Philanthropic organizations are becoming increasingly influential in supporting sustainable development goals worldwide. Many have become early adopters of aligning their financial planning and grant strategies to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It’s often said that one should never judge a book by its cover, an adage that has repeatedly proven its truth. However, the opposite could very well be true in the realm of architecture, particularly when it comes to nonprofit and charitable foundations. Architecture certainly has a certain way of reflecting both the function and character of those who dwell within it, and the philanthropic sector is no exception.

For far too long, many non-profit organizations have relied solely on specific departments or individuals to take care of their fundraising, placing a very real segmentation between the members who facilitate the funds and those who put the hard-earned building blocks into action.

MacKenzie Scott has made headlines for her unprecedented philanthropic efforts. According to the New York Times, she has given upwards of $12 billion to various nonprofits and community-based organizations since 2019. Her rapid pace and unique approach landed her a spot on Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2020.

The effects of climate change are impossible to ignore, particularly as record-breaking temperatures, tides and weather events wreak havoc across the globe. In the march to stall or reverse climate change, many of us feel that our efforts, no matter how good-willed, are simply a drop in the bucket.

Independent wealth has continued to grow among the wealthy in America. In fact, over the past year, the most wealthy individuals in the country increased their wealth by about 18%. While this growth does seem to be out of proportion in light of the struggles many other Americans are currently facing, from woes tied to inflation or housing crises, there is a silver lining.

Entrepreneurship has the power to revitalize and support impoverished communities, that is, if policymakers can shift their attention from only supporting VC-backed investing and include design programs that help neighborhood businesses scale. Small cities and towns across the country are looking for lessons that can help them build a more resilient, home-grown economy.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard about the historical space flight launched last September under the SpaceX program. The Inspiration4 mission marked the first civilian-only flight into space. Each of the four crew members (for which the mission was named) represented the mission pillars of leadership, hope, generosity, and prosperity.

Women make up just 28 percent of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce. Still, encouragingly there is an increasing number of scholarships, jobs and ongoing education that women can leverage to pave a path for a career in STEM (a few of them I preview below).

For many years, Melinda French Gates has been committed to using her wealth to help others. Melinda has been a major supporter of at least ten different foundations (including a few of her own, which we'll discuss later), supporting over 23 charitable causes from civil rights and gender equality to conservation and disaster relief.

Our blog series on the UN’s Sustainability Goals continues with a focus on three more goals to be integrated into policy by 2030. Check out the issues and progress of each goal below…

Even in the darkest of times, the generosity of the human spirit finds a way to shine through. In the face of the COVID19 pandemic, wealthy Americans and businesses donated more to charitable foundations than ever before.

Philanthropy is a practice that predates recorded history, recognized worldwide as the desire and effort to promote or improve the welfare of others. Philanthropists all over the world have long worked to fight social, racial, and economic inequity, founding and supporting the movements that work so hard to improve the lives of world citizens in need.

From launching Sputnik and landing on the moon to creating the International Space Station, the desire to understand outer space and our place in it has brought countless changes to science, design, and philosophy. Sending astronauts and satellites far above the Earth has given the world better food technology, medical equipment, and clothing. It’s why we have solar cells, camera phones, and advanced water filtration systems.

Generosity is a characteristic that most of us hope to see our children embrace. How can we teach them about the power of giving back to those who need support the most?

Christmas is a great time of year to highlight the joy of giving back to others in need and instilling in them the idea that there’s more to life than receiving gifts.

An aptitude and hunger for technology and creativity amongst younger generations are fueling an economic recovery in America as industries institute morphing sales strategies during and after a global pandemic.

After the social justice upheaval coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, philanthropists reshaped how some organizations and foundations conduct business and navigate their nonprofit strategies. Today, some are starting to focus on becoming more agile with fewer branches and better supporting equity.

Trusts can provide a safety net that helps provide for ourselves or our loved ones. Those with the means to pursue philanthropy may be curious about how their charitable goals fit into their financial plans that include trusts.

A charitable remainder trust is an irrevocable trust that holds a potential stream for donors to the CRT or its beneficiaries. The remainder of the donated assets are distributed to one or more of your favorite charities.

The space industry and philanthropy may not be something that most people consider as a natural partnership. However, philanthropic practices and space organizations are helping to fuel investments in civilian space education, scientific advancement and business support that is helping to propel the NewSpace sector forward.