March 2021

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Friends in Philanthropy: March 2021 Issue


“I’m never afraid to ask others to lend a hand, because there are so many people in need.”

– Teenage entrepreneur Ashis Dhakal on why he started his non-profit foundation Ashis Collects Clothes

They both had reasons to be bitter. Ashis Dhakal was born into poverty in a Nepalese refugee camp, where his bamboo hut was riddled with bedbugs. And Calvin Tyler struggled so much to cover his tuition at Morgan State University in the ‘60s that he had to drop out to drive for UPS. 

And yet both now have the pleasure of being leading lights in their communities—and of helping others who face the same obstacles they once did. Let this month’s issue be a reminder that philanthropists can come from anywhere, as long as they have the will to compel change.


58 Years After Dropping Out for Financial Reasons, He’s Giving $20M to Morgan State (People) – Calvin Tyler worked his way up from driver to Senior VP of Operations at UPS. Now he’s ready to give other students the chance he never had.

Should Foundations Have to Give More During the Pandemic? (Associated Press) – Given the urgency of the moment, some want to raise the 5% annual donation requirement for foundations. But others call the idea shortsighted and counterproductive.

How a Women-Only Village in Kenya Is Pushing For Equal Land Rights (Christian Science Monitor) – Umoja village was founded as a refuge from abuse against women. Now residents are after the deed to their grazing land, and their example is inspiring others.

The Latest on Charity Navigator’s Ratings System Overhaul (Charity Navigator) – The popular charity watchdog wants to know which non-profits act as a “Culture & Community Beacon.” Here’s what that means.

Video: Can This Teen Entrepreneur Conquer a Philanthropy Challenge from Mark Cuban? (Yahoo News) – 575 coats. 7 days. Can Ashis Dhakal mobilize his Salt Lake City community to help their neighbors in need?


Photos from Unsplash

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