Americans

This year our country celebrates its 247th birthday – commemorating the 13 American colonies’ declaration of independence from Great Britain. The newly formed American republic was based on the idea that all people are created equal with fundamental, inalienable rights that cannot be taken or given away. As we continue to cherish our democracy and the American way of life, it’s worth remembering that its strength depends on our shared understanding of this country’s history and founding principles.  

The generosity of donors and the ingenuity of nonprofits have the capacity to solve our nation’s mental health crisis. Meet some of the philanthropists and problem-solvers confronting this challenge and learn more about how our community’s values are improving lives.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Philanthropy Roundtable is highlighting the innovative work of civil society in approaching one of the biggest challenges our country faces: mental illness. With one in five Americans experiencing mental illness each year, there is a significant opportunity for philanthropic leadership in helping to address the needs of these vulnerable individuals and provide support for their families.

To celebrate Black History Month, Philanthropy Roundtable is honoring the numerous contributions Black entrepreneurs and philanthropists have made throughout our nation’s history.

The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University released a report in January exploring many of the changes in philanthropy we have seen over the past few years.

Presidents’ Day was originally a commemoration of George Washington’s birthday. He considered civic virtue to be essential, saying in his famous Farewell Address, “Virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government,” and to Marquis Lafayette that the government "can never be in danger of degenerating into a monarchy, an oligarchy, an aristocracy, or any other despotic or oppressive form; so long as there shall remain any virtue in the body of the people.”  

Ideologically charged threats to freedom of thought and academic inquiry are growing on college and university campuses. In response, nonprofits and private philanthropy are joining together to remedy this grave crisis.

In an article originally published as part of The Giving Review’s symposium, Joanne Florino explains how conservatives can help improve lives, grow and strengthen civil society and demonstrate the power of private giving.