Few will doubt that 2025 has earned a notable place in the history books of the future. There are far too many moments of significance to attempt to summarize here (I refer you, for a quick refresher, to the opening of Phil Buchanan’s recent post on this blog); I propose, instead, to review the year through the lens of the commentary, philanthropy insights, and calls to action that took shape on the CEP blog this year, month by month.

We strive, on the blog, to present a diversity of views on the most pressing topics in philanthropy and to share valuable insight on the issues of the day as they pertain to philanthropic practice, be they fresh takes on perennial conversations that have been taking place in our sector for decades or brand-new developments promising to shake the ground on which we stand.

With that in mind, I offer this look back at (some of) the best of the CEP blog in 2025 — only you, our readers, can be the judge of whether we approached that above-stated goal. I always welcome your constructive feedback, and hope that you will consider this your forum for discussion, your arena for ideas about philanthropic effectiveness, your Speaker’s Corner to state your case.

Philanthropy Insight for January: Calling All Donors

Alarmed by developments and anticipating the coming shift in the winds for the nonprofit sector, CEP’s Buchanan opened the year with a call to donors — and would-be donors — urging them to see the invaluable work that community organizations do and to back them in the face of decreasing giving, increasing burnout, and growing threats from government action.

February: Turn on Your Headlights

What’s a funder to do in a crisis? Melinda Tuan and Britt Lake offer a pragmatic first step: turn on your headlights — by which they mean “listen.” Listen to what your nonprofit partners need, what the communities you are serving need, and how you can best help them. Noting the need to act quickly but urging funders not to skip listening lest they miss key opportunities, they offer resources and guidance on creating rapid feedback loops.

Read the full article about philanthropy insights to wrap up 2025 by Chloe Heskett at The Center for Effective Philanthropy.