The Capital Research Center, a think tank in Washington, and the Pew Charitable Trusts, in Philadelphia, are butting heads over what the philanthropic goals were of Pew’s founders.

Martin Morse Wooster, senior fellow at the center who has written a book about the intentions of wealthy donors, argues that the Pew nonprofit organization has violated the conservative pro-business values of Joseph N. Pew and J. Howard Pew, who started the group. After the two died, he wrote, “the funds they created were taken over by people who did not share their values and beliefs and had no ties to them.”

Not so, responds Rebecca W. Rimel, Pew’s chief executive officer.

In a letter posted on the center’s blog, Ms. Rimel writes, “If Mr. Wooster had done his homework, he would know that the chairman of the Pew board is J. Howard Pew II. His brother, J.N. Pew IV, MD, is also a director. In fact, there are six descendants of the founders currently serving on our board. ‘No ties’? I don’t think so!”

On the blog, Mr. Wooster concedes that members of the Pew family sit on the charity’s board, “but it’s my understanding that these board members do not speak publicly about Pew’s activities.”

What do you think? Has Pew violated its donors’ values? Does the
family’s representation on the Pew board negate such charges? Click on the comments link below this post to share your thoughts.