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March 18, 2009, 12:02 PM ET
Foundation Watchdog Praises California Arts Contribution
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy last month riled some foundation feathers by recommending that grant makers spend at least half of their grant dollars to help the poor, minorities, and other disadvantaged people.
While some critics said the foundation watchdog’s proposal would hurt giving to the arts and other causes not directly related to fighting poverty, Aaron Dorfman, the committee’s executive director, is applauding a recent gift to the arts.
The former head of the Walt Disney Company, Michael Eisner, through his family foundation donated $1.25-million to finance an arts program for Los Angeles schools.
On his organization’s blog, Mr. Dorfman writes the “gift is a perfect example of how foundations can simultaneously promote the causes they care about (in this case, the arts) and benefit marginalized communities.”
He says the contribution will benefit Los Angeles school children, many of whom are from low-income families.
“If you’re an arts funder, we’re not saying you should start funding social services for the poor. We are saying you should look for ways to include underserved communities in your grant making, within the context of your mission,” Mr. Dorfman writes.
Read The Chronicle’s article about the committee’s recommendations.
What do you think of Mr. Dorfman’s ideas? Can arts donors do more to include minorities and the less fortunate in their giving? Click on the comment button below to share your views.
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