Weekly Reader – July 31, 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, July 31

A Funders’ Group Brings a Wide-Angle Lens to Democracy Issues (Philip Rojc, Inside Philanthropy) Philanthropy in the United States has long been concerned with democracy: how to protect it, understand it, and make it work better.

Tuesday, August 1

The ethical argument against philanthropy (Olivia Goldhill, Quartz) Exceptionally wealthy people aren’t a likeable demographic, but they have an easy way to boost personal appeal: Become an exceptionally wealthy philanthropist.

Wednesday, August 2

What Is at Stake, and Why Philanthropy Must Respond (Gary Bass, Philanthropy News Digest) A key question for the nonprofit sector is how to raise and talk about political concerns without appearing to be partisan.

Thursday, August 3

Point/Counterpoint: Limited life foundations ensure greater social impact (Lars Boggild and Kathy Hawkesworth, Thee Philanthropist) Founders and directors will help their foundations have greater impact if they commit their entire endowments during a limited period of time, spending down their resources rather than managing them in perpetuity.

Friday, August 4

Unexplored Collaborations: US Community Foundations As Partners In Global Grantmaking (Lauren Bradford and Natalie Ross, Philanthropy in Focus) We can now say that community foundations across the United States are officially international grantmakers.

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