Most philanthropoids seem okay with the huge McKenzie Scott-size grants that foundations are putting out for good causes. But some foundation employees are side-barring concerns about the impact these … [Read more...] about Impact of Mega Grants on smaller nonprofits
Philanthropy Trends
A look at the funding shifts in Mental Health in MN
Mental health has long been a neglected issue area among funders. The money designated for mental health usually went to hospitals. But, during the last decade, we have seen funders taking this area … [Read more...] about A look at the funding shifts in Mental Health in MN
Trends in declining grants to seeker. A new class of foundation executive. Unions?
" Grantmakers’ Declinations Foundations are talking about the best way to tell a grantseeker their request has been declined. It’s a good move forward in creating more transparent philanthropic … [Read more...] about Trends in declining grants to seeker. A new class of foundation executive. Unions?
Confronting systemic racism. Covid relief funding
After the murder of George Floyd, Corporate America jumped on confronting systemic racism bandwagon, Collectively, the 50 biggest corporations pledged $49.5 billion. Of that amount about $4.2 billion … [Read more...] about Confronting systemic racism. Covid relief funding
Sponsorships – are they still a thing? You betcha!
"Corporate sponsorships are back. Well, they never left; in Minnesota, most major corporations still have some form of sponsorship program. But, now, corporations are using sponsorships for several … [Read more...] about Sponsorships – are they still a thing? You betcha!
This year’s philanthropy celebrities: Evaluating the Gates Foundation
The personal changes in the Gates family have prompted a lot of analyses of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). There’s lots of speculation about changes in governance, spin-offs, and the … [Read more...] about This year’s philanthropy celebrities: Evaluating the Gates Foundation
Re-engaging with mid-level donors
Guess who is also back? Mid-level donors. In fact, they never really left. We just sort of stopped asking for gifts from folks who make personal gifts between $1,000 and $5,000. But the pandemic … [Read more...] about Re-engaging with mid-level donors
Minneapolis Foundation’s return to the old ways – Micro& Safety Grants
In the old days (pre-Gates), community foundations were often the nonprofit incubators in their neighborhoods, supporting the most creative and sometimes riskiest new things to come along. In the Jim … [Read more...] about Minneapolis Foundation’s return to the old ways – Micro& Safety Grants