Philanthropy can sometimes feel like a field mired in polished press releases and jargon-heavy reports—safe, sanitized, and frankly, a bit stale. But every so often, some voices blaze through the formalities to deliver insights and critiques that truly singe your inbox with their honesty, wit, and passion. If you’re looking to add some fiery and thought-provoking newsletters to your reading list, here are three that will turn up the heat on your philanthropy knowledge.
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philanthropy unfiltered by Tirrea Billings
Media strategist Tirrea Billings launched this newsletter in early 2025, following an unexpected career shake-up. What sets philanthropy unfiltered apart is Billings’ no-nonsense storytelling, infused with personal experience and an unflinching eye on the nonprofit industrial complex’s realities. While she typically holds back from naming names, her insights come backed by solid research and examples of best practices elsewhere. Readers tired of nonprofit branding clichés or endless conference fatigue will find Billings’ voice refreshingly direct and relatable. Her perspective as a Black woman with nearly a decade of frontline philanthropic experience shines throughout, giving her critiques and reflections a poignant authenticity. -
Philanthropy2173 by Lucy Bernholz
If you want a blend of academic rigor and personal touch, Lucy Bernholz’s Philanthropy2173 is your go-to. A longtime philanthropy scholar and author, Bernholz launched this newsletter as an evolution of her extensive blog work. She draws from current events—ranging from AI’s influence on giving to controversies like Harvard’s nonprofit status under threat—to offer sharp, often provocative reflections on philanthropy’s future. Bernholz’s candor is especially admirable given the ongoing challenges she faces with long COVID, something she openly discusses in the newsletter. Beyond commentary, she fosters a “Philanthropy Book Club,” lending a fresh literary twist to how we engage with the sector’s issues, choosing speculative fiction over dry analyses. Her blend of personal narrative and thoughtful critique makes Philanthropy2173 a must-read for anyone seeking depth and nuance. -
Tim Schwab’s Substack
For fierce and unrelenting critique, Tim Schwab’s newsletter is the one that really turns up the heat. Schwab, well-known for his 2023 book The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire, offers sharp, often contentious examinations of philanthropy’s most powerful figures and institutions—particularly the Gates Foundation. While some may find his tone fiery and hyperbolic, his commitment to shining light on the complexities and contradictions of billionaire philanthropy is undeniable. Schwab also digs into related topics and personalities, challenging traditional narratives and exposing uncomfortable truths. His writing is a vital counterpoint in a sector where critical voices are often muted by power and money.
Why These Newsletters Matter
Each of these publications goes beyond surface-level analysis to embrace critique that’s personal, specific, and raw. They eschew the sector’s usual linguistic safety nets, opting instead to expose flaws, celebrate progress, and sometimes, call out missteps openly. Whether it’s Billings’ lived experiences, Bernholz’s scholarly reflections, or Schwab’s investigative passion, these newsletters push philanthropy’s conversation forward with courage and clarity.
So if your inbox feels a bit chilly or repetitive, subscribe to these three and watch as their honest, insightful, and sometimes incendiary content lights a spark under your understanding of philanthropy. In a sector ripe for change, voices that singe conventions are more valuable than ever.
Which philanthropy newsletters ignite your thinking? Share your favorites and keep the conversation burning bright.
