Bella DeVaan

Program Director
x
Bella DeVaan is the Director of the Charity Reform Initiative and the Deputy Director of the Program on Inequality and the Common Good. Previously, DeVaan developed policy and communications for campaigns in New York City and Washington State and taught high school students through Columbia University’s Freedom and Citizenship program. DeVaan graduated cum laude with a B.A. in American Studies from Columbia University, where she studied inequality and philanthropy. She currently resides in Brooklyn.

Latest by Bella

Economic Justice | Articles

Prospects for Increased Foundation Payout in 2026
Putting more money in the pockets of everyday donors can restore fairness and accountability to the nonprofit sector.

Economic Justice | Articles

Billionaires Promised to Give Wealth Away — So Why Are They Richer Than Ever?

Even the billionaires who’ve promised to donate their wealth can’t seem to make a dent in it.

Economic Justice | Articles

These Billionaires Pledged To Give Away Their Wealth. Instead, Most Are Getting Wealthier.

Charitable contributions simply aren't keeping up with what could be raised from a fairer tax code.

Economic Justice | Reports

The Giving Pledge at 15

15 years on, the Giving Pledge is unfulfilled, unfulfillable, and not our ticket to a fairer, better future.

Economic Justice | Articles

Meet the Donor-Advised Funds That Are Meeting the Moment

Good practices are out there, but these practices need to be the rule, not the exception.
See more of Bella's content

Reports by Bella

See all Bella's reports

Bella In the news

See all Bella's media mentions

Help IPS turn progressive policy ideas into action

Unlike many research organizations, we’re not bankrolled by big corporations or any part of the government. As an ally to people-powered movements, we have to be people-powered ourselves. When you make a one-time gift or a monthly donation, you help build the better future we all want.

Skip to content

Our project sites