The hottest Philanthropy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Darius Rucker

Steady • 22799 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🎶 Music Celebrity Philanthropy Race Success
  1. Darius Rucker is a successful country music artist with a big heart for philanthropy.
  2. He has supported causes like childhood cancer treatment and Musicians on Call.
  3. Rucker's journey in country music breaks stereotypes and highlights progress in the genre.

Open Thread 368

Astral Codex Ten • 2959 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Philanthropy Meetups
  1. A biotech company called MiniCircle had mixed research results on a new technology. While there are some positive findings, the effects are much weaker than needed, and more careful testing is required.
  2. Open Philanthropy plans to give out $40 million for AI safety research. They're looking for new ideas in areas like control and generalization, and people can apply for funding.
  3. Students at the University of Chicago have started a rationalist reading and meetup group. They invite anyone interested to join and connect with others who share similar interests.

The Big Nonprofits Post

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1388 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
💼 Business Nonprofits Charity Philanthropy Funding AI risks
  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.

Thoughts on the Survival and Flourishing Fund 2024 Round

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1075 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Social Impact
  1. There are many good charities to support right now, and the quality of applications has improved a lot since the last round. This makes it a great time for charitable giving.
  2. The process for evaluating charities has changed, including a new requirement for them to first receive speculation grants to be considered for funding. This has helped raise the overall quality of the applications.
  3. Time is tight when deciding which charities to fund, making it crucial to quickly assess the most promising options. It's important to focus on those organizations that show strong potential and trustworthy signals.
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There’s Nothing More Corrupting Than Flying Private

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 681 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Corruption Elite Political Influence Travel Philanthropy
  1. Flying on a private plane can disconnect people from everyday experiences and reality. It's like stepping away from the human connection that comes with regular travel.
  2. Owning or using a private plane can change a person's behavior and priorities, leading to a loss of moral grounding.
  3. The associations and connections made through private travel, especially with controversial figures, can highlight deeper issues of influence and corruption in society.

We rise together

Of Boys and Men • 250 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Gender Equality Philanthropy Mental health Education Social Issues
  1. We need to help both boys and girls to achieve true gender equality. Supporting boys and men doesn't mean we stop supporting women and girls; it's about helping everyone together.
  2. Boys and men face serious challenges that often get overlooked, like educational struggles and mental health issues. Addressing these problems is important for them and for society as a whole.
  3. Philanthropists and advocates should consider investing in boys and men's unique issues, especially in mental health, education, and fatherhood. This will help create a better balance and improve the lives of all genders.

The year behind and ahead

The Path Not Taken • 88 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Education Literature Philanthropy Social justice Personal Development
  1. In 2024, there were 25 posts made, averaging over two per month, which the writer felt good about considering their other commitments.
  2. The writer has been fundraising for the Malala Fund to support girls' education, highlighting the importance of charitable causes.
  3. A big project is in the works, focusing on the rise of social justice ideology, which may lead to less frequent posts as it requires a lot of time and effort.

A New Chapter At FreakTakes

FreakTakes • 43 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Research Innovation Philanthropy Fundraising Organizational Technology
  1. FreakTakes is evolving as a research platform to help people build and grow organizations focused on research and development. The main goal is to connect ambitious researchers with the resources they need.
  2. The blog will expand to include interviews and proposals aimed at fostering new R&D organizations. This expansion is meant to create more opportunities for innovative projects and collaborations.
  3. The author expresses gratitude for the supportive community around FreakTakes and looks forward to translating historical research insights into real-world action at Renaissance Philanthropy, while maintaining the core essence of the blog.

The Price of Passion (Life is like a jar of marbles)

Neckar’s Notes • 111 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
💰 Finance Investment Wealth Capitalism Philanthropy Markets
  1. Being passionate about your work can be great, but it can also lead to burnout. It's important to find a balance so that you don't end up hating what you once loved.
  2. Some wealthy individuals work hard without needing the money, and they often question why they keep doing it. Reflecting on the usefulness and purpose of their efforts can lead to deeper self-understanding.
  3. Philanthropy can be a way to find meaning and happiness for those with excess wealth. However, just giving money away doesn’t always bring fulfillment if one is stuck in a life of work they don't enjoy.

ACX Grants Followup Impact Market

Astral Codex Ten • 1858 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Grants Investment Charity Philanthropy Finance
  1. ACX Grants involves an impact market where investors crowdfund grant proposals with potential for big profits if successful.
  2. Only 44 out of approximately 140 qualified participants have signed up for the impact market so far, with a different approach allowing non-accredited investors to participate.
  3. Investing in impact certificates through this system has risks like potential project failure, but also benefits such as tax deductibility.

Weird people doing good things

Samstack • 1768 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Philanthropy Community Ethics Social movements
  1. Effective Altruists do some weird things, like considering options like eliminating predators or flipping a coin with huge consequences.
  2. Effective Altruism is about using evidence to do the most good possible, even if some of the ideas seem strange or unconventional.
  3. Being weird is an integral part of doing good - the unconventional practices of Effective Altruists contribute to their impact.

The Dream Machine

Rough Diamonds • 70 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Philanthropy Innovation Science Technology Administration
  1. Philanthropy can create new, innovative projects that don't exist yet. Instead of just giving to existing organizations, donors can help start new initiatives, which is much more exciting and impactful.
  2. Science and tech projects often lack funding, even if the research is important. Many great scientists depend on small donations, and they need more support to bring their ideas to life.
  3. Creating ambitious projects takes a lot of work and organization. It's important to have dedicated people to manage and facilitate plans so that innovative ideas can become reality.

Something interesting is happening in Tulsa

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 2611 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Community Society Social justice Urban Development Philanthropy
  1. Tulsa, Oklahoma is experiencing positive transformations due to the efforts of wealthy individuals and community foundations.
  2. The Tulsa Tomorrow program aims to attract young Jewish individuals to Tulsa by offering job opportunities, social events, and resources to fulfill their dreams.
  3. Wealthy individuals in Tulsa have made significant investments to improve the city, showing visible impact in contrast to certain bureaucratic challenges faced by other cities.

Links to Consider, 11/24/2024

In My Tribe • 273 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philanthropy Sustainability Science Social Class Bureaucracy
  1. Banks face significant costs when forced to divert funds away from profitable fossil fuel loans to support unprofitable green energy ventures. This often results in financial burdens on depositors and can lead to bank failures.
  2. Scientific research is becoming risk-averse due to heavy reliance on citation metrics, which encourages safe, incremental work and often ignores innovative, high-risk projects. This can slow down advancements in science.
  3. Higher education significantly influences social class in America, creating a unified culture among graduates. In contrast, those without a college education often lack a sense of community and solidarity.

Erika's quick-start guide to research nonprofits

Erika’s Newsletter • 491 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
💼 Business Nonprofits Fundraising Philanthropy Operations Employment
  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.

Small, Fast Grants at the National Science Foundation

The Good Science Project • 33 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🔬 Science Research Funding Federal Agencies Philanthropy
  1. The National Science Foundation (NSF) offers small, fast grants that can jumpstart new research ideas, but they aren't used as much as they could be. It's important to increase funding for these types of grants to support innovation.
  2. Philanthropists and foundations should avoid copying the processes of big federal agencies like the NSF and instead focus on their strengths, which can lead to better outcomes in research funding.
  3. Scientists are encouraged to take on roles as science funders, creating opportunities for small grants that can lead to impactful research. This approach can greatly benefit the scientific community.

Neighbor Tuesday(ish): UNGA

The Friendly Neighbors • 432 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Philanthropy Funding
  1. Attended discussions on missing populations in Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing healthcare for marginalized groups.
  2. Contrasted experiences at UNGA - one event featuring activists and another with philanthropists, highlighting the need for diverse perspectives.
  3. Advocated for the importance of uniting diverse voices in global health initiatives for comprehensive impact.

Deconstructing the Hegemony; Reconstructing the Pluriverse — II

Pluriversal Planet • 216 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🚌 Education Colonialism Hegemony Philanthropy Propaganda Global South
  1. Participatory democracy is a myth in a world dominated by Eurocentric and profit-centered ideologies.
  2. Hegemony and regeneration are conflicting philosophies, with efforts towards a pluriversal world being hindered by hidden hegemonic tactics.
  3. Tools of hegemony include philanthropy, propaganda, and education, which perpetuate control, maintain the status quo, and limit diverse perspectives.

Preorder Poor Charlie’s Almanack: The Essential Wit & Wisdom of Charles T. Munger

Stripe Press • 275 implied HN points • 03 Oct 23
🚌 Education Investment Philanthropy Ethics History Decision-making
  1. The book shares timeless lessons on investment strategy, philanthropy, and living a rational and ethical life
  2. It emphasizes the importance of learning from history to prepare for the present and future
  3. The book's goal is to help readers become broad learners with a greater understanding of the world

What if you just bought everyone air purifiers?

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 296 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🔬 Science Environmental health Philanthropy Public Health Cost Analysis
  1. Buying air purifiers for everyone could extend life expectancy, but at a high cost compared to other health interventions.
  2. The cost of buying air purifiers for random Americans to extend life expectancy is $32,899 per DALY, which is not as efficient as other healthcare interventions.
  3. Air purifiers may be a good health investment for individuals, but philanthropically, they are not as cost-effective as other interventions like malaria drugs.

NYT vs. The Musk Foundation: A Masterclass in Slant

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Philanthropy Nonprofit Media Criticism Ethics Politics
  1. The NYT article raises concerns about Elon Musk's foundation finances, but overlooks crucial details like the grace period where the foundation caught up on giving deficits in following years.
  2. Private foundations like Musk's have latitude in choosing charities based on legal approvals, not restrictions like public charities. Contextual understanding of foundation structures is essential.
  3. The article highlights Musk's charitable acts but frames them in a negative light, despite him helping schools, disasters, and children in need. The public benefit of these actions is significant.

Patagonia, Paul Newman and another kind of purpose

Thoughts on Writing • 519 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
💼 Business Purpose Philanthropy Activism Brand Marketing
  1. Yvon Chouinard challenges the concept of business and brand purpose, emphasizing the importance of human purpose over corporate ideals.
  2. Paul Newman's approach to philanthropy through Newman's Own showcases a unique blend of humor, humility, and a genuine focus on product quality over profit.
  3. Maintaining a separation between business and charitable activities, like Newman's Own, can lead to successful ventures that have a positive impact, while keeping a light-hearted approach.

On Good Men

Innovation Nation • 98 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Values Inspiration Role Models Philanthropy
  1. Good men often go unnoticed because their deeds are just what is expected and nothing more.
  2. Good men treat others with respect, love, and constructive criticism, making them great romantic partners, friends, and mentors.
  3. The misalignment of the brain's reward center due to hookup culture can make good men seem 'boring' in relationships.

Big Philanthropy's Free Pass

Movements Start Small • 78 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Philanthropy Accountability
  1. Intentions matter more in personal relationships, but outcomes matter more in wider contexts like work or philanthropy.
  2. In philanthropy, performance tends to be judged based on intentions rather than outcomes, potentially giving a free pass on accountability.
  3. Criticism and scrutiny are necessary in philanthropy to ensure large-scale charitable efforts are effective and have a positive impact.

Glimmers Now the Afterglow

Orbis Tertius • 115 implied HN points • 24 Nov 23
🔬 Science Thermodynamics Climate change Entropy Philanthropy
  1. Entropy is a measure of energy spreading out, not disorder as commonly thought.
  2. Negentropy describes useful energy that becomes dispersed and useless, and its decrease is important for interesting phenomena.
  3. Climate change should be approached as a thermodynamic reckoning, balancing the negentropy from the sun to create a sustainable society.

How Fossils Fueled Philanthropy

Under the Hood: The Power of Principled Leadership • 58 implied HN points • 20 Jun 23
💾 History Philanthropy Oil industry Business Ethics Legacy
  1. John D. Rockefeller's philanthropy had a significant positive impact, despite his negative portrayal by the media.
  2. Rockefeller's principles included using money for good, running a tight ship, and prioritizing education and continuous learning.
  3. Revisionism is important to understand historical figures accurately, as seen with Rockefeller's misunderstood legacy.

The deep state of the patriarchy

Discomfort zone • 39 implied HN points • 05 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Gender Society History Philanthropy Civil Rights
  1. Guardianship of women is a significant issue worldwide, where women are not considered adults in the legal sense and require male permission for basic decisions.
  2. Guardianship practices are not limited to specific countries or religions, as it is observed globally.
  3. The remnants of guardianship still exist in Western societies, affecting women's autonomy and equality despite historical movements for change.