Friday Rewind

The Friday Rewind offers a snapshot of PhilanthroNews —  that means news stories, articles, events of note, or information updates — from around our network and throughout the broad world of philanthropy. Whether you take a quick skim of the material or a deep dive through each item we hope to help inform your work and inspire your thinking.

1.  A recent article from the Chronicle of Philanthropy analyzes 6 troubling trends in American charitable giving. Due to a declining share of individuals who actually give to charity and an over-reliance on donations from the wealthy (rather than average Americans), increasing the base of support for charitable giving is outlined as a primary goal. Read More Here
2. In its recent report, Bracing for a Downturn: Nonprofits, Charitable Deduction Worries, and How Foundations Can Help, the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) uncovers nonprofit and foundation leaders’ thoughts about the potential impact of new tax legislation on the nonprofit sector. As this article notes, it is important to remain aware of the opportunities available in fostering nonprofit and foundation partnerships, through building more sustainable nonprofit financial models, growing foundation advocacy, and creating more networked nonprofits. Learn More Here
3. Although the opioid epidemic has spread across America, this story argues that local solutions are needed, rather than mass national initiatives. In Allentown, people who overdose on opioids get a visit from a Blue Guardian, a trained volunteer who connects them to treatment. The program also reaches out to the families of addicts, and has shown that the power of local impact. Read More Here
4. NY Funders Alliance members the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation recently announced grant awards to 55 Western New York organizations totaling more than $1 million. Read More Here
5. As the demand for more opportunities in impact investing grows, this resource warns of potential “greenwashing.” The article notes that “impact investing requires an active element. It is investing with the intent to make a positive difference, to actively engage with the investees to translate that investment into making a difference.” Although this piece has an international focus, the advice to closely examine what investments fall under the realm of creating positive impacts is widely applicable in philanthropy. Read More Here

Friday Rewind is published each Friday by NY Funders Alliance staff. To submit a story for the Friday Rewind, please email programs@nyfunders.org.