The hottest Nonprofits Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Rescuers Who Go Where the U.S. Government Can’t

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 366 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26
🌐 International Nonprofits
  1. A private nonprofit made up of former special-operations and intelligence veterans runs daring international rescue and evacuation missions where governments can’t or won’t act.
  2. They’ve pulled off high-profile extractions using covert tactics and mixed transport like cars, boats, and private planes, and are getting many urgent requests from Americans stuck in dangerous places.
  3. Facing high-risk situations, the team is mobilizing to evacuate people from Middle East conflict zones and other hotspots, highlighting growing demand for private rescue options.

Public Choice Links, 2/23/2026

In My Tribe • 197 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. Firms exist because centralized coordination has its own costs, but market coordination also has transaction costs, so internal management can be more efficient when that tradeoff favors it.
  2. Lobbying reached record levels in 2025 as companies spent more to influence an unpredictable federal government, and foundations/nonprofits increasingly fund projects tied to donors' ideological priorities like social justice.
  3. A universal flat Social Security benefit set above the poverty line would more effectively and cheaply reduce senior poverty, raising benefits for low earners and reducing them for higher earners, and would shift the common 'you earned it' narrative.

A Dark Money Group That Backed Kamala Harris Faces Questions over a Giant Donation

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 533 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. A nonprofit created by Democratic operatives spent about $182 million and funneled money to the largest super PAC running ads for Kamala Harris.
  2. A $37.5 million gift from Fidelity’s donor-advised fund — which lets donors give anonymously and receive tax breaks — made up a large share of its 2024 funding.
  3. Tax experts and conservatives say the source and timing of that money raised concerns about voter-registration efforts and dark-money influence, especially since the group dissolved shortly after filing its tax return.

Apply For An ACX Grant (2025)

Astral Codex Ten • 6469 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
💼 Business Nonprofits
  1. ACX Grants is a program that gives small amounts of money to support charitable or scientific projects. This year, they aim to distribute around $1 million in grants.
  2. Applicants can expect grants to range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a few potentially hitting $100,000. The application process is quick, taking about 15 to 30 minutes.
  3. Grantees will not only receive financial support but also potential networking opportunities and help from the program's leaders to promote their projects.

Minnesota Vice: How Corruption Took Over My State

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1214 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. A massive Covid-era fraud centered on a Minneapolis nonprofit diverted well over $250 million meant for pandemic food relief.
  2. Investigators say millions of the stolen dollars were sent to Somalia and may have ultimately supported extremist groups, creating national security concerns.
  3. The scandal produced intense political backlash, criticism of state leadership, and aggressive immigration enforcement that has changed public perceptions of the state.
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Once Praised by Nobel Laureates, EcoHealth Alliance Is Now Broke and Run by Wealthy Real-Estate Investor Stephen Shapiro, a Senior Advisor to the Atlantic Council

The DisInformation Chronicle • 710 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. Peter Daszak, the former head of EcoHealth Alliance, is now unemployed and claims to be struggling financially after being debarred by the government. He is suing the organization while receiving funding from an anonymous donor.
  2. Stephen Shapiro, a wealthy real estate investor with no background in science, now leads EcoHealth Alliance. His leadership comes during a time when the nonprofit faces various investigations.
  3. Despite his claims of poverty, Daszak still seems to afford a comfortable lifestyle and recent travels, leading many to question his financial situation and the source of his donations.

Feds Spent $27 Million on Minnesota Somali Community Since FY2021

OpenTheBooks Substack • 177 implied HN points • 13 Dec 25
📰 News Nonprofits
  1. Federal grants totaling about $27 million since FY2021 have funded programs for Minnesota’s Somali community, covering culturally relevant services, education, health research, and food/gardening initiatives.
  2. The University of Minnesota got the largest share (around $14.3 million) for projects like after‑school arts, diversity training, and Autism Spectrum Disorder research that reports higher autism rates among Somali children.
  3. Separate federal investigations have uncovered large welfare and autism‑related Medicaid fraud involving some Somali community members, which raises program‑integrity concerns even though researchers say their surveillance data can’t determine the fraud’s effect on prevalence estimates.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits
  1. There are many excellent charities to donate to right now, especially those focused on AI safety and existential risks. It can be hard to find good places to give money, but they are out there.
  2. When deciding where to donate, it's important to trust your own judgment and knowledge about what matters. Choose organizations that align with your values and how you believe change can be made.
  3. Consider giving unconditional support to individuals doing valuable work, as this can help them focus on their projects without the stress of constantly needing to prove their worth for funding.

Nonprofits Reap Millions for Organ Transplants. Lawmakers Are Investigating Them.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 380 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. Some nonprofit organizations that handle organ transplants are being investigated for possible misuse of funds. They might have overcharged Medicare for their services.
  2. Lawmakers are concerned that these nonprofits are not acting in the best interests of the public. They want to make sure these organizations are using donations properly.
  3. The House Ways and Means Committee is looking into these potential issues to maintain trust in the organ donation system and to ensure everything is above board.

Erika's quick-start guide to research nonprofits

Erika’s Newsletter • 491 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Nonprofits
  1. You can start a nonprofit research organization without needing permission from a university.
  2. Research nonprofits can be designed to fit scientific goals rather than fitting into academia or industry.
  3. To start a nonprofit, write a 'two-pager', get connected with potential funders, fundraise, manage money, hire people, get lab space, and manage intellectual property.

California Pumped Tens of Millions into Immigration NGOs that Fight Deportation, Track ICE and more…

OpenTheBooks Substack • 270 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. California has invested a lot of money, around $73.6 million, into nonprofits that help immigrants and fight deportation. These organizations aim to provide legal support and advocacy for immigrant rights.
  2. Some of these groups not only offer legal help but also encourage activism and political engagement among immigrants. They focus on changing laws and policies that affect immigrant communities.
  3. The spending on these organizations has raised concerns about whether taxpayer money should support efforts that challenge federal immigration laws and enforcement.

Balsa Research 2024 Update

Don't Worry About the Vase • 537 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. Balsa Research is focused on repealing the Jones Act, a law that affects American shipping. They believe small investments can lead to big economic benefits.
  2. In 2024, Balsa funded academic studies to gather new data on the Jones Act's impacts. They're looking to use this evidence to push for policy changes in 2025.
  3. The organization plans to expand its research and develop specific policy proposals that address stakeholder concerns. They are also open to partnerships and more funding to help with their mission.

Thoughts on Megachurches and Taxes

I Might Be Wrong • 11 implied HN points • 30 Dec 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. If the government gets to decide which groups count as "real" religion, it gains dangerous power to reward or punish beliefs, so religious neutrality is essential.
  2. Tax-exempt status for churches and nonprofits is messy because "doing good" is a vague category that can be gamed, and strict enforcement would force the government to make value judgments it shouldn’t have to make.
  3. A more consistent tax approach would be to tax individuals rather than organizations, but shifting taxes onto people would be politically unpopular because it removes the hidden costs voters currently accept.

AI for Social Good: Your Big Fat Guide

Crypto Good • 3 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Nonprofits
  1. AI is a powerful tool that can help people make a bigger impact in social good work. It allows those without special skills to create videos, artwork, and more easily.
  2. There are many AI tools available that can enhance fundraising, storytelling, and outreach efforts. These tools can produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.
  3. AI is transforming entire sectors like healthcare and education, which can lead to significant improvements in community services and overall quality of life.

💪🏽 MAKE a Difference

UnfairNation by Ehsan Zaffar • 3 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. The DifferenceCorps program is for people who want to create solutions for communities. You can bring your idea and passion, and they'll support you.
  2. It's not a job or a fellowship; it's more about building things that matter with some guidance and funding. Perfect for anyone looking to create change.
  3. The first group starts on August 11, and if you're interested, you can join a list to be notified when applications open.

Grant Orb: Your Expert AI Grant Writer

Crypto Good • 9 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Nonprofits
  1. Grant Orb is an AI grant writer that can create winning grant proposals in minutes with just a brief project outline, saving up to 95% of your time.
  2. AI is transforming the nonprofit sector by making grant writing more efficient and accessible to organizations of all sizes.
  3. Generative AI technology like Grant Orb can quickly and intelligently create compelling grant proposals, allowing organizations to focus more on their mission and fundraising goals.

Your guide to tax-deductible donations to climate-solutions organizations 🌏 ☀️ 💵

Hothouse // Solutions • 1 implied HN point • 27 Dec 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Nonprofits
  1. Donating to climate solutions organizations can have a big impact, especially at the end of the year when tax deductions are applicable. Groups like Giving Green help you find effective places to contribute.
  2. The upcoming political landscape may influence donations to climate organizations. People may feel motivated to support causes they care about even amid challenges.
  3. There are many organizations worth supporting, each focused on different areas like clean air, heavy industry, or sustainable food systems. You can choose one that aligns with your values.

Good Actor: Forest Whitaker talks about his plan to deconflict the world

The Octavian Report • 0 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🌐 International Nonprofits
  1. He turned his public platform into action by founding and leading a nonprofit that focuses on resolving conflicts and promoting peace around the world.
  2. He believes young global citizens are the most important force for ending and preventing armed conflict and that investing in youth is essential.
  3. His approach to "deconflicting the world" emphasizes peace and development work that addresses root causes and builds local capacity for lasting stability.

Executive Belocracy: Current Options

the best of a great lot • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Nonprofits
  1. There are three main types of organizations: government agencies, for-profits, and nonprofits. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses in managing societal needs.
  2. Government agencies often lack competition, which can lead to inefficiency. In contrast, for-profits thrive on competition but may prioritize profit over their mission.
  3. Nonprofits can struggle with effectiveness because they often focus more on attracting donations than on delivering results. Creating successful nonprofits is also challenging due to funding constraints.

✅ Monday briefing: Foodbank fundraiser, council media, COVID-19 impact on PR jobs, ageism in creativity, Google Data Studio update, YouTube, search insights, and more...

Wadds Inc. newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 06 Dec 21
💼 Business Nonprofits
  1. There is a fundraiser for The BAY Foodbank due to increased demand from rising costs and welfare cuts. It's important to support local foodbanks, especially during tough times.
  2. The shift to virtual working during COVID-19 is affecting public relations jobs, especially concentrated in London. Understanding this impact can help shape future practices in the industry.
  3. Ageism in the creative field is a real issue, as shown by the struggles of experienced professionals finding jobs. Creating platforms for underrepresented groups can support career growth in these industries.

Grant Funding in the Age of AI

Crypto Good • 0 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Nonprofits
  1. With AI, anyone can write grants easily, not just experts. This means more people can get involved in securing funding for important projects.
  2. Grant writing is now much faster than before, so organizations can apply to many more grants in less time. This helps them get funding more effectively.
  3. Changemakers can focus on their work and passions, rather than getting stuck with complicated writing tasks. AI helps turn their ideas into strong proposals without the writing stress.