Stacy Palmer on Nonprofits and the Role Optimism Plays in Moving Them Forward
Release Date: 11/05/2025
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info_outlineStacy Palmer leads The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the leading journal in the world of nonprofits. In this Blue Sky conversation, she talks about the evolution of nonprofits into sophisticated organizations that do remarkable work around the world. She describes the role of donors large and small, and how they’re helping address challenges created by cuts in government funding. Stacy also shares her belief that nothing gets done in this space without a healthy dose of optimism.
Chapters:
02:04 Origins of the Chronicle of Philanthropy
Stacy Palmer discusses the founding of The Chronicle of Philanthropy, explaining how the professionalization and growth of the nonprofit sector created a need for a dedicated publication.
05:09 Motivation and Evolution of Philanthropy
Stacy shares what inspires her in philanthropy, emphasizing the drive to make a difference and adapt to new global challenges like climate change.
07:14 Mega-Philanthropists and Giving Trends
Stacy discusses the significant growth of wealth and the rise of mega-philanthropists like Bill and Melinda Gates, who are making record-setting donations during their lifetimes. She also notes the concerning trend of a precipitous drop in the percentage of Americans who give to charity, now less than 50%.
09:50 Ted Turner’s Impact on Giving
Bill Burke recalls Ted Turner’s billion-dollar donation to the UN and his challenge to other billionaires, including Bill Gates, to give more. Stacy confirms Turner’s inspiration for the mega-philanthropy boom and the Chronicle’s tradition of ranking top givers, an idea Ted championed.
12:15 American Philanthropy vs. Government Aid
Stacy explains the strong American tradition of charitable giving and volunteering, partly due to fewer government social services compared to European countries. She addresses whether individual giving can fill gaps left by government cuts, noting that while people respond generously, philanthropic funds are tiny compared to government provisions.
14:05 Nonprofits in Media and Entrepreneurship
Stacy highlights the innovation possible in nonprofits and emphasizes that optimism is crucial for founders, who are a form of entrepreneur believing change is possible even when facing long-term, complicated problems.
18:02 Optimism in Nonprofit Work
She notes that almost all people in this field are optimists, tempered by reality, who believe individuals and collective efforts can make a difference.
20:09 Nonprofits Now Podcast & Burnout
Stacy discusses her podcast, Nonprofits Now, which focuses on advice from nonprofit leaders to combat burnout, a common issue in the field.
25:01 Challenges and Volunteerism
Stacy addresses the inherent grind of nonprofit work due to long-term, complex problems and the perception that it’s not a ‘serious’ career.
31:37 MacKenzie Scott’s Philanthropic Model
Stacy details MacKenzie Scott’s unique philanthropic approach, characterized by surprise, no-strings-attached gifts to often overlooked organizations. She highlights Scott’s rigorous vetting process and the transformative impact of unrestricted funds, which combat nonprofit burnout caused by restrictive grants and overhead limitations.
39:39 Future Trends in Philanthropy
Stacy forecasts a surge in charitable giving as communities experience the impact of service cuts, driving both individuals and foundations to step up.
45:39 Conclusion and Outreach
Stacy Palmer encourages listeners to find the “Nonprofits Now” podcast and visit philanthropy.com to learn more about the Chronicle of Philanthropy. Bill Burke thanks her for her inspiring insights and commitment to optimism in the nonprofit world, urging listeners to rate and subscribe to the Blue Sky Podcast.