New administrations, nonprofits, and philanthropy

I’ve heard (and provided) a lot of commentary on the impact of the financial crisis on nonprofits and philanthropy. Here’s a different question – what are the implications of an Obama administration – or more accurately – a Democratic Administration and Congress, on left-leaning/progressive/social justice-oriented funders and nonprofits? I’ve been thinking about a few: Leadership [...]

South and North of the US

(image from moveon – stickers available) I was in Mexico just days before the US Presidential election. Everyone I met was concerned about the upcoming election and double-checked that I was planning to get home in time to vote (I was and I did). Today I’m on en route to Montreal. I can’t wait to [...]

VOTE!

One way of understanding philanthropy is to see it as a regulated industry – that is a basic premise of my writing, my work, my thinking, this blog. Regulation exists in the realm of policy, policy exists in the realm of politics, participation is a core piece of politics and policy (in a democracy). That [...]

What can philanthropy learn from political campaigns?

I recently found myself wondering what the tactics, strategies, infrastructure, governance changes, and technology applications that distinguish this Presidential campaign from others might mean for communities and community philanthropy. I had just read a piece in the San Francisco Chronicle, and was walking to get bagels on a sunny morning. Since I always have my [...]

Charitable and political giving

I published this paragraph as a bit of an afterthought on Thursday’s post. Thought I’d pull it out and let it stand on its own – Here’s another thought I’ve been noodling on for a while. I’ve given more money to political campaigns this year than I ever have before. Judging by the size of [...]

88 Against 8

ATTENTION: This post is blatantly (and proudly) self-interested. The legendary pianist, Leon Fleisher, is appearing in a special benefit concert “88 Against 8” to raise funds for the No on 8 Campaign. The concert is October 21 in San Francisco, tickets require a minimum donation of $500. All proceeds from the concert will go to [...]

John Edwards, Social Justice and Momentum

Sunday night, July 20, John Edwards will be speaking with David Brancaccio of PBS NOW, as part of the opening event for the 3rd Momentum conference in San Francisco. 6:30 pm. W Hotel, 181 3rd Street, San Francisco Tickets to hear Edwards are available here. If hearing John Edwards speak about social justice is not [...]