Stanford PACS
@stanfordpacs.bsky.social
Engaging scholars, practitioners, and leaders to improve philanthropy and strengthen civil society. Publisher of @ssir.org. Repost ≠ endorsement.
pacscenter.stanford.edu
pacscenter.stanford.edu
New research led by Faculty Affiliate @mbernst.bsky.social, former Postdoctoral Fellow @jiachenyan.bsky.social, and fellow scholars sheds light on the role of social media algorithms in driving political polarization and outlines new paths forward for both social media users and researchers.
Social media research tool lowers the political temperature
A new method created by Stanford researchers reduces polarization by downranking antidemocratic and highly partisan posts on X.
stanford.io
December 12, 2025 at 5:34 PM
New research led by Faculty Affiliate @mbernst.bsky.social, former Postdoctoral Fellow @jiachenyan.bsky.social, and fellow scholars sheds light on the role of social media algorithms in driving political polarization and outlines new paths forward for both social media users and researchers.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
"Given the dramatic contraction of Big Aid, we need market-based solutions more than ever, and it’s a really bad time for impact investing to be failing us.
Luckily, I have a solution to the myriad disappointments of impact investing: Get rid of it."
New from @mulagostarr.bsky.social:
Luckily, I have a solution to the myriad disappointments of impact investing: Get rid of it."
New from @mulagostarr.bsky.social:
There Is No Such Thing as Impact Investing (SSIR)
There is philanthropic investing, and there is commercial investing, and there is nothing in between.
ssir.org
December 11, 2025 at 4:39 PM
"Given the dramatic contraction of Big Aid, we need market-based solutions more than ever, and it’s a really bad time for impact investing to be failing us.
Luckily, I have a solution to the myriad disappointments of impact investing: Get rid of it."
New from @mulagostarr.bsky.social:
Luckily, I have a solution to the myriad disappointments of impact investing: Get rid of it."
New from @mulagostarr.bsky.social:
In honor of #HumanRightsDay, Caitlin Heising, Vice Chair of the Board at @heisingsimonsfdn.bsky.social, board member for @hrw.org, and advisory board member for Stanford PACS, shares her approach to advocating for and investing in #HumanRights protections in the U.S.
Navigating Challenges with Unity: Human Rights Day Reflections with Caitlin Heising - Stanford PACS
On December 10 each year, a global community of human rights defenders observes the principles articulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, first ratified by the UN General Assembly in 19...
pacscenter.stanford.edu
December 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
In honor of #HumanRightsDay, Caitlin Heising, Vice Chair of the Board at @heisingsimonsfdn.bsky.social, board member for @hrw.org, and advisory board member for Stanford PACS, shares her approach to advocating for and investing in #HumanRights protections in the U.S.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
CASBS study dedicated in honor of Woody Powell
About 100 people gathered here recently to celebrate Woody Powell. Because he has been who he is for about 15 years of his career here, he has achieved certifiable super-community member status. He bleeds CASBS red.
casbs.stanford.edu/news/woodys-...
About 100 people gathered here recently to celebrate Woody Powell. Because he has been who he is for about 15 years of his career here, he has achieved certifiable super-community member status. He bleeds CASBS red.
casbs.stanford.edu/news/woodys-...
Woody's Dedication
As mentor, leader, and friend, Woody Powell defines what a scholarly community member should be. For much of his career, he's done it at CASBS. Now a CASBS study has been dedicated in his name.
casbs.stanford.edu
December 8, 2025 at 8:10 PM
CASBS study dedicated in honor of Woody Powell
About 100 people gathered here recently to celebrate Woody Powell. Because he has been who he is for about 15 years of his career here, he has achieved certifiable super-community member status. He bleeds CASBS red.
casbs.stanford.edu/news/woodys-...
About 100 people gathered here recently to celebrate Woody Powell. Because he has been who he is for about 15 years of his career here, he has achieved certifiable super-community member status. He bleeds CASBS red.
casbs.stanford.edu/news/woodys-...
Reposted by Stanford PACS
🗳️ How do lessons from 2024 shape what to expect in 2026?
On Dec. 4, Nate Persily joined CDDRL to break down what went right, what went wrong, and why election administration remains a critical vulnerability for U.S. democracy. https://ow.ly/Ob0K50XE89z
On Dec. 4, Nate Persily joined CDDRL to break down what went right, what went wrong, and why election administration remains a critical vulnerability for U.S. democracy. https://ow.ly/Ob0K50XE89z
Election Administration, 2024 to 2026: Lessons Learned and Causes for
ow.ly
December 8, 2025 at 6:01 PM
🗳️ How do lessons from 2024 shape what to expect in 2026?
On Dec. 4, Nate Persily joined CDDRL to break down what went right, what went wrong, and why election administration remains a critical vulnerability for U.S. democracy. https://ow.ly/Ob0K50XE89z
On Dec. 4, Nate Persily joined CDDRL to break down what went right, what went wrong, and why election administration remains a critical vulnerability for U.S. democracy. https://ow.ly/Ob0K50XE89z
Reposted by Stanford PACS
For 60 years, USAID’s memory lived in PDFs. The agency commissioned over 100,000 evaluations, stacking up tens of millions of pages.
But the system was human-bounded by three limits that defined it:
- Cognitive load
- Timing
- Incentives
So what do you find when you can finally read everything?
But the system was human-bounded by three limits that defined it:
- Cognitive load
- Timing
- Incentives
So what do you find when you can finally read everything?
When USAID Shut Down, Its Lessons Nearly Vanished. AI Helped Recover Them (SSIR)
A final sweep of 60 years of evidence reveals durable truths about how development succeeds and fails.
ssir.org
December 8, 2025 at 1:57 PM
For 60 years, USAID’s memory lived in PDFs. The agency commissioned over 100,000 evaluations, stacking up tens of millions of pages.
But the system was human-bounded by three limits that defined it:
- Cognitive load
- Timing
- Incentives
So what do you find when you can finally read everything?
But the system was human-bounded by three limits that defined it:
- Cognitive load
- Timing
- Incentives
So what do you find when you can finally read everything?
Stanford PACS Faculty Affiliate @susanathey.bsky.social shared takeaways from her research with @gsbsilab.bsky.social on how small changes to charitable asks at checkout in an online store can have a big impact.
Learn more via Stanford GSB ⤵️
Learn more via Stanford GSB ⤵️
New Research Could Help Nonprofits Attract Millions of Online Donors
Massive experiments with PayPal users show that small tweaks to a charitable ask can boost giving.
stanford.io
December 5, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Stanford PACS Faculty Affiliate @susanathey.bsky.social shared takeaways from her research with @gsbsilab.bsky.social on how small changes to charitable asks at checkout in an online store can have a big impact.
Learn more via Stanford GSB ⤵️
Learn more via Stanford GSB ⤵️
A recent paper co-authored by former Senior Research Fellow Luke Hewitt considers the potential impacts of advanced #AI systems on #democracy, including implications for the information ecosystem, functioning of elections, and the health and strength of foundational democratic principles. ⤵️
The impact of advanced AI systems on democracy - Nature Human Behaviour
This Perspective from Summerfield et al. considers the impacts of advanced artificial intelligence systems on the process and function of democracy. The authors explore a wide range of potential risks...
www.nature.com
December 4, 2025 at 7:19 PM
A recent paper co-authored by former Senior Research Fellow Luke Hewitt considers the potential impacts of advanced #AI systems on #democracy, including implications for the information ecosystem, functioning of elections, and the health and strength of foundational democratic principles. ⤵️
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Where should pro-democracy forces focus their efforts?
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
How to Spot Democratic Backsliding (SSIR)
Data can guide investment priorities in strengthening global democracy.
ssir.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:07 PM
Where should pro-democracy forces focus their efforts?
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
How can they distinguish causation from correlation?
This new article examines potential leading indicators of democratic backsliding across five elements that scholars agree impact democratic health.
THREAD
Stanford PACS Executive Director Priya Shanker spoke with @vox.com about MacKenzie Scott's approach to #giving and the value of #TrustBasedPhilanthropy.
MacKenzie Scott’s billion-dollar bet on vibes
A billionaire’s spiritual guide to letting go — of $19 billion.
www.vox.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Stanford PACS Executive Director Priya Shanker spoke with @vox.com about MacKenzie Scott's approach to #giving and the value of #TrustBasedPhilanthropy.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Our newest voters (18-year-olds) will graduate from from high school in a few short months. If we want them using their voices in the 2026 midterms, the time to register them is now.
Read more in our cover story, out now! ssir.org/articles/ent... @ssir.org
Read more in our cover story, out now! ssir.org/articles/ent... @ssir.org
Getting Youth Engaged in Democracy (SSIR)
Young people do turn out for elections—when they are registered. By getting all youth enrolled in high school, we can help achieve universal participation. Here's how to get it done.
ssir.org
December 2, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Our newest voters (18-year-olds) will graduate from from high school in a few short months. If we want them using their voices in the 2026 midterms, the time to register them is now.
Read more in our cover story, out now! ssir.org/articles/ent... @ssir.org
Read more in our cover story, out now! ssir.org/articles/ent... @ssir.org
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Today is the day! 🥳
Share your story with #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can show you some love. Grab any last-minute resources at GivingTuesday.org/Participate ❤️
Share your story with #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can show you some love. Grab any last-minute resources at GivingTuesday.org/Participate ❤️
December 2, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Today is the day! 🥳
Share your story with #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can show you some love. Grab any last-minute resources at GivingTuesday.org/Participate ❤️
Share your story with #GivingTuesday and tag us so we can show you some love. Grab any last-minute resources at GivingTuesday.org/Participate ❤️
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Public health is profoundly informed and shaped by the diverse array of civic data that captures the life and well-being in communities.
But data isn’t neutral or objective.
In fact, it’s often rooted in structural racism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression.
But data isn’t neutral or objective.
In fact, it’s often rooted in structural racism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression.
Transforming Data for Equity and Justice (SSIR)
Data is a powerful tool that affects every part of our lives, especially our individual and collective health. Civic data—a diverse array of data that captures the realities of life and well...
ssir.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:18 PM
Public health is profoundly informed and shaped by the diverse array of civic data that captures the life and well-being in communities.
But data isn’t neutral or objective.
In fact, it’s often rooted in structural racism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression.
But data isn’t neutral or objective.
In fact, it’s often rooted in structural racism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Thank you to @myra.bsky.social for her recent insightful presentation on how sycophantic AI can reduce people’s willingness to take responsibility and repair interpersonal conflicts! @robbwiller.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Thank you to @myra.bsky.social for her recent insightful presentation on how sycophantic AI can reduce people’s willingness to take responsibility and repair interpersonal conflicts! @robbwiller.bsky.social
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Faculty Affiliates program!
Our 2025-26 cohort brings together more than 30 affiliated faculty members, representing disciplines from all 7 schools across campus, who are leading research related to #philanthropy, #CivilSociety or #SocialInnovation.
Our 2025-26 cohort brings together more than 30 affiliated faculty members, representing disciplines from all 7 schools across campus, who are leading research related to #philanthropy, #CivilSociety or #SocialInnovation.
Faculty and Lecturer Affiliates - Stanford PACS
Stanford PACS hosts more than 30 affiliated faculty and lecturers—representing disciplines from all seven schools across campus—who conduct research and teaching on philanthropy, civil society, nonpro...
stanford.io
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new Faculty Affiliates program!
Our 2025-26 cohort brings together more than 30 affiliated faculty members, representing disciplines from all 7 schools across campus, who are leading research related to #philanthropy, #CivilSociety or #SocialInnovation.
Our 2025-26 cohort brings together more than 30 affiliated faculty members, representing disciplines from all 7 schools across campus, who are leading research related to #philanthropy, #CivilSociety or #SocialInnovation.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
"A good mission statement performs a similar function to the role the US Constitution plays (on a good day) for the American government: It helps to keep an organization grounded and offers an important reference point for resolving conflicts about vision and direction."
The Seduction of Nonprofit Mission Creep (SSIR)
An excerpt from The Nonprofit Crisis on why nonprofits should resist the lure to extend their reach
ssir.org
November 25, 2025 at 3:48 PM
"A good mission statement performs a similar function to the role the US Constitution plays (on a good day) for the American government: It helps to keep an organization grounded and offers an important reference point for resolving conflicts about vision and direction."
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Thank you to Kasey Rhee for an exciting recent presentation on her work analyzing how party registration has shifted across demographic groups using an unprecedented dataset of six billion voter records! @robbwiller.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 12:08 AM
Thank you to Kasey Rhee for an exciting recent presentation on her work analyzing how party registration has shifted across demographic groups using an unprecedented dataset of six billion voter records! @robbwiller.bsky.social
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Today, I have an article in @SSIR.org on lessons from our first decade, including:
(1) The importance of choosing causes
(2) Field-building pays off hugely
(3) Great philanthropy is possible anywhere on the risk spectrum
(4) Balancing maximization and moderation is hard
🧵
ssir.org/articles/en...
(1) The importance of choosing causes
(2) Field-building pays off hugely
(3) Great philanthropy is possible anywhere on the risk spectrum
(4) Balancing maximization and moderation is hard
🧵
ssir.org/articles/en...
November 24, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Today, I have an article in @SSIR.org on lessons from our first decade, including:
(1) The importance of choosing causes
(2) Field-building pays off hugely
(3) Great philanthropy is possible anywhere on the risk spectrum
(4) Balancing maximization and moderation is hard
🧵
ssir.org/articles/en...
(1) The importance of choosing causes
(2) Field-building pays off hugely
(3) Great philanthropy is possible anywhere on the risk spectrum
(4) Balancing maximization and moderation is hard
🧵
ssir.org/articles/en...
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Where exactly are we in terms of civil liberties in the United States?
We spoke with the leaders of the @aclu.org, who went deep on their battles with the Trump administration, how they are prioritizing issues, the Supreme Court, and implications for civil society.
We spoke with the leaders of the @aclu.org, who went deep on their battles with the Trump administration, how they are prioritizing issues, the Supreme Court, and implications for civil society.
ACLU v. Trump (SSIR)
The American Civil Liberties Union is leading the fight in the United States against the Trump administration's executive overreach. We asked them for a status update.
ssir.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Where exactly are we in terms of civil liberties in the United States?
We spoke with the leaders of the @aclu.org, who went deep on their battles with the Trump administration, how they are prioritizing issues, the Supreme Court, and implications for civil society.
We spoke with the leaders of the @aclu.org, who went deep on their battles with the Trump administration, how they are prioritizing issues, the Supreme Court, and implications for civil society.
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Had the pleasure of returning to @hiddenbrain.bsky.social for a follow-up convo with Shankar Vendantam (I’m on in the second half!). I answer questions about how to talk across divides, what to do with people who seem awful, and when to walk away. Check it out 👇
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-...
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-...
Why Following Your Dreams Isn't Enough - Hidden Brain Media
Entrepreneurs typically have no shortage of passion. But there are other elements that may matter more when it comes to whether their projects succeed.
www.hiddenbrain.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:34 PM
Had the pleasure of returning to @hiddenbrain.bsky.social for a follow-up convo with Shankar Vendantam (I’m on in the second half!). I answer questions about how to talk across divides, what to do with people who seem awful, and when to walk away. Check it out 👇
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-...
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/why-...
To mark this year's #NationalPhilanthropyDay, Kathryn Zekus of Next Legacy shares insights from leading members of the Next Legacy and Stanford PACS communities on how funders can use their time, talent, treasure, and ties to uplift local #nonprofits and strengthen communities.
Community Makes All the Difference: Reflections on National Philanthropy Day - Stanford PACS
National Philanthropy Day is a time to honor the ways we give our time, talent, treasure, and ties. As we celebrate together today, we’re reminded of the power of community in advancing social impact....
stanford.io
November 15, 2025 at 4:11 PM
To mark this year's #NationalPhilanthropyDay, Kathryn Zekus of Next Legacy shares insights from leading members of the Next Legacy and Stanford PACS communities on how funders can use their time, talent, treasure, and ties to uplift local #nonprofits and strengthen communities.
Join us TODAY at 5PM PT!
📌 Take That for Data: Decoding Identity, Sport, and Technology
Join us on November 12 for a lecture and Q&A with Dr. Courtney M. Cox (@courtmcox.bsky.social) of the University of Oregon, as our Technology, Culture, and Power Speaker Series continues!
🔗 events.stanford.edu/event/techno...
Join us on November 12 for a lecture and Q&A with Dr. Courtney M. Cox (@courtmcox.bsky.social) of the University of Oregon, as our Technology, Culture, and Power Speaker Series continues!
🔗 events.stanford.edu/event/techno...
November 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Join us TODAY at 5PM PT!
Reposted by Stanford PACS
Thank you to @joshcjackson.bsky.social and Dan Medvedev for a fascinating recent lab presentation on how attitudes toward the rich vary globally! Innovative methods and fascinating findings, all around. @robbwiller.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 10:19 PM
Thank you to @joshcjackson.bsky.social and Dan Medvedev for a fascinating recent lab presentation on how attitudes toward the rich vary globally! Innovative methods and fascinating findings, all around. @robbwiller.bsky.social
Reposted by Stanford PACS
A new excerpt of my new book on adapting to climate change, Sink or Swim, is now up on @ssir.org celebrating the North American launch this week!
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
ssir.org/books/excerp...
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
ssir.org/books/excerp...
Locked In (SSIR)
An excerpt from Sink or Swim on adapting to the climate change we can't prevent
ssir.org
November 6, 2025 at 11:28 AM
A new excerpt of my new book on adapting to climate change, Sink or Swim, is now up on @ssir.org celebrating the North American launch this week!
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
ssir.org/books/excerp...
@bloomsburybooksus.bsky.social
ssir.org/books/excerp...
Reposted by Stanford PACS
"As a city leader, I care about people in my community who are experiencing homelessness, but I’m frustrated that we keep being told the only solution is putting more money into the same system. We need to be able to show that this spending works or we will lose residents’ trust."
Could We Radically Redesign Homelessness Services Around Outcomes? (SSIR)
Why the current system is broken and what local governments, nonprofits, and philanthropists could do to change it.
ssir.org
November 3, 2025 at 4:24 PM
"As a city leader, I care about people in my community who are experiencing homelessness, but I’m frustrated that we keep being told the only solution is putting more money into the same system. We need to be able to show that this spending works or we will lose residents’ trust."