By William A. Schambra
Chroncile of Philanthropy
April 23, 2009
If the foundation watchdog group National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy intended its new report "Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best" to stir vigorous debate about the means and ends of grant making, it has succeeded beyond its wildest dreams.
The major philanthropy associations, foundation presidents, and philanthropy blogs have all weighed in, many taking issue with its benchmarks, which include recommendations that at least 50 percent of a foundation's grant dollars go to the poor and disadvantaged, and that in all their grant making, foundations reserve 50 percent of grants for general operating support and 25 percent for advocacy efforts.
Amid the welcome debate the report precipitated was one sour note: The California Wellness Foundation chose to rescind its $10,000 grant to the watchdog group, as well as its membership listing.
