Join us for lunch and a community conversation hosted by Pillars Fund, Healthy Communities Foundation, Chicago Beyond, and Woods Fund Chicago to celebrate the launch of A New Era of Philanthropy. Dimple Abichandani will be in conversation with Kalia Abiade from Pillars Fund about philanthropy for these times.

This is a limited-capacity event in downtown Chicago. Once you register, you'll receive a confirmation from Eventbrite and a follow-up email from us with location details, so please RSVP!

May 20, 2025

12pm-1:30pm

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A New Era of Philanthropy: Ten Practices to Transform Wealth Into a More Just and Sustainable Future

“A must-read for anyone in philanthropy, particularly those who question whether and how philanthropic resources can address the current, complex challenges our world faces.”

— - Nick Tedesco, president and chief executive officer of the National Center for Family Philanthropy

A blueprint for how wealth can be transformed into a more just and sustainable future in times of rapid change and crisis.

On the cusp of the greatest wealth transfer in history—with $84 trillion dollars moving between generations in the next 20 years—this book explores how philanthropy can be transformative and transformed.

Can philanthropy be an anti-racist, feminist, relational, and joyful expression of solidarity?

This book argues that it not only can be—for the future we seek, and for philanthropy to

achieve its greatest impact, it must be.

Nationally recognized philanthropic leader Dimple Abichandani revolutionizes the precepts of modern philanthropy. Offering 10 provocative practice shifts, A New Era of Philanthropy engages readers with fresh answers to the question of how philanthropy can meet this high-stakes moment—from reimagining governance to aligning investments to crisis funding and beyond.

Abichandani highlights paradigm shifts that model the way forward, moving beyond critique into real transformation, with relatable stories about funders who are forging a new era of philanthropy.

A New Era of Philanthropy picks up where key books like Decolonizing Wealth and Winners Take All leave off, offering a guide for donors, foundations, and non-profit leaders navigating philanthropy in urgent times. Clear-eyed, hopeful, and responsive to the moment, this book helps us reimagine the purpose and norms of modern philanthropy. It is an invitation to all of us who believe these resources can contribute to a more just future: start here.

Praise for A New Era of Philanthropy:

“Nourishing, stimulating, and incisively sharp, A New Era embodies the creativity and connection that must guide philanthropy moving forward. Do yourself a favor and read this book.”

—Pia Infante, co-executive director, Trust-Based Philanthropy Project

“Dimple Abichandani challenges us to imagine how foundations and donors can break from conventional practices and instead catalyze deeper, transformative change to foster a thriving multiracial democracy, repair past harms, and create a sustainable future.… she proposes a new blueprint for philanthropy that meets the moment.”

—Don Chen, president of the Surdna Foundation

“A beautiful, bold, and compelling invitation to reimagine philanthropy as we know it.”

—Sarita Gupta, vice president of US Programs of the Ford Foundation

… a must-read. Dimple describes how philanthropists cling to old assumptions and practices that curtail effectiveness…. she offers interactive prompts we can use to excise what’s not working and begin to rebuild philanthropy from the ground up.”

—Crystal Hayling, Inside Philanthropy's 2021 Foundation Leader of the Year and one of Inside Philanthropy's 2023 50 Most Powerful Women in Philanthropy

” one of the most important reads of the year

Marcus F. Walton, President & CEO of GEO, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations

. “Philanthropy can help bring forth the multi-racial democracy we all desire and deserve: Abichandani’s work can help us get there,”

Deepak Bhargava, President, Freedom Together Foundation

"A New Era of Philanthropy is a vital read, not just for all funders and donors, but also nonprofit leaders. It is an insightful and thoughtful blend of personal stories, deep analyses, and practical advice. Dimple's optimism and abundance shine through without glossing over philanthropy's history of injustice or the urgency of the moment we all face. I left feeling hopeful and ready to take action."

Vu Le, Author and Activist

“Abichandani invites us to engage with the central question of how we transform the complicated legacy of extractive wealth into one grounded in justice and sustainability.… a compelling centerpiece of any course for the next generation of nonprofit and philanthropic leaders.”

Molly Schultz Hafid, NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and Butler Family Fund

A New Era of Philanthropy Chicago Book Launch