Move Over, Mega-Donors! Philanthropist Hali Lee on the Power of Collective Giving

Jul 29, 2025
33 mins

Episode Description

Does philanthropy share in the blame for America's divisions?

Hali Lee, co-founder of the Donors of Color Network, believes that large foundations and billionaire donors have done plenty to pull the country apart, even as they pursue good. Lee joins Chronicle deputy opinion editor Nandita Raghuram to discuss her new book, The Big We

They talk about what Lee describes as the atomizing effect of large foundations and billionaire donors (“Big Philanthropy”), the breakdown of connectedness in America, and the unifying power of giving circles and mutual aid.

Visit The Commons, a Chronicle special project exploring how Americans can come together, strengthen communities, and repair our torn social fabric. And sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Watch this interview on the Chronicle's YouTube channel.

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