Media Statement by Steve Gunderson, president and CEO, Council on Foundations
Re: National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy's Publication Philanthropy at its Best
Date: March 2, 2009
Monica Wroblewski
703.879.0678
mediarequests@cof.org
Council on Foundations
Arlington, VA
The Council on Foundations supports the diversity of philanthropy—in our members' missions, our work, and our people. We do so because diversity of purpose and perspective defines the mission of each philanthropic organization. Given this belief, we cannot endorse mandates, or imposed measures that seek to promote a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that the combination of voluntary leadership promoting diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by the Council's work in this area, combined with a rejection of mandatory government regulations will best promote philanthropy—in size and service to society.
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy's (NCRP) publication, Philanthropy at its Best, suggests the use of a single set of measures to strengthen philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. While the Council on Foundations shares NCRP's goal of building a strong sector, we reject the use of a single template to promote effective philanthropy. Each foundation is different in its structure, mission, place of work, and pursuit of goals.
The series of writings released by NCRP on this subject contributes to the discussion of these matters. That, in itself, is valuable in our democracy. And NCRP's leaders are entitled to their view of what is ideal and admirable. But we hope there will be a serious and substantive conversation focused on the variety of ways we can enhance the work of philanthropy and serve the common good. As part of this, we encourage NCRP to recognize and celebrate the diversity of our field, and to work with us and others in the sector to find new ways to grow and leverage resources, including new public/private partnerships.
The membership of the Council on Foundations:
- Engages all communities: We embrace diversity within our sector—in who we are; in the mission of each foundation; and in how the foundations seek to achieve positive change in society. According to a recent report by the Foundation Center, in 2007, 26 percent of grant-maker dollars were spent on human services work; 20 percent on education; 14 percent on arts and culture; 13 percent on health; 11.5 percent on public affairs and society benefit (which includes civil rights and social justice spending); 3.5 percent on religion; and 1.8 percent on science and technology. This kind of diversity of mission is vital to philanthropy's role as an innovative change agent across issue areas.
- Invests in the health, growth, and effectiveness of our nonprofit partners: Our membership is on track with this important value, with recent surveys showing that the largest foundations distributed 13 percent more in 2007 than in 2006, despite signs of significant economic downturn at the end of the year. And many of our members are pledging to hold firm with existing commitments in 2009, and are looking for ways to leverage even more resources to their nonprofit partners.
- Promotes and supports accountability and transparency: Every sector of the Council's membership has adopted “The Stewardship Principles and Best Practices” to guide the work of each individual foundation and corporate giving program. Today, for example, our community foundations are engaged in adopting a set of national certifiable standards, and every other sector advocates aspirational standards defining its commitment to ethics and effectiveness.
- Engages our assets in support of our mission: Certainly the Council, on behalf of its membership, and also the vast and diverse membership of the Council, has a strong track record of ensuring standards for accounting and spending that comply with the best standards and practices in the field.
Diversity, innovation, and creativity are at the very heart and soul of philanthropy. And within the many values that are important to our field, the Council on Foundations and its members are committed to pursuing the highest standards of public service and public confidence in our work.
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