The philanthropic landscape has been evolving – and will continue to change in 2019. Based on my experience, you can expect developments in the following eight areas. Giving to combat global warming on the rise People in the United States are finally recognizing climate change. New reports showing the alarming rise in the earth’s temperature… Read more »
Category: Businesses
U.N. Sustainable Development Goals falling short; How to apply an SDG lens to your giving
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It established 17 Sustainable Development Goals that address critical areas of economic, social and environmental development that impact billions of people. These SDGs were ratified by 193 governments and apply to every country — including the United States. The categories are: no poverty;… Read more »
On Philanthropy: Best excerpts from the first 100 columns
Since 2010, I have now written 100 columns addressing many aspects of philanthropy – for families, businesses and foundations. To acknowledge this milestone, here are some of my favorite excerpts – quotes that best encapsulate the many lessons I’ve learned and the thoughts I’ve tried to convey. On family giving “Many families fail to talk… Read more »
As the holidays approach, “the fierce urgency of now”
Exactly one year before he was killed, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these words at Riverside Church in New York: We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history there is such a thing as… Read more »
Donor-advised funds – Powerful giving tool needs sharpening
The fastest-growing tool in the philanthropic arena is the donor-advised fund. DAFs are 501(c)(3) philanthropic accounts established at a public charity. They allow donations of cash, property, appreciated assets and more – and donors receive immediate tax deductions. The DAF legally controls the money from the point of donation. Subsequently, donors can advise the DAF… Read more »
Coherent philanthropy: Seven tips for effective business giving
U.S. corporations are a strong force for good – above and beyond their recognized role as drivers of employment and the economy. In 2017, U.S. corporations donated almost $20.8 billion to nonprofit organizations — an increase of eight percent over the prior year. This amount represents 0.9 percent of corporate pre-tax profits in a year… Read more »
Community foundations are key partners in achieving U.N. goals
The world’s first community foundation was established in Cleveland in 1914. Today, there are almost 1,900 community foundations — 75 percent of them created in the last 25 years. Among these are 1,033 in North America, 670 in Europe, 62 in Asia, 56 in Oceania, 31 in Africa and 11 in South America. Community foundations… Read more »
U.N.’s development goals are a roadmap for powerful donor impact
In 2015, the United Nations adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and established a set of 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Let’s put these new goals into a good news/bad news context. Between 2000 and 2015, the world made enormous progress on some of its most pressing problems. For example: The global mortality rate for… Read more »
New study outlines unprecedented financial risk to many nonprofits
Across the United States, more than 1.5 million nonprofit organizations engage in remarkable work to transform lives, communities and the planet. Unfortunately, these organizations currently face a wide range of growing pressures. Consider these facts: In 2013, nonprofit organizations employed more than 10.6 percent of the workforce (14.4 million). More individuals are employed by nonprofits… Read more »
Business leaders, consumers and employees find value in enhanced philanthropy
Businesses must play a more strategic and integral role in efforts to solve the most pressing problems of our local, national and global communities. So believes Larry Fink, chairman and CEO of international asset management and investment giant Blackrock. His colleagues in the business community are taking note. In his annual CEO letter, Fink recently… Read more »