Weekly Reads—February 14, 2025

Enjoy PEAK’s weekly roundup of timely insights from the grantmaking community and beyond.

“Philanthropy has the power and responsibility to fill the gaps when our public sector falls short. We are being called to navigate a rapidly changing legal and political landscape, honestly assess our appetite for risk, and determine the transformative actions each of us can take to withstand challenges. This is the moment to own our influence.” [more]
Susan Taylor Batten, ABFE

“It is an impossible task to anticipate the full impact of this election. … My advice going forward is to check every assumption. For those of you doing program planning, making grant decisions, setting up new institutions—how will your plans hold as the rule of law further erodes? How can you communicate your work on a polarized internet overflowing with bots and lies? Your work happens in context. And the context in 2025 will be radically different than in 2024.” [more]
Lucy Bernholz, Stanford University Center on Philanthropy and Civil Society

“Recent executive orders and policy shifts have created uncertainty across the nonprofit sector. While some orders have been rescinded, new challenges and changes will continue to emerge in the weeks and months ahead. In times like these, philanthropy plays a critical role in providing stability, advocacy, and leadership. Lean funders, in particular, are well positioned to stay engaged, act quickly, and amplify the voices of those most affected.” [more]
Paul D. Daugherty, Exponent Philanthropy

“Philanthropy has a crucial responsibility to safeguard and advocate on behalf of the most vulnerable among us. Our sector has consistently demonstrated its power to make a difference. … At the heart of what fuels our actions is the fundamental desire to help one another. In the coming months and years, we will need to rely on each other to face challenges and move forward with courage.” [more]
Shelley Trott, Kenneth Rainin Foundation