News

The tobacco industry contributed nearly $54 million to state-level candidates, political parties, and ballot measure campaigns leading up to the 2012 elections, according to a new report, published by the National Institute on Money in State Politics.

The United States is at its best when there's a shared understanding of its national purpose, Stephen Heintz, president of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, wrote in an essay for The American Prospect's November/December issue. In his essay, "A New Pledge of Principles," Heintz argues that the solutions must come from nonpartisan collaboration.

The Arab Human Rights Fund was recognized as the regional foundation of the year at the Middle East Philanthropy Awards on December 9, 2012. Launched this year by Campden Wealth and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, the awards highlight the cultural and social philanthropic efforts of individuals, organizations, and initiatives in the Arab region of the Middle East.

Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee Crisis Action, Inc. is one of seven winners of the Skoll Foundation's 2013 Skoll Awards for Social Entrepreneurship, which was announced on December 20, 2012. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, Crisis Action is being recognized for its far-reaching impact on peace and human security practices across continents.

On December 5, 2012, Forum for Civic Initiatives (FIQ) celebrated the role of philanthropy in helping to develop Kosovo's nascent economy, during its fourth annual Fides Awards ceremony. The Fides Awards recognized five organizations and individuals, who have shown an extraordinary commitment to investing in Kosovo and its citizens through philanthropy.

On December 6, 2012, Partners Albania, Center for Change and Conflict Management recognized five groups and individuals for their contributions to philanthropy in Albania, at its second annual Philanthropy Awards ceremony. The Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee recognized individuals, families, and businesses for their generosity and commitment to improving the quality of life for fellow Albanians.

While international sanctions against Iran have slowed the expansion of its nuclear program, they also have complicated geopolitical relations for the United States. The Iran Project, a Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee, offers more analysis of the benefits and consequences of imposing sanctions against the country in the second of its series of reports on relations with Iran.

A recent New York Times article credits 350.org, a Rockefeller Brothers Fund grantee, for playing an instrumental role in the latest national movement of students encouraging their colleges and universities to divest endowment holdings in fossil fuel companies. Bill McKibben, 350.org's founder, has been visiting campuses across the country, speaking to sold-out audiences about sustainable investment initiatives and the effects they could have on climate change.

RBF grantee The Association Oktopus recognized winners of its Green Games competition at a ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia on December 4, 2012. Nearly 600 elementary and middle school students from 58 Serbian municipalities competed by developing video games with environmental themes. Winners were chosen by Serbian citizens, who voted via text message.

Artists in Motion looks at the lives of four artists as they develop and share their struggles, inspirations, and creative work. The  artists include: Claudia Acuña, vocalist, The Jazz Gallery; Tania Bruguera, performance artist, Creative Time; Fran Romo, dancer, Gallim Dance; and Jose Zayas, director, Spanish Theatre Repertory Company.