Addressing Inequities by Engaging Those Most Affected

"Responsive Philanthropy" looks at building new constituencies for the environmental movement, charitable giving as absolution, rising economic inequality and more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (www.ncrp.org) released today the winter issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" (http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12.pdf). This issue of the quarterly journal looks at funding grassroots organizing for environmental change, using charity as moral enhancement, addressing social inequality in the United States and activist-advised grantmaking.

New Constituencies for the Environment: A Case Study
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12_Deane.pdf)

In the cover story, Danielle Deane explores the impact of funding grassroots organizing for environmental change. She looks at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation's "New Constituencies for the Environment" initiative and how it strengthened the environmental movement in California by expanding the range of groups advocating for clean air.

Philanthropy Makes Amends? Bad Boys, Generosity and Absolution (and When to Take Their Name Off the Building)
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12_Pratt.pdf)

Minnesota Council of Nonprofits executive director Jon Pratt examines the use of charitable donations as moral enhancement and how large gifts can complicate the workings of major institutions that wish not be used as public foils.

Philanthropy and Inequality: What's the Relationship?
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12_Laskowski.pdf)

NCRP research and policy associate Kevin Laskowski discusses how the philanthropic sector has grown in the midst of rising economic inequality in the United States, and makes the case for greater responsiveness on these issues.

The Funding Exchange Model of Grantmaking
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12_Heisler.pdf)

Barbara Heisler, executive director of the Funding Exchange, describes the network's unique grantmaking model and how it has allowed member foundations to support social movements and tackle the root causes of poverty and injustice in new ways.

This issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" also features the work of The California Endowment (http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/ResponsivePhilanthropy_Winter2011-12_Member-CAendowment.pdf), a foundation that works to expand access to affordable, quality health care for underserved individuals and communities.

These articles, along with articles from previous issues, are available for free on the "Responsive Philanthropy Article Archive" (http://www.ncrp.org/publications/responsive-pubs/rp-archive). Hard copy subscriptions to "Responsive Philanthropy" are complimentary for NCRP members and cost $25 for non-members.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness. Visit www.ncrp.org.

SOURCE National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy