Lessons for Philanthropy in Quest for Social Change

'Responsive Philanthropy' features women's rights, foundation board diversity and structural racism

WASHINGTON, Aug. 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (www.ncrp.org) released today the summer issue of "Responsive Philanthropy." The issue of the quarterly journal looks at lessons for philanthropy from three major foundations on the importance of women's rights and gender equality, navigating the path towards diversity among trustees, and addressing unconscious racial biases and structures in efforts to bring about a fairer, more just and democratic world.

In the cover story, Kavita Ramdas of the Global Fund for Women examines the great benefits of investing in the well-being and empowerment of women around the world. "It always has been crystal clear that advancing women's rights, increasing their access  to technology, education, political participation and economic autonomy not only enables women to be a powerful force for change, but it is one of the most effective ways to realize a more sustainable, democratic and just future for us all," she writes.

Sherry Magill, president of the Jessie Ball duPont Fund, describes the fund's commitment to good governance by overturning the structure mandated in the will of Mrs. DuPont to put in place a larger, more diverse board of trustees. Six years into the new structure, Magill shares how things are going for the board and how their conversations now are stronger and more creative.

In "Healing America: A Funder's Commitment to Racial Justice," Gail Christopher of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation candidly shares lessons from what seemed to be a successful adoption program that turned out to be a failure when viewed through a racial equity lens. She examines the nation's racialized social and opportunity structures, and how the foundation's community-based racial healing program is a critical complement to its broader grantmaking strategy.

This issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" also features the work of the Human Services Coalition, a nonprofit organization in Miami that connects impoverished residents with economic and health care services that can help them.

Free to NCRP members, "Responsive Philanthropy" (http://www.ncrp.org/responsive-philanthropy) is available to non-members for $25 annually. To subscribe, please visit our website, where you also can view for free articles from our "Responsive Philanthropy Article Archive" (http://www.ncrp.org/publications/responsive-pubs/rp-archive). For a complimentary media copy, contact Meredith Brodbeck at mbrodbeck[at]ncrp.org.

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