June 26, 2009
Can Foundations 'Agree to Agree' About Some Principles?
Recent recommendations on good grant making by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy have divided foundation leaders, but there are key points the nonprofit world seems to agree on — and can do something about, says the Alliance for Justice.
On the Washington group’s blog, Sue Hoechstetter, the organization’s senior adviser for foundation advocacy, says both supporters and critics of the committee would seem to agree on its recommendations that foundations increase advocacy work and provide more operating support for charities.
And where there is common ground, she hopes that philanthropic leaders will work together to make changes.
For example, she suggests, “With much of the nonprofit sector experiencing economic crises, and general support funding on the decrease, the Philanthropy Roundtable and Council on Foundations could together develop a strategic campaign to increase their members’ general support grant making.”
Read The Chronicle’s article about the controversy surrounding the committee’s proposals. (A paid subscription or free temporary pass is required to view the article.)
What do you think? Are there principles proposed by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy that foundations can universally agree upon?
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Considering the current economic climate, foundations should agree to not grant money to nonprofit organizations that have endowments larger than one year’s operating budget. In this way, organizations with large endowments will have to spend-down some of their endowment to survive, while more foundation dollars are directed toward quality human services that need the money to meet the needs in their communities.
— Kevin Feldman Jun 29, 10:56 PM #