Lead story
Editor's note:
MacKenzie Scott is accelerating her giving following the sale of about 42% of her Amazon stock – worth more than $12 billion, reports Ben Gose in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
In recent weeks, at least five organizations have announced large, unrestricted gifts from the philanthropist. The Freedom Fund received $60 million to combat modern slavery; the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund got $40 million to preserve Black history sites; and the George M. Pullman Educational Foundation received $10 million to expand its college scholarship program. The University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a historically Black university, received $38 million – its largest gift ever – while the Woodwell Climate Research Center was awarded $10 million to advance climate research.
These donations continue Scott’s focus on racial equity, education and climate action. Scott remains modest about her giving, writing, “Any dollar amount is a vanishingly tiny fraction of the personal expressions of care being shared into the world this year.”
News and trends
Lacking community resilience centers, Houston neighbors opt for solar-powered ‘hub homes’
The EPA now faces lawsuits from governments and nonprofits over the cancellation of the program.
By Gabriela Aoun Angueira/The Associated Press
Project Resource Optimization has mobilized more than $110 million in charitable grants.
By Thalia Beaty/The Associated Press
Commentary and analysis
Why philanthropy’s democracy talk turns people off
Here are the words that leave average Americans cold — and the language that could connect them to the billion-dollar fight to strengthen the country.
By Matt Watkins, Watkins Public Affairs, for the Chronicle of Philanthropy
Federal funding cuts are destabilizing many nonprofits, threatening the services they provide.
By Lewis Faulk, American University; Mirae Kim, George Mason University, for The Conversation U.S.
Other nonprofit news of note
- Alaska nonprofit rescues 180 dogs – and a turtle – after devastating flooding in remote villages (CBS)
- Reagan foundation 'reviewing legal options' over Ontario tariffs ad (Axios)
- Donor who gave $130M to pay troops is reclusive heir to Mellon fortune (New York Times)
- Missouri families and food banks have few options for SNAP funding loss: 'How can you not worry?' (KCUR)
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- Giving Today is published by Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Associated Press and The Conversation U.S.
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