A Call for Foundations to Make Big Changes in Accountability
By Anne W. Howard
Chronicle of Philanthropy
February 22, 2007Building Solid Foundations: New Approaches to Substantive Philanthropic Accountability, by Rick Cohen, asks, "What kind of difference should foundations make in our society?" Mr. Cohen looks at what foundations do — and what they ought to do — to deserve tax-exempt status, and to whom they should hold themselves accountable. He presents three arguments against an increase in the federal requirement that foundations disburse at least 5 percent of their assets, on average, every year, and then rebuts each one. In addition, he discusses how and why foundations must diversify their boards; describes how nonprofit groups, foundations, and activists might organize a campaign to "push the philanthropic sector toward a role in promoting democracy"; and explores other issues relevant to foundation accountability.
Publisher: National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, 2001 S Street, N.W., Suite 620, Washington, D.C. 20009; (202) 387-9177; fax (202) 332-5084; http://www.ncrp.org; 55 pages; $12.50 for members, $25 for nonmembers.
© 2007 Chronicle of Philanthropy. All rights reserved.
