NEW CEP Research: Giving Big: The Impact of Large, Unrestricted Gifts on Nonprofits
The Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) has released the first report in a three-year, three-part study on the effects of MacKenzie Scott’s large, unrestricted gifts on the nonprofits that have received them.
The study found that these gifts have been transformational for the nonprofits that received them, who have reported using the unrestricted funds to expand their core work while also shoring up their financial sustainability and addressing operational capacity. Furthermore, the negative unintended consequences that some feared have not appeared, with nonprofit leaders reporting that the support has strengthened their fundraising efforts rather than causing other funders to pull back.
Read the report here, find highlights and key data points on the report microsite, or watch a presentation and discussion of the report in CEP’s recent webinar.
REGISTER NOW for CEP2023: The CEP Conference
CEP’s first in-person conference since 2019 will take place in at the Omni Seaport Hotel in Boston from Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2023, and registration is now open.
CEP’s national conference brings together senior foundation leaders, program officers, trustees, philanthropic advisors, and major donors to engage with and learn from sector colleagues about the most pressing issues in philanthropy. CEP2023 will feature talks from influential and thought-provoking leaders, focused and practical breakout sessions, and ample opportunity to connect with peers.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, or learning about the range of sponsorship benefits available for funders, please reach out to Grace Nicolette to learn more.
We look forward to announcing more details about the conference in the coming weeks, including speakers and session information. For updates, keep an eye on the CEP2023 website. In the meantime, we encourage you to reserve your spot now.
That’s a Wrap: Season 3 of the Giving Done Right Podcast
This Giving Season, the third season of CEP’s podcast, Giving Done Right, can help guide your giving, encourage you to find the joy in giving well, and inspire you to give with both the head and the heart.
CEP’s Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette lead honest, insightful conversations with each guest that are not only a great listen but an invaluable way to gain insight into how to give both wisely and from the heart. In season three, you’ll hear from: Gladys Vega, executive director of La Colaborativa; Patty McIlreavy, president and CEO of the Center for Disaster Philanthropy; major donor and restaurateur April Tam Smith; Allison Sesso, president and CEO of RIP Medical Debt; author, activist, and organizer Heather McGhee; philanthropists Vinh and Leisle Chung; Arthur Blank and Fay Twersky, co-founder of The Home Depot and president and director of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, respectively; and Phil and Grace themselves, in a special, final episode on CEP’s new research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s giving on nonprofits.
CEP to Welcome 3 New Board Members in 2023
CEP will welcome three new members to its Board of Directors as of January 1, 2023: CEO of UpTogether Jesús Gerena, Executive Director of Unbound Philanthropy Taryn Higashi, and President of the Winston-Salem Foundation LaTida Smith. Higashi, Gerena, and Smith will each serve three-year terms on CEP’s Board.
Jesús Gerena
Taryn Higashi
LaTida Smith
“These three new board members bring tremendous experience and insight about philanthropy to our Board of Directors, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to gain from their wisdom in the years ahead,” said CEP President Phil Buchanan.
Learn more about CEP’s Board of Directors here.
NEW Look and Easier Browsing on the CEP Website
CEP recently updated both the homepage and its resources portal to make it easier for you to find the CEP research and insights that will help you maximize your effectiveness. Whether you are an individual giver or an institutional grantmaker, CEP has resources to help you give well. Browse our featured topics for inspiration, or filter by type or topic on the resources archive if you know what you are looking for. If you are an individual donor, find our most up-to-date resources for individuals here.
CEP in the Media
- CNN Business: “MacKenzie Scott announces another $2 billion in donations”
- The Associated Press: “MacKenzie Scott acknowledges another $2B in donations”
- Fortune: “MacKenzie Scott seems to be really good at philanthropy, the Center for Effective Philanthropy says in new study”
- Devex: “MacKenzie Scott’s giving ‘profoundly positive’ for nonprofits: report”
- Stanford Social Innovation Review: “What Large, Unrestricted Gifts Do for Leaders”
- The Chronicle of Philanthropy: “MacKenzie Scott’s Donations Boosted Beneficiaries and Avoided the Pitfalls Some Feared, New Study Says”
- MarketWatch: “It’s Giving Tuesday. Here are 7 tips to maximize your charitable donations — including taking a lesson from MacKenzie Scott”
Latest on the CEP Blog
The Changing Landscape Of Philanthropy – Bolder Moves For Greater Impact
Lysa Ratliff, CEO of KABOOM!, responds to CEP’s new research on the impact of MacKenzie Scott’s pathbreaking approach to philanthropy, provides insight into KABOOM!’s experience receiving a gift from Scott, and highlights three key lessons for leaders in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector.
The Effects Of Big Gifts: New CEP Research Report On MacKenzie Scott’s Giving
CEP’s Phil Buchanan and Ellie Buteau share the findings of CEP’s new research on the effects of MacKenzie Scott’s large, unrestricted gifts on the nonprofits that have received them.
Donors: Is How We Think About Impact Holding Us Back From Achieving It?
CEO of the Chandler Foundation Tim Hanstad takes on the question of how philanthropy measures impact, making the case for a longer-term, more systems change-friendly approach to defining impact.
Climate Philanthropy in a New Policy Landscape
Founder of Giving Green Daniel Stein provides practical insight for funders looking to get involved in climate philanthropy, taking into account the new policy landscape in the wake of legislation such as the Inflation Reduction Act.
For more insightful analysis about the state of philanthropy today as well as thoughtful reflection about best practices and lessons learned from funders and nonprofits around the world, subscribe to the CEP blog!
