Proximate – Magic Cabinet

Wherefore Participatory Grantmaking in the Age of Urgency?

In this moment of urgency, how can philanthropy protect democracy? Our partners at Proximate explore how funders can integrate participatory approaches alongside rapid response funding to nonprofits and communities.

Setting the Philanthropic Advising Field Free

In a recent article for Proximate, Magic Cabinet’s Director of Philanthropic Solutions, Molly Judge, explores how open-sourcing the philanthropic advising field has the potential to transform the sector.

Reciprocity Should Become the New Standard for Working With Intermediaries

Funders are increasingly tapping intermediaries to serve as a bridge to BIPOC-led, community-based, and ‘hard to reach’ organizations. In this piece, Proximate examines how funders can transition from a transactional approach to more reciprocal relationships with intermediaries.

What the Heck is Fiscal Sponsorship, Anyway?

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For decades, fiscal sponsorship has served as a powerful, evolving tool for moving money, building capacity, and supporting social change. In this piece, our partners at Proximate break down the sometimes misunderstood practice.

Half Her DAF: A Conversation with Jen Risher

A woman standing in the foreground wearing a printed blouse with an image of a cup on table that says Half My DAF.

#HalfMyDAF is paving the way for donors to double their giving and catalyze community impact. The campaign’s co-founder, Jen Risher, recently talked with Proximate about wealth, money stories, and what’s on the horizon for DAF reform.

Reporting is Broken. It’s Time To Do a Hard Thing and Fix It.

A woman appears in the foreground of a dark blue background that reads 'Column Equity Overhaul By Rachel Kimber' in pink.

In a column for Proximate, Rachel Kimber explores alternatives to traditional grant reporting structures.

Not Waiting Around: The Foundation Transforming DAFs from Within

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As federal reform on DAFs stalls, some foundations are experimenting with self-regulation, implementing strategies to ensure that DAFs are transparent, equitable, and accountable to communities.

How Canada’s Foundation for Black Communities is Using Participatory Grantmaking

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Exploring how the Foundation for Black Communities is using a participatory model to set an example of equitable grantmaking for others in Canada’s philanthropic sector.

Unlocking Abundance: A Conversation About DAF Reform in the Pacific Northwest

The text Unlocking Abundance A Conversation about DAF and Philanthropic Policy Reform appear in white in front of a semi-transparent background of a U.S. bill. The Magic Cabinet and Proximate logos appear at the bottom of the image.

In the past few years, donor-advised funds have become a huge part of the conversation about charitable giving. In June, Magic Cabinet co-hosted an event with Proximate to explore different perspectives on DAFs.

What’s Next for the Decolonizing Wealth Project?

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Amber Banks of Decolonizing Wealth Project shares insight on the organization’s reparative philanthropy model and recent expansion into the Global South.