bringing people together in underserved rural communities to tackle local issues that matter most to them. Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/ycxrcnww #CivicEngagement #Philanthropy #Democracy #RuralDevelopment

Young Futures is marshaling support for a new funding challenge and a $50 million “philanthropic index fund” to support young people in a world increasingly dominated by technology — including artificial intelligence. Connie Matthiessen(@cmatthiessen.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/muhbh8w3

In the face of Trump administration actions, climate funders and philanthropy-supporting organizations are taking steps to adapt. Michael Kavate(@kavate.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/yzm7fnuk #ClimatePhilanthropy #CleanEnergy #EnvironmentalJustice #PermittingReform #ClimateAction

IP Editor-in-Chief David Callahan and Black Feminist Fund co-Executive Director Tynesha McHarris discuss their differing perspectives on the politics of identity, class and race, and their effects on the U.S. democratic crisis. David Callahan and Tynesha McHarris Reports: tinyurl.com/ftry2p29

Democracy Forward’s President and CEO Skye Perryman (she/her) talks to Inside Philanthropy about using the courts to defend democracy. Sarah Henry reports: tinyurl.com/32uhm29a #DemocracyForward #DefendDemocracy #RuleOfLaw #CivilRights #LegalResistance #Litigation #Nonprofits #Accountability

In his philanthropy, late Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen took big swings to advance human knowledge. The Fund for Science and Technology, another grantmaker in the Allen funding ecosystem, continues that legacy. Paul Karon reports: tinyurl.com/49vyavnd #PaulAllen #SciencePhilanthropy #FFST

Through his Find Your Light Foundation, singer Josh Groban has been keeping arts education alive for young people for two decades. IP's Ade Adeniji connected with Groban to learn more. Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.social) Reports: tinyurl.com/ykpsuun2 #JoshGroban #FindYourLight #ArtsEducation

For @insidephilanthropy.com, good news about Deaconess Foundation's continued, public support of social justice funding. #philanthropy #courageiscontagious The question is: will a regime that rages against supposed "anti-Christian bias" attack a Christian funder?

The Deaconess Foundation, a ministry of the United Church of Christ, is remaining steadfast in its commitment to racial and social justice. Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/333tmbsd #RacialJustice #FaithInAction #BlackLiberation #DeaconessFoundation #CommunityBuilding

Alec Litowitz and Jennifer Leischner Litowitz are backing the Center for Enlightened Disagreement at Northwestern in hopes of teaching young people how to navigate differences. Sarah Henry reports: tinyurl.com/3ca985wh #Polarization #HigherEd #Dialogue #NorthwesternUniversity #LitowitzCenter

As the U.S. abandons most of its global maternal and child health support, the country’s largest foundation is stepping up with new funding. Laurie Udesky reports: tinyurl.com/49zaadxe #WomensHealth #MaternalHealth #GlobalHealth #GatesFoundation #SubSaharanAfrica #Innovation #ReproductiveHealth

Thought leaders at the “Day of Unreasonable Conversation” in Los Angeles pointed to the power of storytelling to save democracy. Wendy Paris(@wendyparis.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/5ajwv7yz #UnreasonableConversation #Media #NarrativeChange #Entertainment #Democracy #Journalism

After it was reported that the Trump administration plans to investigate the Open Society Foundations, the response from some philanthropy leaders and sector organizations was swift. Connie Matthiessen(@cmatthiessen.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/bdr9kek2 #OpenSocietyFoundations #Nonprofits

With a new tool, the Appalachia Funders Network wants to guide funders to where their dollars can make the most impact as the region strives to recover from Hurricane Helene and prepare for future climate disasters. Martha Ramirez(@martharamirez.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/px4xz7jv

Moderna cofounder Noubar Afeyan and his wife and daughter spearhead the family’s giving, focusing on the Boston area and Armenia. They also back a prize recognizing global humanitarians. Ade Adeniji(@adeadeniji.bsky.social) reports: tinyurl.com/mvv6tcrc #HumanitarianAid #GivingPledge #AuroraPrize

For more than a century, the U.S. government forcibly placed Indigenous children in government-run boarding schools. Now, philanthropy is backing efforts to raise awareness and foster healing. Mike Scutari reports: tinyurl.com/2s8vxm79 #IndigenousRights #NativeCommunities #BoardingSchoolHealing

As Americans lose faith in their civic agency, guest contributor Emma Bloomberg writes that funders should be backing civic participation with as much urgency as they back direct services. Guest Contributor, Emma Bloomberg Reports: tinyurl.com/98jz2djp #Democracy #CivicEngagement #CommunityPower

Threats against progressive funders and nonprofits have become more numerous and more virulent since the killing of Charlie Kirk. Dawn Wolfe(@drwolfe.bsky.social reports: tinyurl.com/f6rxvfjp #Democracy #FreeSpeech #DigitalSecurity #NonprofitLeadership #HumanRights #GrantsForDemocracy

This summer, Congress voted to continue a key global AIDS program, but funding remains restricted, and diminished funding has already resulted in nearly 100,000 deaths. The good news is that AIDS-related philanthropy has risen slightly, but more is needed. Paul Karon reports: tinyurl.com/2y6w2a9j

The Haplotace, Walter Scott Family, and Denise And Michael Kellen Foundations all saw their assets explode after receiving enormous contributions. Mike Scutari Reports: tinyurl.com/2wt3tmpm #WealthTransfer #FamilyFoundations #NebraskaPhilanthropy #AlabamaPhilanthropy #NewYorkPhilanthropy