Stanford Social Innovation Review

To ensure that baby boomers’ wealth does not fall short of its philanthropic potential, Randall Ottinger suggests applying portfolio theory to make wiser social investments.

Most Americans give roughly the same percentage of their incomes.

Although the donor-advised fund industry is in a high-growth phase, all boats will rise if we worry less about competing with each other and instead find ways to work together. By Kim Wright-Violich, president of Schwab Charitable.

PHILANTHROCAPITALISM: How the Rich Can Save the World by Matthew Bishop & Michael Green

When Nau, an outdoor clothing start-up from Portland, Ore., launched in 2005, word on the street had it that the company would push socially responsible business to new heights. But barely a year after putting its earth-toned parkas and virgin merino wool sweaters up for sale in its übercool “webfront” stores, Nau pulled the plug. Find out how Nau tried on too much, too fast. —By Suzie Boss

New research estimates the value of the services provided by faith-based organizations.

Many philanthropists refrain from online giving.

The world’s first universal cash transfer program is in Namibia and provides cash with no strings attached

Designing social enterprises that can succeed on a national scale

Foundation payout rates and the time value of money.

Elaborate partnership network supports
circus workshops for at-risk youth.

The evidence doesn’t support the political left or right.

When couples haggle over charity, total giving drops.

Gifts are not an incentive for donors to give, they’re an excuse.

When nonprofits earn taxable income, private donors give less.

Charitable donors should think of themselves as “investors” – and should expect returns, just like a stock market investor would. But too often, givers don’t see themselves this way, contributing to an inefficient “social capital market.” 

Why some companies donate to charity.

Accreditation prompts higher charitable giving.

Founder, D.C. Central Kitchen.

Study finds right-wing philanthropy gets more results.