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A New Way of Doing Business

January 11, 2012

Last week, California became the seventh state to adopt a law allowing companies to legally structure their social and environmental efforts as part of their missions, and so put these efforts on par with profit making goals for the company and its shareholders. The idea for “benefit corporations,” as they’re called, isn’t new – this […]

Funding for Affordable Homes Vanishes with Redevelopment Agencies

January 4, 2012

Last week, the California Supreme Court ruled to abolish redevelopment agencies and with them the largest single state source of funding for affordable housing in California. The loss of about $1 billion annually for affordable housing will drastically increase the number of people living on the streets and in overcrowded or substandard conditions in California.

What pushes us to give?

December 30, 2011

American Public Media’s Marketplace does a series on philanthropy every year around the holidays.  This year, Kai Ryssdal interviews Dean Karlan, professor of Economics at Yale, to talk about giving – why people do it and the state of giving in general.  Do people give for tax benefits or sincere altruism? How much (or little) […]

Looking Back on 2011

December 28, 2011

We are about to usher in 2012, so let’s try to take stock of the last 12 months. Let’s recall both our blessings and our misfortunes to remind us of what we learned and what we still need to do. 2011 was a roller coaster. I will dispense with all of the hackneyed weather analogies […]

Observations for Inspiration

December 23, 2011

For all you readers looking to spread joy and generosity during the holidays, look no further. A “hip” guide created by our friends at Family Circle Advisors will help you get in the right spirit – and state of mind – of giving individually or with your family. The Hip Family’s Guide to Happier Holidays […]

The Big Question: What Difference Can I Make?

December 21, 2011

Q: I want to give, but I also want to make a difference.  Since I’m not a billionaire, how can my giving be meaningful and impactful? KCRW’s Lisa Napoli asked me this very question during an in-studio interview earlier in the week. This answer may be toughest in a place like L.A., where choice is […]

When the Troops Come Home

December 19, 2011

As the end of the year approaches and coincides with the return of 40,000 soldiers and Marines to American communities, donors and fellow Angelenos alike are encouraged to think about how our community will respond to the needs of those troops and veterans returning to Los Angeles. One way each of us can make a […]

The Future of Philanthropy in L.A.

December 12, 2011

A report released last week reveals: •    By the end of 2020, personal wealth or assets in L.A. County will grow to $1.4 trillion •    L.A.’s wealth will grow faster and larger than almost every metro in the nation •    Immigrant entrepreneurs will be the major driver of future wealth •    $114 billion will be […]

Giving and Getting in LA

December 9, 2011

Tis the season to give and in that spirit we are launching a new blog which will focus on the philanthropy of L.A. “John, you might be asking, does the world really need another blog?” Yes, I think so. The fact of the matter is we need to improve our collective ability to bring money into the greater L.A. region to offset the recession of the economy, government funding and fundraising and the rising needs of the most vulnerable populations. As L.A.’s public foundation, we at CCF feel a duty to help funders, donors and nonprofits give and get for the needs of this amazing place we call home…

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