David Callahan

Founder and Editor, Inside Philanthropy

David Callahan is founder and editor of Inside Philanthropy. He has written extensively on trends in philanthropy, as well as American culture, public policy and business. David is author, most recently, of The Givers: Wealth, Power, and Philanthropy in a New Gilded Age.

Before launching Inside Philanthropy in 2014, David co-founded Demos, the national think tank, where he held various leadership positions and conducted research on a wide range of issues related to economic and political inequality, as well as writing on moral values, professional ethics and business. Previously, David was a resident scholar at the Century Foundation and managing editor of the American Prospect, the public policy journal.

In addition to The Givers, David is the author of seven widely reviewed books on domestic and international issues, including The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans Are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead. He has appeared on hundreds of television and radio programs, including major networks and national NPR shows. He has published numerous op-ed and feature articles, including in the New York Times and Washington Post. He has spoken at over 150 universities and associations around the U.S., frequently as a keynote speaker.

David is a graduate of Hampshire College and received his Ph.D. from Princeton University, where he studied American politics and international relations. David lives in Santa Monica, California. You can contact him at davidc@insidephilanthropy.com.

Contributions

Voices from the Field

After a Year Like No Other, Three Foundation Leaders Talk About What Changed and What Comes Next

Posted on May 26, 2021 by David Callahan, James Canales, Crystal Hayling, Carmen Rojas

This article was originally published by Inside Philanthropy and is re-posted here with permission. The transcribed conversation comes from a plenary session at NCFP’s 2021 CEO Retreat.  How well philanthropy responded to the events of the past 14 months—a period of so much trauma and suffering—is a topic sure to be debated for many years to come. And, of course,… Read More

2021 Trustee Education Institute

Posted on March 9, 2021 by Isabel Nogueira, Alyson Wise, Jumi Falusi, Milton Speid, Emily Kaiser, Adrian Ruiz, Lisa Jackson, Priscilla Enriquez, Dorothy Gardner, Regan Pritzker

NCFP’s Trustee Education Institute provides a comprehensive overview of the important legal, investment, ethical, grantmaking, and family dynamics issues facing family foundation board members and CEOs. Featuring the perspectives of innovative donors and a faculty made up of donors, board members, and highly respected philanthropy experts, this virtual seminar covers: Translating values and goals into action Connecting family legacy and… Read More

Family Foundation CEO Retreat

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Betsy Erickson, Janine Mason, Michael Smith, Tina Runyan, Mayor Eric Garcetti, Bari Katz, Rob Reich, Shaady Salehi, Carmen Rojas, Diana Scearce

The role of a family foundation CEO is unique, often bridging generations of family members, community leaders, staff, advisors, and partners. Expectations can be challenging to meet and boundaries are sometimes vague and ever-changing. Success in this role requires a cadre of specialized leadership skills, particularly in these divisive and dynamic times. This 3-day virtual retreat, designed for both new… Read More

Family Philanthropy and Media Perceptions

Posted on August 11, 2016 by David Callahan, Peter Panepento, Stacy Palmer

Family foundations are passionate and dedicated to improving their communities and leading conversations that will help advance their missions. But as they look to expand their work, many families have a hard time explaining their work to and building relationships with the media. Many foundations simply don't know where to begin… Read More