Chronicle Insider

Dear Subscriber,

There is a big leadership transition happening — and I’m not talking about this week’s election. As we highlight in our new November issue, some of the most recognizable names in the foundation world are stepping down, and a new wave of leaders is taking their place. In many cases, these leaders have steadily climbed the ranks in the nonprofit world. They are often women, and quite often they are women of color.

Alex Daniels speaks with figures like Joanna Jackson, who took over the top spot at the Weingart Foundation after 15 years within the organization. Jackson says she isn’t looking to make big changes to the mandate the foundation set in 2016, when it declared racial justice would become a cornerstone of its grant making. Instead, she’d like to examine how grantees are chosen, how they receive money, and the steps the foundation takes to advocate for causes publicly. “I’m looking to operationalize this commitment to racial justice and take it to the next level,” she says.

Weingart Foundation

One of the most anticipated leadership transitions is taking place at the Ford Foundation, which is looking to find a successor to Darren Walker, who announced he will leave the $16 billion-plus grant maker by the end of the year. Hilary Pennington, one of Walker’s top lieutenants who is also leaving Ford, says Walker’s heir apparent can’t be afraid to stick their neck out and be vocal, even in uncomfortable situations. “Foundations will need to understand that navigating a polarized context is a core competency they and their grantees will need,” she says.

Also in the new issue:

Lisa Schohl tees up 10 ways toshow how your nonprofit is making an impact. More than 70 percent of nonprofit leaders think measuring impact is important, but only 20 percent say they’re very good at it, one survey finds. Among the tips from experts: Define what impact means at your organization, blend quantitative and qualitative data, and don’t start over every year with impact reports.

Paul Vernon

Jie Jenny Zou finds that a background in fundraisingcan set up nonprofit leaders for success. Consider Matthew vandenBerg, president of Ohio Wesleyan University. At the age of 22, he had a mentor foreshadow what it would take for him to lead a university in the future. “‘I have a feeling the only thing they’ll be talking about is money,’” vandenBerg recalls. “She was holding a crystal ball.” Jenny notes that fundraisers are often adept at frequent interactions with prospective donors, meeting big goals and tight deadlines, and working diplomatically as part of a team.

Plus: How the recent Generosity Commission report could redefine philanthropy, a researcher weighs in on what motivates wealthy donors (hint: psychological well-being matters), a new study reveals that 22 percent of nonprofit employees in the United States struggle financially, and a look at how reading groups could help close the country’s divides.

The best way to keep up with all the offerings from the Chronicle is to sign up for our Philanthropy Today newsletter. You’ll get updates every day about new items we have posted, plus a guide to what else you need to know from reporting by other news organizations.

By subscribing to Philanthropy Today, you’ll also receive a special newsletter delivered to your inbox every Thursday afternoon that’s dedicated to The Commons, our new project that examines how philanthropy and nonprofits can best bring Americans together in a time of hyperpolarization.

In case you missed it, The Commons has recently featured:

• Stephanie Dodson Cornell on four ways nonprofits and foundations can make collaboration across differences a strategic priority.
• Evan Feinberg on the potential for individual Americans to drive the social change grant makers want.
• Drew Lindsay on language that can help bring people together after the election and beyond.

Also, on November 7 at 2 p.m. Eastern, we’re hosting a webinar on how to wow grant makers with your next proposal. We all know that program officers are inundated with requests for support. What makes a proposal rise to the top? Experts reveal the hallmarks of a winning proposal — from strong writing to a compelling vision.

As for that other big leadership transition that’s happening: We’ll be here to help guide you through election season and beyond. Thank you, again, for being a loyal subscriber.

With gratitude,

Andrew Simon, editor-in-chief, Chronicle of Philanthropy