Research With Results
Our staff monitors philanthropic practices and carefully and systematically researches potential areas for reform that can make a positive, progressive difference for nonprofits and the communities they serve. We have long advocated for significantly improving philanthropic accountability and responsiveness. With our recommendations for reform, we hope to bring a sense of democratic and fair governance and oversight to the billions of dollars held in the trust of the sector.
A History of Impact
Since 1976, our research and campaigns have contributed to vital improvements in the philanthropic sector, such as:
- Led the campaign to get foundations to publish annual reports. Now many foundations have institutionalized annual reporting, significantly improving transparency in the sector.
- Challenged United Way's monopoly on workplace giving. This has paved the way for many alternative funds that focus on social justice, and for the United Way to support more advocacy efforts.
- Contested the Combined Federal Campaign's ban on advocacy organizations. Nonprofits that engage in policy advocacy now receive more than $50 million annually from federal employees through the CFC collection.
- Called on community foundations to be more responsive to underserved populations. Many now provide significantly more support for lower-income communities and communities of color.
- Helped define social justice philanthropy. We continue to influence the structure and direction of social justice giving.
- Highlighted the effectiveness of conservative philanthropy's approach to public policy. This influenced progressive grantmakers to be more strategic in pursuit of their goals.
Learn about our ongoing initiatives
View complete list of publications
Comprehensive Outreach
Change can only happen when everyone who is affected has a seat at the table and has an opportunity to speak. Recognizing that we would not be as effective if we worked with only foundations, we make a concerted effort to collaborate with our colleagues in nonprofit organizations, the media and with local, regional and national policy makers.
Organizational Evaluation
To assess NCRP's influence over philanthropic practices in the U.S., the organization carried out its first-ever organizational evaluation with the TCC Group in 2010. The TCC Group reviewed internal documents and data, conducted in-depth interviews with more than two dozen sector leaders, and surveyed hundreds of grantmakers and nonprofits. Explore some of NCRP's key findings from this process and read the executive summary from the evaluation report.
