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.
Needed in Philippines: Support for Recovery and Reconstruction
In a Chronicle of Philanthropy interview, President of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy Robert Ottenhoff recommends giving for mid-term and long-term needs. He notes, “… almost all of the money is donated within 2 or 3 months… And yet there are emerging urgent needs… In the Philippines…hundreds of thousands are going to be left without homes, without farms, without other ways for livelihood.”
Are recent big storms a trend? Will they become more frequent? In a November 15 editorial, economist Jeffrey Sachs says yes and calls for action to reduce carbon emissions.
Student Homelessness Hits Record High
The number of homeless students in U.S. public schools is at an all-time high, according to new data from the National Center for Homeless Education. Says policy expert Barbara Duffield, “The recession isn’t over for America’s poorest families. There’s a gap between what jobs are available, what those jobs pay, and what affordable housing is available.”
Ways Donors Can Support Entrepreneurship
As economic growth languishes and unemployment remains high, philanthropists seek to promote economic development in their communities. Donors support employment training, urban development, small business development, tourism, and helping communities develop a shared vision of the future. In May, the Philanthropy Roundtable convened a meeting to explore another avenue of support: nurturing entrepreneurship.
Fight Hunger, Seize the Day
Howard G. Buffett, son of Warren Buffett, has written a guide for intelligent philanthropy, focused on fighting global hunger. In Forty Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World, Buffett critiques aid strategies and highlights ways to have more impact, such as supporting programs that get food to market while it still has value, and helping farmers get title to their land.
Keeping Artists in a City’s Core
Collaborative work of the ASF member Kenneth Rainin Foundation, the San Francisco Mayor’s office, a community loan fund, and partners is profiled in the San Francisco Chronicle. Concerned about rising property values driving out arts groups that were essential in revitalizing San Francisco’s Mid-Market neighborhood, the Rainin Foundation and partners are purchasing buildings and making space available to arts groups in rent-to-own arrangements.
Bipartisan Effort on Early Education in Oklahoma, Philanthropist’s Leadership Essential
To break the cycle of poverty, liberals and conservatives in Oklahoma united to provide free access to prekindergarten for all 4-year-olds. Oklahoma also has more preschools that focus on poor children beginning in their first year than any other state. A Tulsa philanthropist named George B. Kaiser played a key role, and money was only one asset he brought to the table.
The New York Times‘ Nicholas Kristof notes: “…Kaiser began investing in early interventions in Oklahoma and advocating for them, and, because of his prominence and business credentials, people listened to the evidence he cited.”
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.
