By Andy Carroll, Exponent Philanthropy

Every 2 to 3 weeks, I explore trends influencing philanthropy by spotlighting articles, reports, and essays in the media. I cast a wide net, considering a variety of ideas, innovations, debates, and critiques. Read previous posts in the series

Rate of Nonprofit Mergers Has Not Budged, Defying Expectations

A new study by Bridgespan reveals the Great Recession did not, as some expected, spark more mergers in the nonprofit sector. The study showed “progress” in the number of foundations encouraging mergers, and in the development of know-how for the field. For example, the Foundation Center has created a library of cases on mergers and collaborations. Several issues impede mergers: the challenges of blending boards of directors, brands, and key staff. A blog about the report in the Huffington Post includes a story of how two venerable Boston nonprofits succeeded in joining forces.

An Epidemic of College Dropouts, and a Promising Solution

According to a New York Times piece, barely half of students who start four-year colleges in the U.S., and only one-third of community college students, graduate. This is one of the worst records among developed nations. Lost earnings and taxes are estimated to be in the billions, and the loss of human potential is incalculable. A program at the City University of New York’s community colleges is successfully increasing graduation rates. It provides underprepared students, including those from low-income backgrounds, with the kinds of support available at wealthier schools. Crucial to success is a “personal touch—biweekly seminars and one-on-one advising.”

Younger Donors Charting Their Own Path

Following a major study of younger donors by 21/64 and the Johnson Center, a recent study by the Institute for Private Investors finds that young wealthy investors approach philanthropy in a very different way than their parents and grandparents. Young investors are more passionate about issues than institutions, find niches where they can make impact, measure results, and get personally involved. A writer at Forbes predicts that if these young wealthy donors are representative of their peers, large nonprofit organizations will fade from the landscape. If this is a bit overstated, it may still be that large institutions will need to compete harder for donations with smaller, more agile nonprofits and social enterprises favored by the young. 

What do you think the impact of the next generation of donors will be on the social economy landscape?

Chronicling a Rapid Reduction of Diversity

In a book that has sparked numerous reviews and debates, journalist Elizabeth Kolbert documents how today’s extinction of animal species is happening at an unprecedented rate. Placing blame on man’s exploration and exploitation of the globe, Kolbert proposes that the human attributes that have driven our biological success have also altered the climate and drastically reduced the range of animal species on earth.

The Rise of Women as Financial Decision Makers

A New York Times business writer describes the big trend of women emerging as wealth holders. “Scores of recent studies show that we’re in the midst of a tectonic gender shift around money: It’s big, slow-moving and ultimately a game-changer. Women have money now, real money: They earn a combined $29 trillion worldwide, according to the Boston Consulting Group, about $3 trillion of that in the United States. And while men still earn more, women control nearly three-quarters of all purchasing decisions.” This shift is attracting the notice of large financial firms, spurring them to change the ways they work with female clients.

How might those of us who provide donors with advice and consulting about philanthropy change our approaches?

Senior Program Director Andy Carroll writes resources, designs workshops, and facilitates seminars for funders. Andy also dedicates a significant portion of his time to managing our Leadership Initiative that defines, validates, nurtures, and celebrates the many ways philanthropists lead. Andy has 25 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, and he enjoys talking with funders about their questions, interests, passions, and plans for making a difference.