By Andy Carroll, ASF

Every 2 to 3 weeks, I’ll explore trends influencing small-staff philanthropy by spotlighting articles, reports, and essays in the media. I’ll cast a wide net, venturing beyond philanthropy and traditional topics to consider a variety of ideas and events. Along the way, I’ll look at debates in our field, ideas and innovations, and critiques of philanthropy.

Welcome to The Pulse.

Millennials Will Drive Impact Investments

In a September report, the World Economic Forum predicts significant growth in impact investing in coming years. The Forum cites a recent survey documenting satisfaction by impact investors with their financial, social, and environmental returns. Another driver is the next generation of donors, who will inherit trillions in coming years. Millennials expect business to play an active role in improving society, and have more access than ever before to impact investing information and options.

Impact of Government Cuts on Nonprofits

Thousands of nonprofits rely on government grants and contracts for a large portion of their revenue. The recent government shutdown is only the latest episode in an era of reduced support for nonprofits that began with the 2008 economic crisis.

The Chronicle of Philanthropy has published a regular stream of articles and opinions about the shutdown and its impact, including nonprofit leaders’ call for action and advocacy in the months ahead.

In this March essay by Clark Foundation Executive Director Doug Bauer, one of the most thoughtful and perceptive thinkers in philanthropy, Doug describes what he calls the “New Normal,” an era we’ve entered characterized by reduced public funding and increased human service needs. He asserts that grantmakers need to respond and adjust in three ways: providing general operating support, funding technical assistance, and supporting advocacy.

Small Foundations Engage in a Unique International Collaboration

Partnering for impact is an aspiration of many foundations and donors. Big Bang Philanthropy, a collaboration of 12 philanthropies including ASF members was profiled in a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article. The funders’ group seeks a number of outcomes: to grow organizations working on international poverty, share information and create efficiencies, co-fund, promote the impact of their grantees, and ultimately drive more money to organizations fighting poverty. 

Poor Children Now the Majority in American Public Schools In South, West

A new report reveals levels of poverty not seen in at least four decades. The data add fire to an intense national debate on what to do to bridge the achievement gap between children from families with resources, and children from poorer backgrounds. Sources paint a picture of the battle: On one side are education reformers who seek to improve teaching, measure learning, and re-write standards; on the other are those who believe that scarcity, lack of support, and stress at home holds students back from learning and growth.

Remembering a Remarkable Citizen

Remarkable lives remind us what intelligence, passion, and courage can accomplish—in philanthropy and beyond.

The Washington Post  recently honored Dr. Ruth Patrick, who died last month at the age of 105. Dr. Patrick was a pioneer in the study of water ecology, and her research on river pollution led to landmark environmental protections. She advised Presidents Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan. Her accomplishments are all the more striking, considering she broke the social and professional barriers women faced in scientific fields.

Notes the Washington Post: “Women were so rare in the sciences that when she sought a job at the Academy of Natural Sciences in 1934—the same year she received a doctorate in botany from the University of Virginia—she was told she would not be paid. She was also advised not to wear lipstick to work.”

Help us take the pulse! Contact Andy Carroll with favorite articles and essays on trends related to philanthropy, especially in your local newspapers, magazines, or blogs. We’re also looking for articles about interesting and dynamic donors and foundations.

ASF Senior Program Manager Andy Carroll writes resources, designs workshops, facilitates seminars, and manages a Discussion List for ASF members. Andy has 25 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, and he enjoys talking with members about their questions, interests, passions, and plans for making a difference.