As a Staff Writer for Inside Philanthropy, I focus on major individual donors on Wall St., Silicon Valley, Hollywood and athletes. I also author a series on family philanthropy in partnership with National Center on Family Philanthropy (NCFP). For all of my Inside Philanthropy articles, see here.
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IP - Behind an Early Nvidia Employee’s Big Gift for Healthcare AI
Dwight Diercks, employee No. 22 at the ultra-successful chipmaker, is making moves as a megadonor along with his wife Dian. Their latest gift: $20 million for AI-driven innovation at Mayo Clinic.
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IP - 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 billionaire Leon Cooperman about why he backs the organization, and his wider philanthropy.
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IP - Stephen and Ayesha Curry Tell Us About the Future of Their Philanthropy
The NBA power couple are ramping up their giving in their adopted home city of Oakland, with a continued focus on healthy food, education and recreation for youth. We connected with them to learn more.
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IP - "Moving Forward." Robert F. Smith Tells Us About the Future of His Philanthropy
In a rare interview, we talk with African American finance billionaire Robert F. Smith about the extensive giving he’s done so far and where he sees it all headed.
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IP/NCFP - The Kendeda Fund is Writing its Last Checks — and the Last Chapter of a 30-Year Story of Giving
Diana Blank’s foundation is winding down this year, having moved over $1 billion to the environment, rights of women and girls, and more. Family and staff recount Kendeda’s history and explain how and why it’s spending down.
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IP- With a Glitzy Hollywood Event and a Big Fundraising Goal, Selena Gomez Takes on Mental Health
With a $100 million target, the “Only Murders in the Building” star is directing her philanthropic attention toward mental health. IP’s Ade Adeniji attended her kickoff event, and spoke with Gomez about this highly personal cause.
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IP-Steve Phillips Talks Progressive Philanthropy, the Sandler Legacy, and More
The author and political strategist reflects on his long career in progressive giving — including the early days of the Democracy Alliance, the Obama years, and working with his late wife Susan Sandler to back racial justice leaders.
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IP/NCFP- After 35 Years, the Tow Foundation Reflects on the Past and Looks to the Future
After more than three decades, how does a family foundation engage multiple generations, adapt for emerging needs, and honor its origins? Here’s how one Connecticut-based funder is charting a path forward.
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IP- NBA Veteran Kevin Love on His Charitable Fund and Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
In recent years, this NBA All-Star has opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, prompting him to launch the Kevin Love Fund, which focuses on mental health and wellbeing of young people.
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IP - As It Backs Civil Rights Sites, the National Park Foundation Has Some Big Partners in Its Corner
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and billionaire Robert F. Smith partnered with the National Park Service’s nonprofit arm on a new national monument honoring Emmett Till, one of several such sites the foundation’s supporting.
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IP/NCFP- “Miami Is Our City.” How Two Generations of the Billionaire Pérez Family Give
Real estate billionaire Jorge Pérez, along with his wife Darlene and their children, are prominent philanthropists in the Sunshine State. Here’s how the family gives, and how the second generation is stepping up.
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IP- Kindness Wins: How This Tennis Star’s Early Philanthropy Focuses on Fostering Empathy
Madison Keys is among the next generation of American stars dominating the tennis courts. She’s also joined the ranks of athletes using their platforms to give back, in her case focusing on young people.