People & News — August 2026
August 17, 2026 roundup of philanthropy insights and leadership moves, including notable moments from across the philanthropic sector.
PEOPLE IN PHILANTHROPY
The philanthropic sector is only as strong as the people who lead it. Here's a look at the latest appointments, promotions, transitions, and fond farewells shaping foundations and nonprofits across Minnesota and beyond.
Who's New in Philanthropy: Top 100 (An Access Philanthropy Report)
Our latest report tracks the leadership changes reshaping national philanthropy. Among the highlights:
Heather Gerken became president of the Ford Foundation in November 2025, and her democracy and constitutional-law background has already brought greater emphasis on elections, the rule of law, and democratic institutions.
Major leadership changes also took place at the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The Wallace Foundation, Henry Luce Foundation, Heron Foundation, and Jessie Smith Noyes Foundation.
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund announced that Ian H. Solomon will assume leadership in September 2026, and the Walton Family Foundation entered a leadership transition after executive director Stephanie Cornell stepped down at the end of 2025. See the Report →
Aretha Green-Rupert Joins the Fred C. & Katherine B. Andersen Foundation
After six years with the Carlson Family Foundation, Aretha Green-Rupert is stepping into a new role at the Fred and Katherine Andersen Foundation. A well-earned next chapter for one of Minnesota's most respected grantmakers. See story →
George Suttles Named President & CEO of the Scherman Foundation
The Scherman Foundation has named George Suttles as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. See story →
Dr. Michael Beverly, Jr. Joins the Minneapolis Foundation
Dr. Michael Beverly, Jr. has joined the Minneapolis Foundation as Controller. See story →
Women's Foundation Welcomes 20 New Community Grantmaking Members
This summer, the Women's Foundation of Minnesota welcomed 20 members to its Young Women's Committee and Community Power Committee, which make key decisions about WFM grantmaking. See story →
A $29 Million Gift for Rent Assistance
Biotech entrepreneur John Wilson, of the Wilson Foundation, has donated $29 million to community groups, churches, and the city of Minneapolis to help families affected by Operation Metro Surge pay rent. See story →
More People News from That Lars Email
Lars Leafblad's newsletter, TLE (That Lars Email), is always full of news about people moving across the sector. See the latest chapter →
A Fond Farewell: Carrie Jo Short
After more than 30 years of service at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Carrie Jo Short is stepping into a well-deserved retirement. See story →
In Memoriam: Thomas "Denny" Sanford (1935–2026)
Thomas "Denny" Sanford, the Sioux Falls philanthropist whose generosity helped transform a regional hospital system into one of the largest rural health networks in the country, passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 90. See story →
News & Perspectives
The 2026 Annual DAF Report
The Donor-Advised Fund Research Collaborative has released its annual report, covering contributions to DAFs, grants from DAFs, total DAF assets, payout rates, and average account size. Essential data for anyone tracking where donor-advised giving is headed. See the Report →
McKnight Foundation Invests $6 Million in Rural Minnesota
The McKnight Foundation announced a $6 million investment to support rural community initiatives through Minnesota's Initiative Foundations, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to Greater Minnesota. Read More →
Save the Date: 2026 Minnesota Meeting, October 7
The Minneapolis Foundation is hosting the 2026 Minnesota Meeting on October 7. Amid this year's surge in federal immigration enforcement, the event reflects on what it means for Minnesotans to stand together. Read More →
OPINIONS
What Nonprofits Get Wrong About Gen Z Donors
A look at the assumptions organizations make about the next generation of givers, and what they miss. Read More →
Why We Created a Wealth Acknowledgment Statement
The Northwest Area Foundation shares the thinking behind its new wealth acknowledgment statement, and why naming the source of philanthropic wealth matters. Read More →
Philanthropy: Gatekeeper or Guarantor?
The Guerrilla Foundation makes a provocative case that if philanthropy wants to help build a just future, it must stop acting as a gatekeeper and start taking real risks on people who have never been trusted before. A challenging read on the role of philanthropic power. Read More →
Meaningful Philanthropy in the 21st Century: The Role of Self
The Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy's Jen Shang and Adrian Sargeant explore how high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth philanthropists experience giving. Based on 48 in-depth interviews, the report finds that impact is not the only source of meaning for major donors, an important insight for anyone cultivating major gifts. Read More →
FUNDRAISING TOOLBOX
The Nonprofit AI Playbook for Smarter Fundraising
Charity Engine's new playbook offers a practical blueprint for growing revenue, streamlining your work, and creating donor journeys that stand out. Read More →
Seven Documents Funders Need From You
A practical rundown of the documents to have ready before you apply, so you're never scrambling when a funder asks. Read More →
Find and Apply for Grant Funding Without a Grant Writer
GrantWatch offers guidance for organizations pursuing funding when they don't have a dedicated grant writer on staff. Read More →
Minnesota Transfer of Wealth Worksheet
A practical tool for understanding the generational wealth transfer underway in Minnesota and what it means for your fundraising. Read More →
6 Reasons Grant Reviewers Pass Over Your Proposal
Too often, organizations tell reviewers how great their program is before they've proven the problem they're asking a funder to invest in. This piece unpacks that mistake and others. Read More →
Boost Fundraising with a Donor-Advised Funds Strategy
Practical reminders every fundraising professional should keep in mind when working with donor-advised funds. Read More →
