The Commons in Conversation
What can nonprofits and philanthropy do to bring Americans together and strengthen fractured communities? The Commons in Conversation gets answers in interviews with advocates, leaders, and thinkers, including philanthropist Reid Hoffman, author Barbara Kingsolver, and democracy scholar and nonprofit leader Danielle Allen. Join Chronicle of Philanthropy editors and writers as we explore solutions to division in America across lines of politics, race, class, gender, and more.
This podcast is produced by the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an independent news outlet covering the $4 trillion world of nonprofits and grant making.
The Commons in Conversation
Move Over, Mega-Donors! Philanthropist Hali Lee on the Power of Collective Giving
Does philanthropy share in the blame for America's divisions?
Hali Lee, co-founder of the Donors of Color Network, believes that large foundations and billionaire donors have done plenty to pull the country apart, even as they pursue good. Lee joins Chronicle deputy opinion editor Nandita Raghuram to discuss her new book, The Big We.
They talk about what Lee describes as the atomizing effect of large foundations and billionaire donors (“Big Philanthropy”), the breakdown of connectedness in America, and the unifying power of giving circles and mutual aid.
Visit The Commons, a Chronicle special project exploring how Americans can come together, strengthen communities, and repair our torn social fabric. And sign up for our weekly newsletter.
Watch this interview on the Chronicle's YouTube channel.
Go Deeper
- Read an excerpt from The Big We.
- See a Time magazine profile of Lee as part of its coverage of the 100 most influential people in philanthropy.
- Read an essay by Lee on the cultures of generosity and philanthropy in communities of color.