Foundation Examines Its Practices Using Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best
"Responsive Philanthropy" also looks at changing nonprofit advocacy rules, capacity building
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (http://www.ncrp.org) released today the winter issue of "Responsive Philanthropy." This issue of the quarterly journal looks at a leading San Francisco foundation that evaluated its own practices using "Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best," building the capacity of nonprofits serving older adults, updating nonprofit advocacy regulations, and a call to transform philanthropy.
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy-Winter10-11-Daniel_Lee.pdf)
In the cover story, Daniel Jae-Won Lee, executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation, shares his experience using the 10 recommendations in "Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best" (http://www.ncrp.org/paib) as a tool to evaluate the foundation's effectiveness. "By applying NCRP's 'outside-in' perspective to our grantmaking, we have been able to validate and hone our approach toward improving our community impact," Lee writes.
Building the Capacity of Nonprofits
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy-Winter10-11-Mary_ODonnell.pdf)
Mary O'Donnell of The Retirement Research Foundation describes how the foundation used its capacity building program to respond to the needs of its grantees during the recession. She offers important lessons for other grantmakers, including flexible and realistic timelines and providing supplemental support beyond grants.
Nonprofit Advocacy Rules for the 21st Century
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy-Winter10-11-Mary_ODonnell.pdf)
Larry Ottinger, president of the Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest, suggests how the IRS' charitable advocacy and lobbying rules can be simplified to encourage foundations and nonprofits to engage more in these activities. He sees these changes as necessary in "helping to change the culture and behaviors that have held back far too many within the sector from meaningful participation in the democratic process."
Diane Feeney, NCRP board chair and director of the French American Charitable Trust, and Aaron Dorfman, NCRP executive director, ask foundations and nonprofits to take three simple actions each to accelerate the transformation of the philanthropic community to one that is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of underserved communities. "Philanthropy can and must do more to contribute to the creation of a fair and just society," Feeney and Dorfman write.
This issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" also highlights the work of the Mertz Gilmore Foundation and its NYC Communities Program. Lukas Haynes, foundation vice president, talks about how consultations with nonprofit partners contributed to a recent program evaluation that resulted in an increased multi-year funding arc for core grantees.
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
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