Martha Ramirez

The Liberty Hill Foundation may not be a big national name, but in Los Angeles, its self-description as a “home for progressive philanthropy” is a fitting title. Since its founding in 1976, the foundation has been a Southern California trailblazer for approaches and practices that the sector has only begun adopting more widely.

In communities across the country, thousands of independent local news organizations provide critical information. As journalism struggles in the face of closures and consolidations — and as billionaires purchase and exert influence over major newspapers — these independent newsrooms not only offer local news coverage; they also serve audiences that are often either under- or misrepresented, including communities of color.

The Museum of Modern Art, where Steve Cohen serves on the board, has been one major recipient. Credit: Gabriele Maltinti/Shutterstock In an era characterized by vast and ever-expanding billionaire wealth, the barons of finance sometimes get less attention than the tech sector’s mega-rich. But that doesn’t mean their fortunes — and potential giving power — aren’t still accumulating at a rapid clip. Steven A.