Philanthropy News — October 2026
October 2026 roundup of jobs and notable moments from across the philanthropic sector.
News & Headlines
From a billion-dollar bet on AI to two decades of honoring Minnesota changemakers, this month’s headlines show a sector in motion. Here’s what we’re reading and why it matters for your work.
Gates Foundation Closes Half-Billion Anti-Poverty Effort, Bets on AI
The Gates Foundation is making a major shift in its U.S. anti-poverty strategy, moving away from traditional economic mobility grants and toward artificial intelligence. The foundation has committed $1 billion over two years to AI applications, including education and reducing inequality. It also ended its Economic Mobility and Opportunity program and joined other philanthropists in committing $1 billion over seven years to NextLadder Ventures, which will develop AI-powered tools to help low-income Americans access public benefits, find employment, and navigate financial challenges.
The change marks a significant moment for nonprofits working in workforce development, economic opportunity, and anti-poverty advocacy, and it shows how quickly major funders can redirect resources, even from successful programs. Nonprofits pursuing Gates funding should emphasize measurable outcomes, technology-enabled service delivery, and scalable solutions.
Read the full story in the Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Kandiyohi County Volunteers and Nonprofits Honored at Awards Celebration
The Willmar Area Community Foundation honored three recipients at its October 8, 2026, Awards in Philanthropy Celebration: Norman H. Tallakson (posthumously) received the Marv Otto Legacy Award for his lifelong community service and charitable trust; Rambow Inc. received the Community Builder Award for its longstanding business philanthropy and community involvement; and Drs. Fred Hund and Kathy Nelson-Hund received the Award in Philanthropy for their volunteer leadership, medical service, and community generosity.
The foundation also featured three small nonprofits, CommUNITY Closet, Advocacy and Inclusion Matter (AIM), and Atwater Area Help for Seniors, through video presentations highlighting their work. Attendees voted for their favorite project, helping determine the distribution of $22,500 in grants among the three organizations.
Funders Urged to “Connect Capital to Community Leadership”
During Climate Week NYC, the McKnight Foundation, the Hive Fund, and the Communities First Fund held an event titled Advancing the Next Phase of Community Climate Investment.
The dominant message to a room full of investors was that communities have the vision, the capacity, and the plans to advance their own climate resilience agenda. It is the job of funders, investors, and intermediaries to “connect capital to community leadership.” Walnut Way Conservation Corp and Sabathani Community Center were highlighted as examples of community-rooted groups using strong neighborhood relationships and shared leadership to advance climate initiatives.
Facing Race Awards Mark 20 Years of Minnesota Leaders
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Facing Race Awards, which honor Minnesotans who challenge harmful racial narratives, advance equity, and build community. There are no new 2025/2026 nominations due to a program evaluation pause, so the milestone event honors two decades of past recipients. The program features author Heather McGhee (The Sum of Us) in conversation with Chanda Smith Baker.
Wednesday, October 28, 5:00–8:00 p.m., St. Paul Event Center.
Join Us November 12
Funder priorities are shifting, and your 2027 strategy deserves a current view of the landscape. What’s Next in Philanthropy: Creating Your 2027 National Fundraising Strategy is three hours of funder insights, expert perspectives, and practical planning for the year ahead.
Thursday, November 12
9:00 AM–12:00 PM CT
In-Person and Live on Zoom
JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY
Here are a few current openings across philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, along with a curated list of job boards to explore additional opportunities.
The National Ataxia Foundation is seeking a Vice President of Community Services. Learn more.
The Tozer Foundation is seeking its first Executive Director. Learn more.
The Rockefeller Foundation is hiring a Managing Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, in its New York office. Learn more.
Bloomberg Philanthropies is seeking a Program Manager, Data and AI. Learn more.
The Trevor Project is hiring a Chief People Officer. Learn more.
RAISE A GLASS
On October 15, 1971, pioneering LGBTQ advocates Jack Baker and Michael McConnell lost their claim to the constitutional right to same-sex marriage before the Minnesota Supreme Court. The next year, on October 10, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld that ruling. This was the first LGBTQ marriage equality case before the Minnesota Supreme Court, more than 40 years before the U.S. Supreme Court reversed course on the issue.
Jack and Michael are still in the struggle today, and they just celebrated their 55th anniversary.
Next time you’re with friends, raise a glass to these heroes, Jack and Michael, and wish them a happy anniversary.
Subscribe now to the Fluff Free Newsletter to receive monthly updates.
