The $40 million Equality Can't Wait Challenge backed by Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures, MacKenzie Scott and the Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies has selected four gender equality projects to support, each of which will receive $10 million. "The next step is to make sure those game-changing ideas get the support they need to become fully realized and improve people's lives," said French Gates.

An increase in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits and other food assistance programs proved critical for fighting hunger during the pandemic, but many advocates are concerned those initiatives may be coming to an end when they should pave the way for long-term change in how the nation approaches food insecurity. "It's time for us to be bold and build on what we've learned during the pandemic, especially as we bridge out of crisis and into recovery and rebuilding," said Lisa Davis of the No Kid Hungry Campaign of Share Our Strength.

Research indicates international giving is on the rise among foundations, but steps must be taken to ensure support mechanisms empower communities and don't disproportionately favor organizations in the Global North, write Dana Schmidt, Dorcas Ansah, Enrique Mendizabal, Rajarshi Singh and Sara Ruto. The authors discuss considerations for global giving and give specific examples of organizations that maximized their effectiveness.

DigitalC will use $20 million from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation and the David and Inez Myers Foundation to bring internet connectivity to more homes in the Cleveland area. "It seemed like the perfect opportunity to make a big difference in the advancement for all of the citizens of Cleveland," Mandel Foundation Chairman Steve Hoffman said.

The pandemic has increased trust in organizations that brought employees into planning and decision-making, writes Randy Conley in analyzing survey data. "Openly, honestly, and transparently sharing information about workplace metrics on productivity, collaboration, and innovation are paramount to creating trust in the organization's decisions," Conley writes.

Residents in low-income neighborhoods around Roxbury, Mass., will soon have access to electric vehicles thanks to a car-sharing nonprofit. Good2Go is working with Mobility Development on the pilot project, which they hope can be replicated in other cities.

Cindy and Bob Fertsch started Heart of Surfing in 2014 after realizing how beneficial the activity was for Jamie, their son who had autism. The New Jersey-based nonprofit welcomes about 100 children and adults with developmental disabilities every summer and has found the activity helps participants build confidence and take pride in their abilities.

Chief executives and board chairs should serve as each other's chief champions -- and critics. But giving and taking criticism is hard for many of us. Here are some tips to help you build this critical skill into your partnership from day one. Read more.