February 2021

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Friends in Philanthropy: February 2021 Issue


“When we say may God protect everyone from this virus,
we mean everyone.”

– Jordanian lawyer Laith Aamer on why he supports including Syrian refugees in his country’s current round of vaccinations

What compels a country to vaccinate recent refugees ahead of its own citizens? Maybe it’s the same thing that makes a Texas furniture store owner open the place up so locals have a warm bed to sleep in—duty, kindness, compassion, grace. Whatever it is, let’s hope philanthropy as a whole can ensure those qualities remain plentiful in a moment where so much else is scarce.


12 Ways To Share Generosity With Your Family (National Christian Foundation) – Here are some ways to help get your children or grandchildren involved in your giving, whether they’re young kids or grown adults.

When Texas Was In Crisis, a Furniture Store Owner Stepped Up—Again (Washington Post) – With people freezing and the power grid failing, “Mattress Mack” did what he does in emergencies: he fired up the generator, readied the beds and sofas, and opened his doors to hundreds in need.

Here Are the Top Takeaways From the Philanthropy 50 (The Conversation) – Three experts share their takes on the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s recent list of top 50 givers. Is Mackenzie Scott rewriting the rules of the game?

Refugees In Jordan Can’t Believe They’re Already Getting the Vaccine (Christian Science Monitor) – Jordan isn’t letting “vaccine nationalism” stop it from inoculating one of its most vulnerable populations.

How Will Philanthropy Keep Evolving in 2021? (National Philanthropic Trust) – Less restrictive grants, more diverse perspectives, better tech—here are the trends NPT’s CEO believes will carry over from philanthropy’s wild past year.


Photos from Unsplash

Kinship United often posts content and opinions that are of interest to the philanthropic community that supports Kinship United’s mission. Nothing published by Kinship United constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content published by Kinship United be solely relied upon for any investment, tax, legal or financial decisions. Kinship United strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualifying investment professional before making any financial decisions.

January 2021

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Friends in Philanthropy: January 2021 Issue


“You’re not the same man you were. Let’s do this together.”

–Michael Radler to his formerly wayward son Alex, who now helps Michael run the charity 4Africa

Even as we settle into 2021, the uncertainty remains—what should we expect the coming year to look like? In this month’s issue we look backward for clues and forward at predictions. But our first story also reminds us that no matter what the future holds, some things remain beyond doubt: that faith brings clarity, that family is forever, that selflessness is the only route to life’s richest rewards.


How a Father and Son Found Healing 8,000 Miles From Home (National Christian Foundation) – Alex Radler used to call his wealthy father to bail him out of jail. But their work in Africa helped them discover another kind of calling.

Who Won The 2020 Philanthropy Awards? (Inside Philanthropy) – A new class of billionaire mega-donors. Fresh ideas for addressing inequity. These awards spotlight the most important trends in an earth-shaking year for philanthropy.

5 Ways Refugees Helped Battle COVID-19 in 2020 (UNHCR) – Some made medical supplies. Others made music. All year long refugees around the world did their part to keep their communities healthy and hopeful.

Could We See A V-Shaped Recovery for Volunteering? (The Nonprofit Times) – Volunteer levels collapsed when the pandemic hit. But there’s reason to think we’re headed for an all-out volunteering renaissance this year.

Dear Elon Musk: Here’s How You Should Donate Your Money (Vox) – The newly minted “world’s richest man” recently asked Twitter for philanthropy advice. Here’s what he needs to know.


Photos from Unsplash

Kinship United often posts content and opinions that are of interest to the philanthropic community that supports Kinship United’s mission. Nothing published by Kinship United constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content published by Kinship United be solely relied upon for any investment, tax, legal or financial decisions. Kinship United strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualifying investment professional before making any financial decisions.

December 2020

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Friends in Philanthropy: December 2020 Issue


“I said to myself: ‘Well, game over. We gave it a good shot but we won’t have a program without our volunteers.’”

–Adam Porter, Meals on Wheels director for the nonprofit Sound Generations, on his reaction to stay-at-home orders in March. Though struggling, the program remains active.

Looking back on the year in philanthropy, it’s clear the pandemic made Americans open not just their wallets, but also their hearts. Acts of kindness came from unexpected places, like the little girl whose friendship bracelets paid for PPE $3 at a time. But even as donations soared, nonprofits struggled, with volunteering plummeting just as need took off. The outlook for 2021 is extremely uncertain, but one thing is for sure: too many people are counting on philanthropy for any of us to declare “game over” now.


Americans Are Giving More Than Ever to Charities. Is It Enough? (Christian Science Monitor) – Giving broke records in 2020, but volunteer help evaporated. Can nonprofits survive this strange moment of both abundance and scarcity?

6 Reasons to Donate Stocks (Charity Navigator) – Serious tax benefits. Fewer processing fees. If you’re used to cutting checks to charities, you might be surprised to learn about the advantages of giving securities.

How a 7-Year-Old Raised $22K for the Children’s Hospital That Cared for Her (Chicago Tribune) – When Hayley Orlinsky of Chicago heard doctors and nurses needed help buying PPE, she got to work. Thousands of friendship bracelets later, she’s still going strong.

What Life Is Like Inside the “Ethnic Theme Parks” Where These Refugees Resettled (New York Times) – The Kayan people—known for their distinctive neck rings—fled Myanmar for Thailand in the 1980s. Soon they were living tourist attractions.

2020’s Most-Read Bible Verse: ‘Do Not Fear’ (Christianity Today) – Searches on the YouVersion Bible app shot up 80% in 2020. Here’s the verse people were most drawn to in a turbulent time. Plus: trends from around the world.


Photos from Unsplash

Kinship United often posts content and opinions that are of interest to the philanthropic community that supports Kinship United’s mission. Nothing published by Kinship United constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content published by Kinship United be solely relied upon for any investment, tax, legal or financial decisions. Kinship United strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualifying investment professional before making any financial decisions.

November 2020

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Friends in Philanthropy: November 2020 Issue


“It became apparent that we had no choice but to rethink our fundraising, because our commitment to help others will never be in doubt.”

–Salvation Army national commander Kenneth G. Hodder on adapting to the pandemic this Christmas season

Like so much of 2020, the holiday season looks different this year. But one tradition that’s definitely not changing is the spirit of generosity this time of year inspires. With so many Americans staying home, it may be harder than normal to hold a toy drive or pass a collection plate. But nonprofits aren’t letting that stop them from delivering food, supplies, and yes, Christmas cheer, everywhere it needs to go.


4 Questions to Help You Set a Financial Finish Line (National Christian Foundation) – How will you know when you’ve built enough wealth for a lifetime? Philanthropy gets easier when you can answer that question.

Charities Adapt to Save Christmas from COVID-19 (Christianity Today) – The obstacles are many, and the fundraising crunch is real. But Christmas charities like Angel Tree are finding ways forward no matter what.

The Top 3 Trends in Charitable Giving and Why They Matter (ThinkAdvisor) – Giving used to be a by-product of tax planning. But for many, it’s now the point. Here’s how that’s changing financial advice.

Photo Essay: How Uganda’s ‘Street Uncles’ Help Young Addicts Reclaim Their Lives (The Guardian) – Drug use is rampant in Kampala’s slums. But some longtime addicts are teaching others to avoid their mistakes.

Operation Santa Is Going Digital (USA Today) – With need off the charts, USPS is making it easier than ever to adopt a child’s Christmas wish list.


Photos from Unsplash

Kinship United often posts content and opinions that are of interest to the philanthropic community that supports Kinship United’s mission. Nothing published by Kinship United constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content published by Kinship United be solely relied upon for any investment, tax, legal or financial decisions. Kinship United strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualifying investment professional before making any financial decisions.

October 2020

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Friends in Philanthropy: October 2020 Issue


“When somebody says it’s unrestricted, they’re saying, ‘I trust the way you are running the organization.’”

–Point Foundation Executive Director Jorge Valencia on what MacKenzie Scott’s unrestricted grants mean to nonprofits

With the need to adapt to the coronavirus crisis front and center, it’s clear philanthropy is in a transition period—but a transition to what, exactly? That’s the multi-billion dollar question for people like MacKenzie Scott, whose recent grantmaking efforts represent an unprecedented experiment in speed and freedom. Only time will tell what other philanthropists can learn from her experience, but there’s little doubt of one thing: the charitable times are a-changin’.


What Will MacKenzie Scott Do With Her Billions? (Marker) – A year after divorcing Jeff Bezos, Scott is making unconventional moves in the philanthropy world. Here’s what we know about the mysterious mega-billionaire’s thinking.

How Innovative ‘Keyhole’ Gardens Help Refugees Fight Malnutrition (UNHCR) – A clever gardening technique is supplementing Tanzanian refugees’ diets just as the pandemic causes food rations to plummet.

This ‘Donation Dollar’ Coin Is Designed To Be Given Away (Fast Company) – How is Australia dealing with the drop in nonprofit giving this year? By minting millions of $1 coins labeled for donation. Points for creativity!

5 CARES Act Benefits to Take Advantage of Before Year’s End (Kiplinger) – Don’t miss out on all the temporary ways the tax code rewards giving this year (among other changes you should know about too).

Why Philanthropists Are in a Hurry to Spend Themselves Out of Existence (MarketWatch) – “Spend-down” philanthropy—giving away all of a foundation’s assets by a set deadline—is on the rise. What’s driving the rush?


Photos from Unsplash

Kinship United often posts content and opinions that are of interest to the philanthropic community that supports Kinship United’s mission. Nothing published by Kinship United constitutes an investment recommendation, nor should any data or content published by Kinship United be solely relied upon for any investment, tax, legal or financial decisions. Kinship United strongly recommends that you perform your own independent research and/or speak with a qualifying investment professional before making any financial decisions.