Commentary: Foundations need to deploy their $2T in assets to better help struggling nonprofits

In a commentary published by Forbes, Aparna Rae argues that foundations must rethink how they deploy their resources as nonprofits face escalating financial pressures, staffing shortages, and increased demand for services. Rae contends that tax-subsidized foundation assets are public resources that should be used with greater urgency, rather than preserved primarily through wealth-management strategies. She calls for more unrestricted funding, multiyear commitments, and stronger partnerships with grantees, while urging foundations to recognize the true operational realities facing nonprofits. Rae highlights the need for philanthropy to shift from institutional caution and toward responsive support for organizations serving communities nationwide.