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Wallis Annenberg was passionate about creating spaces, opportunities, and access where people could connect, learn, and thrive. From community institutions to bold new ventures, she believed philanthropy should enrich lives, strengthen the civic fabric, and inspire...
This is an edited version of comments Phil Buchanan made to the Maryland Philanthropy Network on September 17, 2025. These comments draw on some previously published material, including Phil’s blog posts on the CEP Blog and his 2019 book, Giving Done Right, and have...
“Listen and be out there in the in the field, whatever your field is.” -Denise Brændgård, General Manager, Novo Nordisk Haemophilia Foundation This post is the last of a three-part blog series that builds on the findings of a recent CEP publication, Partnering for...
In a previous post, we shared what we’re learning about how funders are reimagining the reporting process, from the motivations shaping current practices to the growing adoption of alternative reporting. Building on those findings, this follow-up turns to the people...
In philanthropic relationships, we talk a lot about power dynamics, and there’s perhaps no moment where that becomes more visible than during the reporting process. Traditionally, grantees are required to justify their work, impact, and often even their existence on...
“I think one of the most important things that philanthropy can do is be as anonymous and as shrinking-violet as possible, and just allow everybody else to take credit.” - Nicholas Colloff, Executive Director, Argidius This post is the second of a three-part blog...
Schools are powerful “holding environments” where belonging, or the lack of it, shapes how we treat one another. For some, the bonds forged in school last a lifetime. For many others, school culture is defined less by friendship and connection than by bullying and...
“If equity is the goal, the nonprofit sector must be at the [AI] table from the start. Without us, equitable AI won’t happen. With us, it’s possible.” These are words shared by a nonprofit leader who responded to the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s (CEP)...
“We think through what we’re doing, but we also know that nothing is ever perfect. We’re not trying to create perfection. We’re just trying to improve all the time.” - Kirsty Gillan-Thomas, Head of Evidence and Learning, Paul Hamlyn Foundation This post is the first...
This is the third in a series of occasional chats among some of CEP’s staff we’ll be posting on the blog, in which they discuss current challenges for philanthropy and nonprofits. In this conversation, CEP President Phil Buchanan talks with CEP Vice President of...