Responsive Philanthropy Summer ’14

For Immediate Release

Philanthropy Benefits When Those Affected by a Problem Determine the Solution

“Responsive Philanthropy” shares knowledge from innovative alliances, employee-led structures and data sharing efforts

Washington, D.C. (8/28/2014) – The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) today released its summer issue of “Responsive Philanthropy,” featuring pieces by top voices in the philanthropic sector and their efforts to improve their communities. This edition of the journal offers tools and tips for grantmakers who are interested in learning how they, too, can have greater, positive impact on their issues and the world today.

Now, more than ever, is the time for philanthropy to prioritize and empower those with the least wealth and opportunity. If we do, together we will build a more fair and just society. Our writers share stories from their organizations’ challenges and successes to build a picture of a thriving philanthropic community that prioritizes giving help to those who need it the most.

Organizing for Educational Justice: Parents, Students and Labor Join Forces to Reclaim Public Education

In the cover story, the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools explains how it’s been able to bring together historically disparate groups to push back against market-driven education reform. By tapping into long-standing, but previously unlinked, networks in the education community, such as leading teachers unions and other community organizations, and through financial assistance from grantmakers such as the Schott Foundation, AROS has already achieved key victories after just a year in the field.

The Ben & Jerry’s Foundation: Maximizing Impact Through Employee-Led Philanthropy

Rebecca Golden, director of programs at the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, tells the story of the foundation’s adoption of an employee-led structure, and offers tips for other organizations looking to align its mission and values with its structures and processes. Their innovative approach mirrors the foundation’s commitment to social justice causes, and the idea that those with the least power should be in positions to determine the solutions.

Of Data, Impact and Buckyballs in Philanthropy

The Foundation Center’s Larry McGill describes his organization’s innovative approach to data sharing, explaining that, just like grantees, grantmakers should collect and share data about their work. McGill visualizes the philanthropic sector as a buckyball – an interconnected globe of relationships – that only benefits from increased transparency and accountability.

Member Spotlight: The Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock

This edition’s Member Spotlight showcases the Unitarian Universalist Veatch Program at Shelter Rock, a Manhasset, New York-based grantmaker. Veatch Program staff relates how its roots in a Unitarian Universalist faith, focus on community organizing focus and rejection of grantee budgets have strengthened its mission.

These articles, along with articles from previous issues, are available for free on the “Responsive Philanthropy Article 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.

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To request a media copy, please contact Alison Howard at ahoward[at]ncrp.org or call (202) 387-9177 x33.