From TV’s ‘The Gilded Age’ to the Fight for Reparations: Lessons for Philanthropy in 2024

What binge watching a popular television show taught me about philanthropy’s ongoing efforts to move away from antiquated notions of charity.

Why Grant Makers Should Reject Shiny New Things

During the endless days of Zoom meetings that began with pandemic lockdowns, I invented a “philanthrobingo” game to keep me focused on listening.

As a nonprofit leader, here’s why I practice the ‘Joy at Missing Out’

I used to love being “on the scene.” I wanted to go to every New York City nonprofit professional meeting, conference, gala – both to see and be seen.

Opinion: Why nonprofit leaders should discuss past mistakes as 2023 gets underway

A new year brings opportunity for worthwhile discussions and there is tremendous relief that comes with chatting about our setbacks and being our true selves when seeking solutions.

No Thank You: Why One Foundation Leader Doesn’t Want Gratitude From Grantees

Early in my career, I had a job as an administrative assistant. I kept a manila file folder on my desk called “Excellent Lisa.”

Chronicle of Philanthropy, Economic Mobility, Foundation, Leadership, Leadership Learning, Liberatory Leadership, New York City Leadership, Nonprofit Leaders, Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropic Sector, Philanthropy, Racial Equity, Robert Sterling Clark, Social Justice, Trust-Based PhilanthropyLisa Pilar CowanOctober 25, 2022Chronicle of Philanthropy, community, challenges, democracy, Endowments, Funding, leadership, equity, funders, funding collaboratives, grantmaking, Grants, General Operating, grantee, impact, social justice, racial injustice, nonrofit, New York City, New York City Leadership and Professional Development Directory., organizations, policy, Racism, social change, social impact, systemic racism, social and systems-level change work Comment

Finding the joy in social change

“I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. That makes it hard to plan the day." – E.E. Cummings.

Commentary: The last week of August is a good time to take off and get deep about your nonprofit

Use those seven days to take a breather and consider the false choice between taking care of ourselves and meeting our missions. Holding both requires new ways of leading.

Lisa Pilar CowanAugust 30, 2022Comment

I’m not feeling a barbecue this Fourth of July

At the end of almost every week, I find myself reflecting on how hard this past week was.

Commentary: Reflections on parenting to widen one’s perspective on nonprofit board work

Twenty-one years ago, pregnant with my oldest child, I enrolled in a prenatal yoga class in the Brooklyn neighborhood where I live.

Foundation, Leadership, New York City Leadership, Nonprofit Leaders, Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropic Sector, Philanthropy, Robert Sterling Clark, Trust-Based PhilanthropyLisa Pilar CowanJune 22, 2022Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, Trust-Based Philanthropy, philanthropic sector, philanthropy, Foundation, social change, social justice, social impactComment

Opinion: The next generation of nonprofit workers are demanding more for themselves, and we should support them

They should be set up to do meaningful work that helps repair the world, while still living whole, happy, joyful lives.

Setting up your nonprofit the way you play with LEGOs

I’ve had a Harry Potter LEGO castle in the corner of my living room for about a decade.

Opinion: Nonprofit leaders, like everyone else, are scared and tired during these difficult times

I have had the word ‘grace’ rattling around my brain a lot these days.

A nonprofit thought leader’s resolutions for a new year: To follow and to fail

Although the New Year came in without much fanfare, amidst the pandemic and uncertainty, I did make a few resolutions that will guide how I do my work and live my life this year.

2022 Is the Year for Grant Makers to Stop Talking and Start Doing

I keep two Post-its on the wall behind my computer where I can see them while on Zoom calls.

Lisa Pilar CowanDecember 21, 2021Comment

A New Generation of Foundation Leaders Need to Act Like Community Organizers, Not Gatekeepers

I am feeling something like hope these days. After many dark months and unthinkable trials, New York City is seeming more like itself again, or maybe like a wiser version of itself.

For All of Us in Philanthropy, the Moment of Rebuilding Is Here

Last year I spent the first Passover of the pandemic quarantined in my bedroom racked with a fever and body aches.

Chronicle of Philanthropy, Covid-19, Face Plant, FFIS, Flexible Funding Impact, Foundation, Getting to Know You, New York City Leadership, Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, Robert Sterling Clark, Social Justice, Sterling Network NYC, Trust-Based PhilanthropyLisa Pilar CowanApril 20, 2021Chronicle of Philanthropy, community, COVID-19, Covid-19, racial injustice, grantmaking, Grants, grantee, Getting to know you, organizations, General Operating, governance, pandemic, Racism, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, travel, Trust-Based Philanthropy, trust, NYC, social impact, social justice, social change, Sterling Network NYC, Funding, Endowments, democracy, Foundation, Headwaters Foundation, equity, New York City, Networks, new year, human rights, philanthropy, New York City Leadership and Professional Development Directory., social and systems-level change workComment

What One Grant Maker Learned in This Pandemic Year: Keep Asking Questions

I did not intend to become a columnist for the Chronicle of Philanthropy, nor did I imagine becoming a cartoon character.

It’s Not Advice My Grantees Need. They Need My Access to Power and Money.

My godmother Nina is not a warm and fuzzy fairy godmother. She is more of a lawyerly godmother.

Taking Off Blinders: How the Insurrection at the Capitol Changes My Grant-Making Perspective

I had a clever column worked out to open 2021, one that would detail my New Year’s resolutions to be a better grant maker.

Foundation, New York City Leadership, Nonprofit Sector, Philanthropy, Robert Sterling Clark, Trust-Based PhilanthropyLisa Pilar CowanJanuary 19, 2021philanthropy, Trust-Based Philanthropy, Foundation, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, racial injustice, systemic racism, social and systems-level change work, equity Comment

When We Return to Our Foundation Offices, Let’s Make Them Spaces Where We Collaborate With Grantees

Today, number 160-something of working from home, I am thinking longingly of my office. Remember offices?

Lisa Pilar CowanDecember 15, 2020Comment

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A new year brings opportunity for worthwhile discussions and there is tremendous relief that comes with chatting about our setbacks and being our true selves when seeking solutions.

They should be set up to do meaningful work that helps repair the world, while still living whole, happy, joyful lives.

135 East 64th StreetNew York, NY 10065

135 East 64th Street
New York, NY 10065