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The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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The Chronicle of Philanthropy is the essential source of news, commentary, networking and training opportunities for nonprofit professionals.

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What will happen to DEI in 2026? Two leaders — Michael McAfee of PolicyLink and Gara LaMarche of Raben — share their thoughts in our Predictions 2026 package.

Read both essays at https://phlnthrp.com/4qguuxr

And explore all 37 essays at: philanthropy.com/predictions
December 15, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Daniel Stid, the former lead of a national program to tame polarization, writes for #TheCommons of how he's come to see local efforts and community foundations as key to civic renewal.
https://phlnthrp.com/3MD5yle
Who Can Rescue Democracy? Local Funders Have the Edge
National philanthropy cannot pull democracy out of the ditch. Renewal — with community foundations leading the way — must come from the ground up.
www.philanthropy.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:23 PM
Nonprofits are bracing for a volatile 2026 after funding cuts, policy shifts and rapid AI growth. FoundationMark CEO John Seitz projects foundation giving will rise 5% to 7%, or $118 billion to $122 billion. Our Predictions 2026 package examines what’s ahead. Read more: https://phlnthrp.com/4oRG5St
December 15, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Opinion: To soften the blow of new tax rules, companies and nonprofits must rethink how they work together, writes Laura MacDonald. https://phlnthrp.com/3YveITe

MacDonald is the principal and founder of the Benefactor Group and author of The Endowment Handbook.
December 15, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Nonprofits face a turbulent 2026. Our Predictions 2026 report outlines giving shifts, tax-bill impacts, and equity fights ahead. As Dimple Abichandani notes, the sector’s challenges clarified its purpose and sparked a more unified, justice-driven philanthropy.

More: https://phlnthrp.com/4aLGDWk.
December 13, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Understanding what drives donors helps build lasting relationships — and keeps fundraisers connected to their work. Philanthropic psychologist Jen Shang urges fundraisers to lean into what connects us as humans: “Be that positive sparkle.” #Playbook
https://phlnthrp.com/4pYc0Bm
December 13, 2025 at 7:48 PM
A new payout pledge comes with accountability. Will more foundation trustees sign on? In response to challenges facing nonprofits, a coalition of organizations tries to set a new, higher norm for foundation grant making.
https://phlnthrp.com/4q4IsCc
Will Larger Payouts Be the New Norm? This Pledge Offers a Test
A new payout pledge comes with accountability. Will more foundation trustees sign on?
www.philanthropy.com
December 12, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Do you know the three fiduciary duties every nonprofit leader and trustee must uphold? A legal expert explains what they mean — and why they matter for your organization’s success.
https://phlnthrp.com/3MADw9O
3 Legal Duties That CEOs and Board Members Must Know
Your nonprofit’s future depends on these 3 fiduciary duties. Learn what they are and how CEOs and board members can get them right.
www.philanthropy.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:54 PM
New DAF Report: Payout rates climbed to 25.3% in 2024, compared to 8% for private foundations. DAFs aren’t just sitting on money—they’re moving it faster than foundations.

For more, read the full article. https://phlnthrp.com/4rSseOl
DAF Assets Soar 30% to $326 Billion
Donors put more money into the funds in 2024 than in any other of the past five years.
www.philanthropy.com
December 11, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Opinion: As governments fail to address the climate crisis, philanthropy is wavering. This is the exact wrong moment for funders to opt out of the fight to save the planet, write Daniel Katz and Anna Veldman.
https://phlnthrp.com/4rSZl4q
December 11, 2025 at 7:46 PM
GivingTuesday raised $4 billion this year—a 13% jump! What does that mean for your year-end campaign? Our latest story breaks down the trends you need to know.

Read the full story at: https://phlnthrp.com/4aasn9B
GivingTuesday’s $4B Surge: What It Signals for Your Year-End Strategy
With a big $4 billion GivingTuesday result this year — up 13 percent over last year — fundraisers hope donors will continue to be generous through the rest of the year. Some of the strategies that hel...
www.philanthropy.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Charities receive billions in bequests every year, and many donors who include nonprofits in their wills also give generously throughout their lifetimes. Planned-giving experts share advice on how to build a legacy society that keeps these valuable donors giving.
https://phlnthrp.com/4pXiwbB
Beyond the Bequest: How Legacy Societies Deepen Donor Ties
Want to keep legacy donors engaged — and giving? Here’s how to stay close to supporters who’ve included your charity in their estate plans.
www.philanthropy.com
December 10, 2025 at 8:54 PM
For our Predictions 2026 package, Nathan Chappell says the top AI fundraising tool won’t be the flashiest but the one that predicts wisely and supports human connection. Sector leaders share predictions on giving, policy shifts and equity.
Read Chappell's full essay at: https://phlnthrp.com/48NDvH4
December 10, 2025 at 7:16 PM
MacKenzie Scott gave more than $7 billion in grants this past year, largely supporting equity, climate, health, and disaster-relief efforts — areas hit hard by federal funding cuts and declining philanthropic support.
https://phlnthrp.com/44jrLut
With Latest $7 Billion in Gifts, MacKenzie Scott Takes a Stand
Even more than in previous years, much of her giving this year has supported groups that focus on collaboration, community building, and equity.
www.philanthropy.com
December 10, 2025 at 4:20 PM
In Mississippi, a philanthropy in the capital city of Jackson has expanded to include 19 rural counties — an area twice the size of New Jersey. Will big money follow to areas that have little or no philanthropic presence? #TheCommons

Read the full story: https://phlnthrp.com/3KOROD4
December 10, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Looking to strengthen your donor outreach in 2026? Join our #philwebinar on Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. EST to learn how to cut through the noise, show impact and inspire loyal supporters. Early-bird rate: $69. Register today. https://phlnthrp.com/4p2XfwB
December 9, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Nonprofits face a turbulent 2026 as funding shifts, policy changes, and AI reshape the sector. Our Predictions 2026 package highlights what donors and experts expect — plus insights from Pearce Godwin on leading with unity in the year ahead.

Read the full essay at: https://phlnthrp.com/4plFE3I
December 9, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Nonprofits are bracing for a turbulent 2026 as funding shifts, policy changes, and AI reshapes the sector. For our Predictions 2026 package, Liz Vogel notes that philanthropy can help strengthen the civic culture that sustains democracy.

Read the full essay at: https://phlnthrp.com/4plFE3I
December 9, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Understanding what drives donors helps build lasting relationships — and keeps fundraisers connected to their work. Philanthropic psychologist Jen Shang urges fundraisers to lean into what connects us as humans: “Be that positive sparkle.” #Playbook
https://phlnthrp.com/4iVOXF9
How to Tap Into the Psychology of Giving
Discover expert resources to help you craft a smarter fundraising strategy rooted in the latest insights from behavioral science.
www.philanthropy.com
December 9, 2025 at 6:16 PM
How can fundraisers build trust and community today? Allison Fine, president of Every.org, joins The Commons in Conversation to share practical tips on websites, volunteers, AI, and more. Join us on LinkedIn on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Register now! https://phlnthrp.com/4oGiTqg
#TheCommons
December 9, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Our Predictions 2026 package spotlights donors and experts on giving shifts, tax-bill fallout, and the fight for equity. “We must stay united,” says John Palfrey of @macfound.org, warning of efforts to undermine core freedoms. Read the full essay at: https://phlnthrp.com/4pQxVd
December 8, 2025 at 9:20 PM
The foundation established by Leona Helmsley, the notorious billionaire known as the “Queen of Mean,” is now a major player in helping struggling rural hospitals.
https://phlnthrp.com/48wGzHe
How a Notorious Billionaire’s Foundation Is Saving Lives in Rural America
A 15-year effort by Leona Helmsley’s philanthropy to improve rural health care offers lessons for other grant makers.
www.philanthropy.com
December 8, 2025 at 8:01 PM
How can fundraisers build trust and community today? Allison Fine, president of Every.org, joins The Commons in Conversation to share practical tips on websites, volunteers, AI, and more. Join us on LinkedIn on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Register now! https://phlnthrp.com/4oGiTqg
#TheCommons
December 7, 2025 at 6:22 PM
How can fundraisers build trust and community today? Allison Fine, president of Every.org, joins The Commons in Conversation to share practical tips on websites, volunteers, AI, and more. Join us on LinkedIn on Dec. 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Register now! https://phlnthrp.com/4oGiTqg
#TheCommons
December 5, 2025 at 9:19 PM
Opinion: This two-step strategy has helped other countries halt democratic backsliding. It can work in the U.S. if we act quickly, writes Joe Goldman, Laleh Ispahani, Deepak Bhargava. https://phlnthrp.com/3Kzg38n
December 5, 2025 at 6:17 PM