Glen Galaich: How Foundations Endow the Problem–Not the Solution

Jun 26

Glen Galaich: How Foundations Endow the Problem–Not the Solution

In this rich and timely episode of The PlayFull Podcast, host Kristine Michie reconnects with Glen Galaich of the Stupski Foundation for a bold and deeply reflective conversation. Drawing on the insights of many in the philanthropy space navigating choppy waters, Glen dissects what it means to show up differently in this moment of societal and sectoral reckoning. Listeners will find inspiration, clarity, and a challenge to reimagine execution, collaboration, and impact with urgency, courage, and play at the center.

Key Takeaways:

Grantees should confidently ask for what they truly need—even if it's far beyond past funding—pushing foundations to confront their moral responsibility.
Foundation leaders must stop protecting endowments and start using those assets now to defend and sustain civil society.
Boards and donors should adopt clear sunset strategies, ending the default assumption that foundations must exist forever.
Philanthropy professionals can reclaim wellbeing through consistent creative habits—Glen’s early morning guitar practice offers one example.
Philanthropy’s greatest failure isn’t imagination, it’s execution—many bold ideas already exist but go unrealized.
The Gates Foundation’s accelerated spend-down signals a major shift, with potential to reshape large-scale philanthropy's purpose and impact.
Tax legislation threats are exposing the fragility of the sector’s self-preservation instinct, forcing a long-overdue reckoning with how and why philanthropic wealth is stored.

"Please, not fight for their endowments. Instead, use your endowments, even if it costs you your existence, to protect civil society." — Glen Galaich

"Foundations talk often about wanting to be available to do good work in the future. And I often ask, well, why would we want you doing good work in the future when you're not doing the best work now? Like, what means you're going to be great later?" — Glen Galaich

"It's still the American people saying, just a reminder, we let you have these dollars to play with, foundations, because we think you're interesting people, and you're going to use it for charitable purposes. That's why we get to do it." — Glen Galaich

More about Glen Galaich:

Glen Galaich, Ph.D., is the CEO of the Stupski Foundation, where he leads efforts to return philanthropic wealth to the communities it was intended to serve. A vocal advocate for spend-down philanthropy, Glen is committed to supporting equity, justice, and dignity by challenging extractive foundation practices and investing in frontline organizations. With over two decades of experience in philanthropy and human rights, he brings a direct and honest approach to advancing systemic change alongside community leaders. Glen serves on the boards of Article3.org, Next River, Northern California Grantmakers, and Forward Global.

Connect with Glen:

Website: https://stupski.org/break-fake-rules/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/glengalaich

Break Fake Rules Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/break-fake-rules/id1725175883

Connect with Kristine:

Website: https://www.impactfullinc.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactfull_inc

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-breese-michie/