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Latest from the Blog

Across Borders, Beyond Blueprints: The Global Evolution of Community Foundations
Across Borders, Beyond Blueprints: The Global Evolution of Community Foundations
This essay explores what U.S. community foundations might learn from peers who adapted key aspects of the community foundation model in the absence of concentrated private wealth, favorable tax codes, or established donor cultures.
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Community Foundations in the United States: Origins, Evolution, and the Turn Toward Community Leadership
Community Foundations in the United States: Origins, Evolution, and the Turn Toward Community Leadership
This essay traces the origins and evolution of community foundations in the U.S., from the founding of the Cleveland Foundation in 1914 to today, and suggests a path toward reclaiming their original, authentic civic purpose.
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Defining “Philanthropy,” Part II: Reclaiming What Philanthropy Was Always Meant to Be
Defining “Philanthropy,” Part II: Reclaiming What Philanthropy Was Always Meant to Be
This essays suggests we can reclaim the true definition of "philanthropy" by looking at how people actually give — not through the lens of foundations and endowments, but through the evidence of everyday practice.
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Defining “Philanthropy,” Part I: Love of Humankind
Defining “Philanthropy,” Part I: Love of Humankind
In this essay, Michael Layton examines how the definition of the word "philanthropy" has narrowed over time and makes the case that the fuller meaning is still available to us, if we are willing to fight for it.
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More Than a Neighborhood: The Many Meanings of “Community”
More Than a Neighborhood: The Many Meanings of “Community”
This essay explores the contours of community as a concept and an empirical phenomenon — one that can be a source of support and healing, but can also divide and exclude.
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Grounded in Purpose: What Philanthropy Can Learn From Psychology
Grounded in Purpose: What Philanthropy Can Learn From Psychology
In the midst of what feels like chaos, we urge the sector to move beyond recognizing and naming the existential threats we are collectively experiencing and to take action.
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Inside The Foundation Review, Volume 18, Issue 1
Inside The Foundation Review, Volume 18, Issue 1
This issue of The Foundation Review draws attention to topics often overlooked in mainstream research — everyday decisions and infrastructure choices that shape philanthropic practice and its impact.
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11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2026
11 Trends in Philanthropy for 2026
For this tenth edition of the Trends report, we reflect on the themes that have shaped our sector over the past ten years and name both enduring shifts and new developments.
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The Evolving Landscape of Philanthropy: Collective Practices, Digital Tools, and the Search for Connection
The Evolving Landscape of Philanthropy: Collective Practices, Digital Tools, and the Search for Connection
Philanthropy is shifting from institutional to participatory and from elite to networked as digital tools expand access and collective practices redistribute power among the new generation of philanthropists.
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Donors Face New Dangers Amid Increasing Political Violence and Attacks on Charitable Foundations
Donors Face New Dangers Amid Increasing Political Violence and Attacks on Charitable Foundations
Attacks on public figures, executive orders and rhetoric that target specific nonprofits, and widespread instability have donors concerned about the safety of giving.
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Upcoming Events
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Tue June 23
Catalysts of Community Philanthropy: How Community Foundations, Collective Giving, and Giving Days Strengthen Civic Life
FREE! Our guest panel of field experts will explore community philanthropy — the community foundations, giving circles, mutual aid groups, giving days, and neighborhood-led funds that are mobilizing generosity, expanding participation, strengthening trust, nurturing civic engagement, and shifting power to communities.
1:00 pm
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In the News
Tue March 17
Strong Collective Giving Efforts Need Structure
Source: The NonProfit Times
Tue March 3
Reweaving the social fabric amid Latin America’s fragile institutions
Source: Alliance Magazine
Mon March 2
Build a Supportive, Active Board: 3 Proven Tactics
Source: The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Tue December 2
Why time is becoming the new currency of giving
Source: Fortune