Lauren Evans

Effects of War Ripple Through Middle East Analysis, updates, and background.

For the next two days, FP has lifted the paywall on our coverage of the Iran war. We've published sharp, thoughtful writing on the conflict from the start, and now everyone can read it: foreignpolicy.com/projects/ira...

What Does It Mean To Do "Enough"? The puppy was still barking.

A new Substack post from me, about a stray dog, guilt and, oddly, Pizzagate.

Notes From The Ground | Lauren Evans | Substack Click to read Notes From The Ground, by Lauren Evans, a Substack publication. Launched 20 hours ago.

I started a Substack because I never write for fun anymore, and what is more fun than this??

Ethically investing that 95% is hard for a variety of reasons, but it's not impossible. Also, the idea that doing so means sacrificing returns is not necessarily true.

So! If you've been curious about values-aligned investing, ESG, PRIs, MRIs, etc. but aren't sure where to start, give it a read!

Basically, foundations are only required to use 5% of their endowments for charitable purposes. The other 95% is typically invested.

But as we think more deeply about the ethics of our investments, the stocks that foundations choose actually matter quite a bit.

Foundations own huge amounts of stocks. Are they using them for good? Last year, mega-donor MacKenzie Scott pledged to do good not just with the money she gave away, but with the cash she invested in the stock market too. How many other foundations are following the sam...

For @devex.com, I wrote about how foundations invest their endowments. If several of the words in that sentence bore you, I get it, but stick with me.

Is The Republican still open?

Here's how philanthropy may change under Trump The arrival of Donald Trump is likely to herald changes for philanthropic foundations — but how will they respond?

In any case, lots to think about. Read the whole piece here: www.devex.com/news/here-s-...

3) A big unknown is to what extent philanthropy will step in to support initiatives the new administration will likely gut. And how will it play out? For example, if the US withdraws from the WHO, Gates becomes its biggest donor, giving one billionaire major influence over the global health agenda.

2) The 2017 Trump tax law undercut the incentive to donate, and giving fell by billions. But those provisions expire next year, creating a nice opportunity for new bipartisan policy that will re-incentivize charitable donations. Will legislators reach across the aisle? ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

For @devex.com, I wrote about the potential future of philanthropy under Trump. A few points that stand out: (1/4)

1) The best predictor of philanthropy isn't policy, but the strength of the economy. If the economy improves (as Trump has ASSURED us it will), giving will go up.

I can't wait to post on this platform exactly as often as I posted on the other one! (almost never)