“A Massive Problem to Solve.” How Can Museums Engage Next-Generation Donors?

“A Massive Problem to Solve.” How Can Museums Engage Next-Generation Donors?

As the largest wealth transfer in history takes place, fundraising trends don’t look so good for the arts. Sector stakeholders are trying to figure out how museums can better cultivate a rising generation of heirs.

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Philanthropy Born of Luxury Goods Helps Fuel a Revival of Art in France

Philanthropy Born of Luxury Goods Helps Fuel a Revival of Art in France

The arts scene in France is booming, thanks in part to the country’s embrace of American-style philanthropy — and the tax breaks that come with it. IP’s Wendy Paris reports from Paris.

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A Philanthropic Contest Asked for Creative Fiction About Money. Here Are the Winning Stories

A Philanthropic Contest Asked for Creative Fiction About Money. Here Are the Winning Stories

This investment company’s foundation took a unique approach to building financial literacy — a short story contest. The winners delivered some deep insights into managing money, including a lesson or two for funders.

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Based in Southern California, the Colburn Foundation Exclusively Focuses on Classical Music

Based in Southern California, the Colburn Foundation Exclusively Focuses on Classical Music

The Colburn Foundation is solely dedicated to classical music, following the wishes of its founder, Richard D. Colburn. Here's a closer look at this niche funder and how Southern California groups can connect with it.

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Why This Billionaire Investor Was Moved to Give “Songs of Love” to Sick Kids

Why This Billionaire Investor Was Moved to Give “Songs of Love” to Sick Kids

Songs of Love connects children facing serious health conditions with musicians who compose original songs for them. We talked with Leon Cooperman about why he backs the organization, and his wider philanthropy.

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“You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder's Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making

“You Have to Actually Change.” A Major Theater Funder's Quest to Diversify Its Decision-Making

The New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Theater Project has evolved significantly over the last 10 years. We walk through some key takeaways from a report on its work with program director Quita Sullivan.

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Why a Foundation Focused on Financial Inclusion Launched a Short Story Contest

Why a Foundation Focused on Financial Inclusion Launched a Short Story Contest

For the Principal Foundation, a corporate funder backed by Principal Group, funding a short story contest this year has been one way to inspire people to rewrite their personal narratives about money.

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“The Time Was Right.” How Three Funders Joined Forces to Simplify the Grant Application Process

“The Time Was Right.” How Three Funders Joined Forces to Simplify the Grant Application Process

The Common App for the Arts, launched by three Bay Area foundations, consolidates each funder’s grants on a single user interface. We look at how it came together, plans for future iterations and more. 

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Funder Spotlight: How the Samuels Foundation Supports the Performing Arts and Healthy Aging

Funder Spotlight: How the Samuels Foundation Supports the Performing Arts and Healthy Aging

The New York City-based Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation supports performing arts organizations and seeks to improve quality of life for older adults. We take a closer look at its history, grantmaking and more.

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Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder's Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission

Art for Social Change: An Arts Funder's Journey to More Fully Embrace Its Social Justice Mission

Philadelphia’s Leeway Foundation supports women, trans and/or gender-nonconforming artists focused on social change. Executive Director Denise Brown walks us through its evolution, key grantmaking programs and more.

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"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

"Your Agenda Is Making Houston Better." How the Houston Endowment Backs Its Home City

We take an on-the-ground look at the Houston Endowment, which has been engaged in local giving for nearly a century. From the arts and parks to successes in reducing homelessness, its influence spans the city.

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Funder Spotlight: How the Hemera Foundation Promotes Buddhist Practice and Supports Children

Funder Spotlight: How the Hemera Foundation Promotes Buddhist Practice and Supports Children

Operating as an LLC, the Boulder-based Hemera Foundation is inspired by Buddhist teachings and traditions. Here’s a closer look at its grantmaking and its plans to spend down a $32.9 million endowment by 2032.

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Don't Leave Home Without It: A Quick Look at Ken Chenault's Philanthropy

Don't Leave Home Without It: A Quick Look at Ken Chenault's Philanthropy

The longtime American Express chief was one of the first Black CEOs of a Fortune 500 firm. Chenault backs a range of causes alongside his wife Kathryn, with HBCUs and arts and culture looming large.

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Backed by a Big Fortune, This Foundation Is Supporting Small Rural Communities in the West

Backed by a Big Fortune, This Foundation Is Supporting Small Rural Communities in the West

The foundation of Edward Jaramillo and Amy Wyss, daughter of billionaire donor Hansjörg Wyss, gives in several small communities across the Mountain West. The funder prides itself on accessibility and a fast process.

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“A Series of Compounding Crises.” The State of Post-Pandemic Theater Fundraising

“A Series of Compounding Crises.” The State of Post-Pandemic Theater Fundraising

Three years after the pandemic, audiences haven’t returned to live theater en masse and donors are wary of a recession. Theatre Communications Group’s Teresa Eyring and other leaders help us navigate a fraught landscape.

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Promoting Jewish Culture Through the Arts in Boston and Beyond

Promoting Jewish Culture Through the Arts in Boston and Beyond

Jewish Arts Collaborative is a unique, creative organization sharing Jewish culture in Boston and beyond. The donors and local leaders behind it explain how the effort got off the ground and what makes it so special.

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“The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation

“The Privilege to Take Risks.” Alberto Ibargüen Reflects on His Tenure at the Knight Foundation

After 18 years, Ibargüen announced he would step down as head of this influential media funder. In a wide-ranging conversation, we discuss his career trajectory, philanthropy’s role in society, and much more.

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Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass

Six Questions for Lu Zhang, New Executive Director of A Blade of Grass

A Blade of Grass backs artists whose work advances social change. We checked in with new executive director Lu Zhang to discuss her career trajectory, key priorities in her new role and more.

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Six Years and $125 Million Later, Art for Justice Takes a Final Bow

Six Years and $125 Million Later, Art for Justice Takes a Final Bow

Agnes Gund’s Art for Justice channeled a large chunk of money toward artists and activists focused on the carceral system. The fund is now winding down, but it made a big impact in a short time.

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“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More

“Be Open to Evolving.” How a Regional Arts Funder Centered Equity, Increased Payout, and More

Denver's Bonfils-Stanton Foundation made a lot of changes amid the tumult of 2020, but leaders knew there was more work to be done. President and CEO Gary Steuer walks us through the foundation’s ongoing evolution.

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