Weekly Reader – May 15, 2017
What we’re reading and recommending this week. We add to this post throughout the week and look for your suggestions in the comments.
Monday, May 15
A Critical Moment for the 2020 Census and Why Philanthropy Should Care (David Biemesderfer, Forum of Regional Association of Grantmakers) Lost this week amid the flurry of news about the firing of FBI Director Comey was the abrupt resignation of the director of the U.S. Census Bureau. The bureau is facing major budget constraints and operational challenges that threaten its ability to conduct a fair and accurate census count in 2020, which is bad news for philanthropy and our country.
Tuesday, May 16
Help for the heartland (Travis LaCouter, Philanthropy Daily) The rural-urban divide is increasingly coming to be seen as the defining faultline in American life.
Wednesday, May 17
Four Things Nonprofits Must Do Once the President Reveals Highly Classified Material to Russians (Ruth McCambridge, Nonprofit Quarterly) Needless to say, there’s a sense that things are out of control at the White House and no one’s sure how they might resolve. Putting fears of constitutional and international crises aside, nonprofits have to anticipate an extended period of uncertainty. Many of our budgets depend on a mix of government and philanthropic sources; with what is happening now at the federal level, we must plan for disruption even if it does not actually materialize.
Thursday, May 18
Embracing Philanthropy’s Risky Business (Laurie Michaels & Judith Rodin, SSIR) Until risk management becomes common philanthropic practice, we will miss the boat on maximizing impact. Here’s how to start developing the policies and practices you need.
Friday, May 19
Ex-President, New Philanthropist: A First Look at Obama Giving (Philip Rojc and David Callahan, Inside Philanthropy) The Obama Foundation is now busily raising funds from outside donors. But Barack and Michelle are also putting up some of their own money for its work.
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