The release of Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best: Benchmarks to Assess and Enhance Grantmaker Impact in 2009 helped focus the conversation in the philanthropic sector to who benefits from foundation giving and which practices lead to impact and results.
Criteria was the first ever set of measurable guidelines that helped foundations and other institutional grant makers operate ethically and maximize the impact of their dollars.
PHILANTHROPY AT ITS BEST SERVES THE PUBLIC GOOD, NOT PRIVATE INTEREST.
The public has a legitimate interest in the use of philanthropic resources. Donors receive the privilege of tax deduction for charitable donations and tax exemption on investments.
Foundations and other philanthropic institutions, therefore, have a responsibility to use their resources for the public good.
PHILANTHROPY AT ITS BEST
EMPLOYS GRANTMAKING PRACTICES THAT
MOST EFFECTIVELY HELP NONPROFITS
ACHIEVE THEIR MISSIONS.
Grantmakers have a responsibility to listen to the needs, concerns and criticisms of their nonprofit partners and respond to what they hear, trusting that nonprofit leaders possess deep wisdom about what they need in order to most effectively achieve their missions and address critical societal needs.