We’re Not Going to Stumble into the Democracy We Never Had

Young protester holding Our futures on the line sign, advocating for climate action at a rally.

đź“· credit: Josh Barwick via Unsplash We are at a critical juncture for the future of our democracy. From the shifting dynamics of the US presidential race to intensifying fights over election integrity and against disinformation, one takeaway is clear: democracy is in the balance.  Given the stakes, donors are very engaged around the election. […]

Rise of Mega Donors – Part 1: Sector Fragility & Volatility

Playful bronze statue of cat and dog on a seesaw in a lush park setting.

đź“· credit: Pascal Bernardon via Unsplash I’ve often been quoted as saying “we’re living in the second golden age of philanthropy because we’re living in the second golden age of inequality.” In recent years, as a result of the increasing concentration of wealth, the nonprofit sector has become increasingly reliant on the generosity of a […]

Welcome Fellows!

Two smiling women, one in a lab coat and one in an orange sweater, against a geometric background.

We are excited to introduce you to our new fellows, Divya Seth has joined Ktisis as our Programs and Learning Fellow and Mona Saidi has joined the team as our Communications Fellow.  We recently launched our inaugural fellowship cohort. This program is designed to support both the project-based and content area needs of the firm […]

Supporting Maui: Rapid Response Funding Opportunities

Surfers preparing to hit the waves on a rocky beach surrounded by lush greenery and ocean cliffs.

đź“· credit: Anaclara Vardiero via Unsplash Amidst the picturesque landscapes and serene beauty of Maui, a profound tragedy continues to unfold, leaving our hearts heavy and our spirits shaken. The fires that swept across this paradise left a trail of destruction in their wake. As we mourn for the people of Maui, we hope you […]

Beyond Independence Day: A Meditation on Celebrating the 4th of July

Hand holding a bright sparkler in front of the American flag, symbolizing celebration and patriotism.

This year I took my kids to watch the 4th of July fireworks display at Seattle’s Gas Works Park. It was our first time doing so as a family. Normally, we escape the city to avoid the noise and chaos of the evening, as the explosions throughout our neighborhood make it difficult for children trying […]

Response to SCOTUS Affirmative Action Ruling

Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling headline over the courthouse facade, emphasizing legal decision.

The Ktisis Capital team is deeply disappointed by yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. This decision undermines the historical importance of affirmative action in creating opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly communities of color, and threatens to have far-reaching negative implications for these communities. Affirmative action has been a vital tool in addressing the systemic […]

A Deep Dive Into Donor Advised Funds

Wooden board game with black and brown pieces on a grid, close-up view showing strategic arrangement.

đź“· credit: Bernd Dittrich via Unsplash We are often asked by clients, peers, and colleagues about how to select a donor advised fund (DAF) or which providers are on our short list. An increasingly popular alternative to a family foundation as a vehicle to manage giving, donor advised funds have been around since the 1930s. […]

Justice for Patrick Lyoya – How to Give

Man in a white shirt and sunglasses standing on a wooden deck in a suburban backyard on a sunny day.

We are distraught and outraged by the murder of Patrick Lyoya at the hands of a Grand Rapids police officer. This tragedy is yet another moment in the ongoing pattern of injustice disproportionately affecting Black communities across the country. To have this happen here in our home city only deepens our determination to continue to […]