Resources
Articles, stories, and other resources designed to inspire, empower, and mobilize the impact sector to create meaningful change.
Trust-Based Philanthropy: The Case that Trust Must Be Earned Through Diligence and Rigor
July 29, 2025
Trust-based philanthropy revolutionized grantmaking by centering relationships over transactions, but it's time for the next evolution. High-Integrity-Philanthropy demonstrates that rigorous research and authentic trust aren't competing values—they're complementary forces that, when combined, create deeper partnerships and better outcomes than either approach alone.
The Art of Honoring Legacy While Forging Your Own Path
July 15, 2025
This is perhaps the most delicate challenge facing next-generation philanthropists: navigating the tension between honoring your family's legacy and implementing the transformative approaches that current crises demand. It's a challenge made more complex by family dynamics, differing generational values, and the emotional weight of inherited responsibility.
The $124 Trillion Question: Why Your Parents' Philanthropy Playbook Won't Work for You
July 14, 2025
If you’re one of those lucky enough to be benefiting from such a transfer, you might be feeling a range of emotions, from excitement to grief, and optimism to fear. If you’re unable to find the exact words to describe the moment, you may be grappling with this: The philanthropic models that got your parents' generation this far are fundamentally inadequate for the challenges you're inheriting.
The Philanthropic Imperative: Why Foundations and Donors Must Rise to Meet This Moment
July 9, 2025
Most conversations about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have focused on immigration enforcement and healthcare policy. But as we outlined in our previous analysis, the legislation creates an unprecedented crisis for America's nonprofit sector—one that demands an equally unprecedented response from philanthropic leaders. This post is a followup to our analysis of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's implications for the social impact sector.
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Transforms Nonprofit Landscape
July 9, 2025
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law by President Trump represents one of the most significant legislative changes in generations. While much attention has been given to the implications for society at large, precious little has been said about the sudden and dramatic effects this bill will have on the impact sector – reducing revenue while simultaneously increasing demand for services…
The $18 Trillion Opportunity You're Probably Ignoring (And Why Your Clients Are Going Elsewhere for Philanthropy Advice)
July 8, 2025
While wealth managers focus on optimizing portfolios, their clients are making crucial philanthropic decisions—involving $18 trillion over the next 25 years—without professional guidance. Despite 91% of high-net-worth households making charitable donations, only 5% of wealth managers feel confident discussing philanthropy with clients. This disconnect creates the largest missed opportunity in wealth management today. This article outlines five strategic approaches for wealth managers to integrate philanthropic planning into their practice, from starting with client values rather than vehicles to mastering planned giving conversations. Advisors who offer charitable planning report 6x the median assets and 3x the organic growth of those who don't, while also creating deeper client relationships that transcend investment performance.
Beyond Greenwashing: How Corporate CSR Can Actually Move the Needle
June 23, 2025
Many corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs are essentially "greenwashing," offering minimal impact despite significant funding. This article, part of a series on philanthropic impact, argues for transforming CSR from mere feel-good activities to strategic social investment. It outlines five ways companies can achieve this, and emphasizes how a strategic approach to CSR not only drives genuine social change but also offers measurable business benefits like increased employee engagement, stronger brand reputation, and improved customer loyalty, especially as millennials and Gen Z increasingly expect authentic corporate responsibility.
Why Playing It Safe is the Riskiest Strategy (And What Institutional Foundations Should Do Instead)
June 19, 2025
Institutional foundations have optimized themselves for avoiding mistakes instead of making impact. Committee structures and risk-averse processes create institutions that excel at avoiding embarrassment but fail at solving problems. While nonprofits struggle with declining funding, many foundations continue operating like it's 2005—funding safe, established organizations doing incremental work rather than taking calculated risks on innovative approaches. This article outlines five strategies for transforming institutional grantmaking from risk management to impact management, including funding capacity over programs, making genuine multi-year commitments, supporting policy advocacy, and embracing high-integrity philanthropy that balances trust with accountability.
Family Philanthropy's Strategic Response: Five Actions to Strengthen Nonprofits During Uncertain Times
June 17, 2025
Discover five strategic actions family foundations can take to empower nonprofits, amplify impact, and tackle today's challenges with urgency and purpose.
Why $250 Billion is Sitting in Accounts While Nonprofits Struggle (And How DAF Holders Can Fix It)
June 16, 2025
There is currently more than $250 billion sitting dormant in Donor Advised Funds, while the nonprofit organizations in need of that funding continue to struggle. DAF holders have a unique opportunity to massively accelerate social change in a tremendously tumultuous era. It’s time to start viewing their funds as charitable resources meant for immediate impact, not just investment growth. Here are some practical steps…