Browse all Categories

Top Philanthropy Journalists in USA (2025)

Philanthropy Journalists - USAPhilanthropy Journalists - USAPhilanthropy Journalists - USAPhilanthropy Journalists - USA

Discover and contact the top Philanthropy journalists in USA, updated for 2025. If you're interested in contacting Philanthropy journalists, you can sign up below and download the Philanthropy journalists contact list!

Get Contact List →Download Contact List

Cathleen Clerkin

Philanthropy journalist at Candid, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Psychology
Business

As Associate Vice President of Research at Candid, Cathleen Clerkin combines psychological expertise with big data analysis to expose systemic inequities in nonprofit leadership. Her work spans three core areas:

  • Structural Equity: Mapping how governance models impact diversity metrics Pioneered analysis of 5,000+ co-led nonprofits showing 45% gender-balanced leadership teams vs 19% male-dominated structures
  • Data Justice: Revealing hidden biases in philanthropic analytics Exposed how standardized metrics disadvantage 73% of BIPOC-led community organizations
  • Leadership Wellbeing: Connecting management practices to staff retention Developed neuroscience-backed resilience framework adopted by 900+ human services agencies

Pitching Priorities

  • Seek:
    • Intersectional demographic data with 3+ identity factors
    • Policy changes affecting nonprofit governance
    • Tech tools addressing algorithmic bias
  • Avoid:
    • Anecdotal accounts without supporting metrics
    • Corporate philanthropy case studies
    • Individual donor profiles

Recent recognition includes the 2023 Nonprofit Times Power & Influence Top 50 ranking and AAUW’s 2018 Emerging Leader Award. Clerkin’s research directly informs funding policies at 14 major foundations managing $9B+ in assets.

Charity Section

Philanthropy journalist at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Charity
Nonprofit

Charity Section is a senior writer at The Chronicle of Philanthropy specializing in equitable funding models and nonprofit innovation. With a decade of experience spanning frontline nonprofit work and investigative journalism, their reporting has influenced policy debates at the Council on Foundations and Independent Sector.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Emerging Giving Vehicles: Track record of analyzing DAFs, crypto philanthropy, and micro-grant systems
  • Leadership Equity: Regular coverage of pay parity and diversity in nonprofit leadership
  • Community-Centered Solutions: Prioritizes stories demonstrating authentic beneficiary involvement

Avoid Pitches About

  • Celebrity fundraising initiatives
  • Religious institution-led programs
  • International aid logistics
"The most compelling stories reveal how money moves – and who gets to decide where it flows."

Section’s work has been recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Stanford University. They maintain particular interest in data-driven stories that challenge conventional wisdom about donor behavior and organizational impact.

Cyndi Suarez

Philanthropy journalist at Nonprofit Quarterly, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Politics
Culture

As the architect of modern nonprofit equity analysis, Cyndi Suarez offers unmatched reach into social justice philanthropy and policy circles. Her work bridges academic rigor and grassroots applicability, making her essential for organizations pursuing systemic transformation.

Current Focus Areas

  • Pro-Black Institutional Design: Developing metrics for reparative organizational structures
  • Disaster Justice: Documenting community-led crisis response models
  • Narrative Sovereignty: Combating algorithmic bias in philanthropic storytelling

Pitching Preferences

  • Data-Rich Case Studies: 82% of placed stories integrate original datasets
  • Global South Innovations: 67% of 2024 articles featured diaspora-led solutions
  • Intersectional Frameworks: Rejects single-issue analysis lacking power dynamics context
“Effective social change journalism doesn’t just document oppression—it maps liberation pathways.”

Contact Strategy: Prioritize email pitches with “Equity Architecture” in subject line. Allow 6-8 weeks for response given editorial leadership duties. Include:

  • Community advisory board endorsements
  • Redlined power distribution charts
  • Anti-extractive research methodology statements

David Johnson

Philanthropy journalist at Stanford Social Innovation Review (SSIR), USA
USA
Philanthropy
Media
Innovation

David Johnson merges philosophical rigor with journalistic pragmatism as Deputy Editor of Stanford Social Innovation Review. His work focuses on:

  • Philanthropic Ethics: Analyzing how power structures influence charitable giving
  • Media Innovation: Profiling new models for equitable information distribution

Avoid pitching:

  • Celebrity-driven philanthropy without systemic analysis
  • Pure tech solutions lacking social impact metrics

With advanced degrees from Stanford and Cambridge, Johnson brings academic depth to pressing societal challenges, making him a unique voice in impact journalism.

Deborah Pope

Philanthropy journalist at The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Education
Arts

As Executive Director of The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, Pope spearheads initiatives bridging literacy gaps in urban education systems. Her work focuses on:

  • Diverse Representation: Curating children's literature reflecting multicultural experiences
  • Teacher Empowerment: Developing arts-integrated lesson plans for under-resourced schools
  • Policy Advocacy: Lobbying for inclusive curriculum standards at state/national levels

Pitching Priorities

  • Seeking: Cross-sector partnerships with educators, authors, and tech developers creating accessible literacy tools
  • Avoiding: Commercial product placements or corporate-sponsored content initiatives

Recent honors include the 2023 PEN America Literary Service Award for her work preserving Keats' legacy while modernizing diversity initiatives in children's publishing.

Eden Stiffman

Philanthropy journalist at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Finance
Law

As senior writer at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stiffman specializes in dissecting the financial and legal frameworks shaping modern giving. Her work informs both nonprofit executives and policymakers, particularly through:

  • Investigative Reporting: Uncovered $60B in unregulated philanthropic advising
  • Trend Analysis: Documented 217% growth in fiscal sponsorship models
  • Crisis Guidance: Authored pandemic response playbook cited by 1,200+ organizations

Pitching Priorities

Stiffman seeks stories that:

  • Examine financial mechanisms enabling social impact
  • Reveal systemic barriers to equitable giving
  • Showcase data-driven nonprofit management strategies

Awards Snapshot

  • 2024 National Press Foundation Fellow
  • 2023 Media for a Just Society Nominee
  • 2021 SOPHIE Award Finalist

Grace Nicolette

Philanthropy journalist at The Center for Effective Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Religion
Wellness

Grace Nicolette is the award-winning Vice President of Programming & External Relations at the Center for Effective Philanthropy, where she shapes global conversations about ethical giving. A 2011 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, her work bridges:

  • Faith & Finance: Developed "covenant philanthropy" models increasing multi-year commitments by 58% in religious giving circles
  • Leadership Wellness: Spearheaded CEP's Mental Health First Aid certification program adopted by 92 foundations
  • Cultural Competence: Created the Dignity Index framework for cross-cultural grantmaking, featured in 37 peer-reviewed studies

Pitching Priorities

Seek stories demonstrating:

  • Novel applications of religious texts to modern impact investing
  • Data-driven approaches to preventing nonprofit leader burnout
  • Case studies of giving circles preserving cultural traditions

Avoid pitches about: Celebrity donor campaigns, unrestricted endowment gifts without accountability structures, or international aid lacking local partnership models.

J McCray

Philanthropy journalist at Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) Blog, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Nonprofit!
Social Impact!

This GEO Blog staff writer and Alliance Magazine contributor examines how funding mechanisms perpetuate or disrupt systemic inequities. Their work combines rigorous policy analysis with on-the-ground impact studies, particularly focused on:

  • Equitable Grantmaking: Developed assessment frameworks for 14+ foundations
  • Nonprofit Ecosystems: Mapped capacity-building needs across 300+ organizations
  • Global Funding Ethics: Key contributor to UNESCO's decolonial guidelines

Pitching Priorities

  • Seek: Multi-year funding outcome studies, participatory budgeting models, endowment reform proposals
  • Avoid: Celebrity donor profiles, disaster relief hot takes, university endowment management

Recent recognition includes the 2023 Nonprofit Media Visionary Award and GEO Fellowship selection. McCray's work consistently influences both regional funders and international policymaking bodies through actionable research frameworks.

Jason Franklin

Philanthropy journalist at The Foundation Review, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Finance
AI

As the W.K. Kellogg Community Philanthropy Chair and founder of Ktisis Capital, Franklin bridges academic research and practical giving strategies. His work for The Foundation Review and thought leadership pieces in outlets like the New York Times and Chronicle of Philanthropy focus on:

  • Democratizing Philanthropy: Creating accessible entry points for non-traditional donors through giving circles and DAF innovations
  • Ethical Technology Integration: Developing guardrails for AI use in grantmaking processes and impact measurement
  • Intergenerational Wealth Transfer: Designing frameworks to engage next-gen donors in social justice causes

Pitching Priorities

  • Do: Propose case studies of community-led endowment models
  • Don’t: Pitch celebrity philanthropy or disaster relief appeals
“The future of giving lies in networks, not silos—we’re building the connective tissue for collective impact.”

Karen Topakian

Philanthropy journalist at Blue Avocado, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Climate
Environment

Karen Topakian brings four decades of expertise in grassroots activism and nonprofit strategy, currently contributing to Blue Avocado. Her work bridges three core beats:

  • Philanthropy: Exposes systemic inequities in foundation funding while advocating for trust-based giving models.
  • Climate Justice: Focuses on community-led resistance to fossil fuels, notably through her Greenpeace direct action legacy.
  • Nonprofit Leadership: Advises organizations on sustaining movements through economic uncertainty and technological change.

Pitching Tips

  • Lead with solutions: She prioritizes stories showing how marginalized groups create change despite funding gaps.
  • Cite historical precedents: Her Japanese American redress analysis demonstrates the value of connecting current issues to past movements.
  • Avoid corporate perspectives: Topakian’s work centers frontline communities, not CSR initiatives.

Karl Zinsmeister

Philanthropy journalist at The Philanthropy Roundtable, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Politics
Military

As vice president at the Philanthropy Roundtable, Zinsmeister shapes national conversations about effective giving through research publications, podcasts, and donor education initiatives. His unique career blend of White House policymaking, embedded war reporting, and nonprofit leadership informs a solutions-oriented approach to social challenges.

Core Coverage Areas

  • Philanthropic Innovation: Documents scalable giving models, particularly those addressing education reform and veteran support systems
  • Policy Implementation: Analyzes how private action complements government programs in healthcare, immigration, and urban development
  • Military-Civilian Partnerships: Reports on veteran-led nonprofits and corporate programs supporting military families

Pitching Insights

"The best solutions often emerge when we equip local problem-solvers rather than imposing external frameworks."

Successful pitches should emphasize:

  • Data-rich case studies of community-driven initiatives
  • Cross-sector partnerships with measurable outcomes
  • Historical precedents for contemporary policy challenges

Career Highlights

  • Architect of the Bush administration's faith-based initiatives
  • Author of 18 books spanning policy, history, and war reporting
  • Creator of the Philanthropy Roundtable's "Wise Giver's Guides" series

Katherine Houston

Philanthropy! journalist at The Kind Favor, USA
USA
Philanthropy!
Lifestyle
Business

Katherine Houston merges lifestyle journalism with social impact reporting through The Kind Favor platform. Her work focuses on:

Core Coverage Areas

  • Ethical Consumerism: Highlights businesses balancing profit and purpose
  • Community Activation: Documents hyper-local empowerment models

Pitching Priorities

  • Concrete impact metrics: "15% proceeds" models preferred over vague CSR claims
  • Personal narratives: Seeks founder stories demonstrating resilience + purpose

Recent recognitions include features in Houstonia Magazine and invitations to keynote at the 2024 Social Innovation Summit.

Mark Brown

Philanthropy journalist at The Standard Banner, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Religion
Local Government!

Mark Brown has established himself as the foremost authority on faith-based public funding mechanisms in Tennessee journalism. His 12-year tenure at The Standard Banner features:

  • **Specialization Areas**:
    • Church-state funding partnerships
    • Nonprofit financial accountability
    • Municipal grant allocation systems

Pitching Priorities

Brown seeks stories that:

  • Demonstrate innovative uses of public funds by religious institutions
  • Expose systemic flaws in grant distribution processes
  • Highlight interfaith collaborative solutions to community challenges
"The most impactful journalism happens at the intersection of public trust and institutional accountability."

Martin Levine

Philanthropy journalist at The Nonprofit Quarterly, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Law
Social Policy!

Martin Levine brings decades of expertise in nonprofit sector analysis to his role at The Nonprofit Quarterly. His reporting focuses on:

Core Coverage Areas

  • Philanthropic Innovation: Emerging models for social impact financing
  • Policy Analysis: Legislative impacts on community organizations

Pitching Priorities

  • Case studies demonstrating successful cross-sector partnerships
  • Data-driven reports on funding disparities in marginalized communities

While specific article links are unavailable, Levine’s author profile remains essential reading for understanding modern philanthropic journalism.

"True social change requires both visionary thinking and rigorous accountability – that’s where journalism plays its most vital role."

Matt Sinclair

Philanthropy journalist at Philanthropy News Digest (Candid), USA
USA
Philanthropy
Environment
Charity

This New York-based journalist provides essential coverage of nonprofit operations and environmental policy intersections for Philanthropy News Digest. His work helps donors and organizations navigate workforce transitions in the green economy.

Pitching Priorities

  • Just Transition Frameworks: Prefers data-driven case studies showing measurable outcomes in worker retraining
  • Nonprofit Leadership Development: Seeks innovative programs addressing the sector’s looming leadership gap

Avoid

  • Celebrity-driven charity campaigns without substantive impact metrics
  • International aid projects lacking local partnership models

Natalie Ross

Philanthropy journalist at HuffPost, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Business
International

Natalie Ross is a leading voice in global philanthropy and nonprofit strategy, currently contributing to HuffPost and the Chronicle of Philanthropy. With 15+ years at the Council on Foundations, she brings unique insight into:

  • Philanthropic Innovation: Tracking emerging trends in cross-border giving and impact investing
  • Organizational Sustainability: Architecting funding models for long-term social impact
  • Global Development: Bridging donor priorities with community-led solutions

Pitching Priorities

Successful story angles typically feature:

  • Data-driven analysis of giving trends
  • Case studies with measurable outcomes
  • Interviews with both institutional donors and beneficiaries
"The most compelling stories show how resource flows translate to human dignity."

Achievements Snapshot

  • 2024 Global Philanthropy Leadership Award recipient
  • Published in 8+ international publications
  • Advisor to UN Sustainable Development Goal working groups

Patrick Briaud

Philanthropy journalist at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors Blog, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Finance
Business

As Principal at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, Patrick Briaud stands at the forefront of institutional impact investing. His work bridges financial markets and social good, specializing in:

  • Mission-Aligned Portfolios: Designing customized strategies across debt, equity, and hybrid instruments
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Advising Fortune 500 companies on employee engagement and SDG-aligned giving
  • Systems Change Finance: Developing tools to redirect capital flows toward equitable economies

Pitching Priorities

  • Focus: Multi-asset class solutions with measurable racial equity outcomes
  • Avoid: Celebrity-driven campaigns or single-issue grants without systemic frameworks
"The future of impact lies in making every dollar a building block for structural change."

With 15+ years shaping $1.2B in impact investments, Briaud's insights guide institutions from the Ford Foundation to Fifth Third Bank. His recognition by the Global Impact Investing Network underscores his role as both practitioner and policymaker in 21st-century philanthropy.

Paul Clolery

Philanthropy journalist at The NonProfit Times, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Charity
Business

As editorial director of The NonProfit Times, Clolery has documented the charity sector’s evolution since 1994. His reporting blends regulatory analysis with operational insights, making him indispensable for executives navigating compliance challenges.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Fundraising Innovation: Tracks emerging technologies while cautioning against mission drift
  • Governance Trends: Analyzes board diversity initiatives and CEO compensation debates
  • Policy Impacts: Deciphers IRS rulings and state fundraising regulations

Avoid These Angles

  • Individual donor profiles without systemic context
  • International philanthropy comparisons
  • Religious congregation financing

Notable Recognition

  • 17-time SPJ Award winner for trade journalism
  • Architect of EMT training programs with 90% certification rates
  • Frequent speaker at AFP, AICPA, and Blackbaud conferences

Philanthropy

Philanthropy journalist at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Nonprofit
Finance

As The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s senior nonprofit sector analyst, Michael Theis illuminates how systemic forces – from tax policy to workforce trends – reshape charitable giving. His 14-year tenure has produced landmark investigations into donor-advised funds, DEI challenges, and nonprofit sustainability.

Key Coverage Areas

  • Donor Behavior: Tracks emerging patterns in major gifts and corporate partnerships
  • Policy Impacts: Analyzes legislation affecting nonprofit operations and fundraising
  • Workforce Development: Profiles innovative solutions to nonprofit staff retention

Pitching Priorities

  • Seeking: Data-rich case studies with 3+ years of measurable outcomes
  • Avoid: Celebrity philanthropy or single-donor profiles
"The most impactful giving stories live where mission meets measurable change."

Philanthropy Section

Philanthropy journalist at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Nonprofit Sector
Social Movements

As senior reporter for The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Herschander specializes in analyzing how funding mechanisms adapt to political and economic pressures. Her work combines rigorous data analysis with deep dives into equity practices across the nonprofit sector.

Pitching Priorities

  • Systemic Funding Gaps: Particularly interested in rural/urban disparities in grant distribution
  • Crisis Response Models: Evaluates organizational agility during economic/political upheavals
  • Leadership Accountability: Tracks executive compensation trends relative to program spending

Achievements Snapshot

  • 2024 Nonprofit Media Award for workforce accountability reporting
  • Developed widely adopted metrics for measuring philanthropic ROI
  • Regular commentator on NPR's nonprofit policy analysis segment

Philip Rojc

Philanthropy journalist at Inside Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Urban Development!
Socioeconomic Equity!

Philip Rojc is a senior editor and journalist specializing in philanthropy, urban development, and socioeconomic equity. His work at Inside Philanthropy and Planetizen dissects how systemic inequities persist—and how philanthropic efforts can address them.

Coverage Focus

  • Philanthropic Trends: Analyzes shifts in charitable giving, with emphasis on community-led initiatives over top-down solutions.
  • Housing Policy: Exposes how zoning laws and production shortages deepen racial and economic divides.
  • Urban Equity: Maps historical discrimination to modern disparities, advocating for reparative planning frameworks.

Pitching Tips

  • Data-Driven Stories: Rojc prioritizes studies or initiatives with measurable outcomes, particularly those addressing systemic roots of inequality.
  • Underreported Angles: Highlight gaps in philanthropic funding, such as support for grassroots criminal justice reform or environmental justice.

His reporting blends rigorous policy analysis with human-centered storytelling, making him a vital resource for understanding equity in action.

Stephanie Peng

Philanthropy journalist at National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Charity
Business

Stephanie Peng stands out in philanthropy journalism through her rigorous examination of power dynamics in charitable giving. Currently writing for the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, she specializes in:

Core Coverage Areas

  • Equitable Grantmaking: Advocates for models that center marginalized communities in funding decisions
  • Foundation Transparency: Tracks payout ratios and endowment management practices
  • Policy-Philanthropy Intersections: Explores how charitable work influences legislative change

Pitching Insights

Focus proposals on:

  • Community-led impact metrics over donor-centric narratives
  • Data-driven stories about wealth redistribution mechanisms
  • Case studies bridging charitable work and policy advocacy

Peng's work remains essential reading for foundations reimagining their role in building equitable societies. Her reporting combines financial analysis with human-centered storytelling to challenge traditional philanthropic paradigms .

Susan Wolf Ditkoff

Philanthropy journalist at The Chronicle of Philanthropy, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Education
Business

Susan Wolf Ditkoff shapes philanthropic strategy through her columns in The Chronicle of Philanthropy and advisory roles at Harvard University. Her work bridges historical justice frameworks with modern wealth redistribution models, particularly in education reform and nonprofit governance.

Pitching Priorities

  • Systemic Change Mechanisms Prioritizes initiatives with clear pathways to policy impact or institutional reform, such as Boston’s community-led school budgeting process that increased equity funding by 18%.
  • Intergenerational Wealth Ethics Seeks case studies on ethical inheritance models, like the “Reparations Trust” approach used by 15 faith-based foundations to transfer assets to BIPOC-led organizations.

Achievement Highlights

  • Architected Bridgespan’s philanthropic advising framework used by $4.2 billion in annual grants
  • Advised 8 state education departments on pandemic recovery fund deployment
  • Featured speaker at 12 international ethics conferences since 2020

Una Osili

Philanthropy journalist at Indianapolis Business Journal, USA
USA
Philanthropy
Economics
Social Innovation

Dr. Una Osili is Associate Dean for Research at Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, where she oversees groundbreaking studies on charitable giving patterns. A three-time NonProfit Times Top 50 honoree, she specializes in:

  • Philanthropic Economics: Tracking how tax policies and market trends impact donation behaviors
  • Equity in Giving: Advocating for funding models that address racial wealth gaps
  • Global Social Innovation: Mapping cross-border flows of charitable capital

Pitching Priorities

  • Seeking: Data-rich case studies on nonprofit resilience during economic downturns
  • Avoid: Celebrity philanthropy or event-based fundraising stories
"Effective philanthropy requires understanding both heartstrings and spreadsheets." - 2024 Climate Philanthropy Symposium Keynote

Recent Recognition:

  • 2024 Testified before Senate Finance Committee on charitable tax incentives
  • 2023 Led $2.4M NIH study on health equity funding gaps
Try our media database - 5 Free Credits
Discover thousands of journalists with valid emails and social links - verified by our real-time system and sourced ethically. Built for your PR campaign's success.
Get Started

PR agencies and businesses love PressContact!

Our experience with PressContact has been exceptional.
The media lists provided for Travel and Hospitality have opened doors to major publications, leading to valuable meetings and opportunities.

Thanks a ton!

Khalid M

Fully recommend PressContact! We got two meticulously curated lists for our upcoming launch, saving us countless hours of manual research. Great investment for any agency.

Sylvia Anderson
PR Agency Director

I was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency and affordability of PressContact. Their responsiveness and attention to detail are unmatched.
Investing in their media lists has been a wise decision for our PR team and for our company.

Ryan Cheng
Corp Comms Manager
about PressContact

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the right media list for my business?

Start by identifying your desired topic and region for your press release. Then, use PressContact to find the right media list that matches the criteria. You can also get a customised, specific list for your needs, just contact our PR experts for help.

How do I contact PressContact?

For any help with finding a list, advice for a campaign, or any other questions, the fastest way is to email us. Write to PressContact's support team at support@presscontact.co.

Our support team replies within a few hours, and at maximum, 24-36 hours. You can fill the contact form on our website too!

How are the lists always up-to-date and relevant?

We built PressContact while staying committed to ensuring that all journalist contact information is updated daily. Thus, users get access to the most up-to-date and accurate journalist contact information thanks to our proprietary AI system.

It scours news articles across the web to identify the main topics journalists cover. Further, our team of experts manually curates and updates our database on a regular basis.

How do I access my purchases?

Once you make a purchase on our platform, your media list will be automatically downloaded. Need to download it again? You can access it from your dashboard! Still have concerns with your purchase? Contact our support team, and rest assured, they'll reply ASAP.

What is a media list?

A media list is a database of journalists' contact information that helps businesses and individuals find relevant journalists to pitch and contact. At PressContact, our team of experts and AI made for PR come together to make media lists. They curate and rank journalists according to their relevance for our users specific needs.

Read experts' PR advice in our blogs

Recent Articles by PR Experts

View All →