Read about philanthropy’s response to new threats to the social sector; how community-led outcomes contracts are working for Indigenous communities in northern Canada; how randomized controlled trials can harm nonprofits; how the World Wildlife Fund innovated to address escalating environmental challenges; and other topics in the Fall 2025 issue of Stanford Social Innovation Review.
How should philanthropy respond to the US government's sharp cuts to social spending and threats against civil society? Some of the social sector's foremost leaders and thinkers share ideas and strategies for meeting the moment. Plus, read a timely follow-up essay from MacArthur Foundation President John Palfrey.
The diversity and vibrancy of our sector give me optimism that we will meet the current crisis and weather future challenges in the years to come.
Raven Indigenous Outcomes Funds has pioneered community-driven outcomes contracts to center Indigenous communities in Canada as leaders in addressing health and social problems. They present a bold new model for outcomes purchasing.
Randomized controlled trials are touted as the benchmark for evaluating social programs. The social sector should focus instead on an improvement orientation to evaluating performance. | Open access to this article made possible by the Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice at the University of Chicago
For 65 years, the WWF has led global conservation efforts in more than 100 countries. But as environmental challenges escalated in recent decades, the organization found its traditional methods falling short. WWF took the radical step of embedding a culture of innovation across its vast network. Could it transform while staying true to its mission?
Healing Soils Foundation is revitalizing soils and protecting the environment while championing Midwest farmers.
By streamlining tasks, Avalon Health AI seeks to boost the health-care sector's efficiency in Zimbabwe.
Smart Growth America's new Center for Zoning Solutions offers a headquarters for the zoning reform movement.
The Ark for Ukraine project is a groundbreaking mission to preserve Ukrainian culture using mobile technology.
Soilless Farm Lab's hydroponics approach tackles agricultural challenges to alleviate food insecurity in Nigeria.
Latinos in Heritage Conservation has grown from a grassroots volunteer-led network into the nation's foremost Latinx historic preservation nonprofit.
Tracka seeks to close the accountability gap between the Nigerian government and its citizens.
Many philanthropists have the capacity and desire to give more. A few simple strategies can help them overcome common roadblocks.
Having more female political leaders has a demonstrative effect on government support for contraception. | Open access to this article made possible by The University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Rather than depersonalizing ties to donors, AI tools can help nonprofits be more engaged and responsive to their expectations.
Digital tools have eased the challenges of recruitment, but fostering long-term engagement remains a problem.
A Brazilian law to promote more inclusive corporate philanthropy failed to direct more money to underserved communities.
A grassroots collective of Iraqi entrepreneurs softened their ambitions when faced with funding shortfalls and corporate offers.
China took a pragmatic approach to adopting social enterprises as a new organizational form.
Peter Apps' Homesick argues that beneath the housing crisis of rents and shortages is a deeper history of community-unbuilding.
Celina Su's Budget Justice is a call to reengage citizenry and build solidarity through participatory democracy.
As an ideas magazine, SSIR offers a sanctuary for deep thinking on the issues of our time, including President Donald Trump's attempts to disrupt the social sector in ways that will be felt for years.
A collection of standout pieces published online about handling systems collapse, measuring narrative change, and helping NGOs shift to working with government.
Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands greeted a chestnut mare as part of a visit marking the 60th anniversary of the foundation Riding for the Disabled.
