Why Humans Need Big Missions: Purpose, Hope, & Collective Mental Health Throughout my writing for Invested, I explore themes related to mental health, philanthropy, and the social condition. Much of that work focuses on complex challenges such as rising anxiety, system strain, loneliness, and the need for more effective models of support. Against that backdrop, the…
Category: Philanthropy
HIGH-IMPACT PHILANTHROPY AND OTHER TRENDS FOR GIVING IN 2026
High‑Impact Philanthropy and Other Trends for Giving in 2026 From Intentions to Impact in a Changing Global Context With governments in many countries pulling back (or in some cases withdrawing entirely) from key funding streams over the past year, it feels timely to begin Invested in 2026 by taking a closer look at emerging philanthropic trends and…
A New Age of Philanthropy And Foreign Development
In the final week of September, global delegates gathered in New York City for the UN General Assembly and the 20th Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), two of the world’s most influential convenings on peace, sustainability, and human development. This year, the mood was markedly darker. With the United States slashing funding to the United States…
Investing in Our Community: A Look at 2024
At Viewpoint Foundation, we are proud to partner and support exceptional organizations driving meaningful change in our community. In 2024, these organizations provided programs and initiatives that strove to create a more resilient, equitable, and thriving society. In this month’s article, we are going to look back at these organizations and highlight some of the…
Community Bonds: Bridging Social Impact & Financial Investment
In last month’s issue of Invested, I explored the ethics of philanthropy and the potential issue of an imbalance of power between philanthropic funders and the organizations they support, highlighting the need for approaches that empower community and charitable organizations. One such approach is the use of community bonds—an innovative social finance tool that enables…
The Ethics of Philanthropy: Balancing Power & Responsibility
Philanthropy plays a vital role in addressing pressing social issues, funding essential services, and supporting innovation where the public sector falls short. At Viewpoint Foundation, we believe it has the potential to spark transformative change. However, philanthropy also raises ethical questions, particularly regarding the power dynamics between donors and recipients. The question we are attempting…
Maximizing Impact: Ensuring Your Multi-Year Donations Keep Their Value
I recently spoke with an associate from a charitable organization supported by Viewpoint Foundation, who introduced me to the concept of multi-year donations that account for inflation. The current rising costs of living, rent, and utilities impact non-profit organizations just as much as the individuals they strive to assist. Shelter costs in Canada for example…
Trust-Based Philanthropy: Redefining the Dynamics of Giving
Last month, we delved into “strategic philanthropy,” where funds are allocated based on predefined goals and monitored outcomes. However, the philanthropic sector has recently undergone a transformative shift with the emergence of trust-based philanthropy. This innovative approach redefines the traditional donor-recipient relationship, placing a strong emphasis on mutual respect, transparency, and long-term collaboration. In a…
Philanthropy’s Corporate Makeover: Strategy in Charity
Effective giving is its own unique discipline because it typically involves addressing the very challenges that have defied market or government solutions. (Buchanan, Giving Done Right, 2019)In previous issues of Invested, we have explored the intersection of business and philanthropy. From social enterprises and impact investing to ethical consumerism, we’ve seen philanthropic efforts increasingly adopting…
Beyond Business as Usual: The Transformative Potential of Social Entrepreneurship
In a world where profit often reigns supreme, a growing movement is emerging — one that blends business acumen with a passionate commitment to societal change. The movement is social entrepreneurship, and similarly to impact and ESG investing, the traditional models of profit-driven enterprises are no longer the sole focus of entrepreneurs and investors. Social…