Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) released today the fall issue of Responsive Philanthropy. In this issue, NCRP announces its vision of “philanthropy at its best” that will guide the organization’s programming into the next five years. It also delves into philanthropic strategies for community-led education reform, asks why foundations should support grassroots organizing and whether foundations are responding to the needs of marginalized communities.

“‘Philanthropy at its best’ takes on a new meaning,” said Aaron Dorfman, NCRP’s executive director. “It’s a fresh way of looking at a standard of excellence that we hope foundations and other grantmakers will achieve.”

In the issue, Dorfman writes about what NCRP means by “responsive philanthropy” and the new approach to being the premiere philanthropic watchdog group. He gives readers an overview of the strategic plan, which was approved during the organization’s board meeting last month.

Julie Kohler, director of evaluation and program manager for Public Interest Projects’ Communities for Public Education Reform program, offers a look at how foundations can get involved in education reform. She shares insights on how her funder collaborative is joining the fight to ensure our country’s children have equitable access to quality public education.

Christine Ahn, NCRP board member and a fellow at the Korea Policy Institute, explores why grassroots organizations should pursue foundation grants. She issues a challenge to both foundations and social change organizations to democratize philanthropy.

Finally, in its comments to the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight, NCRP tackles the long-standing debate on the role of philanthropy in society, the implications of tax exemptions and the ultimate beneficiaries of philanthropic dollars. It explains why it gives the country’s foundations a failing grade in responding to the needs of marginalized communities.
 
Subscriptions to Responsive Philanthropy are free to NCRP members, and are also available to non-members for $25 annually for four issues. To subscribe, please visit www.ncrp.org. For a complimentary media copy, contact Yna Moore ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

NCRP 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. For more information on NCRP or to join, please visit www.ncrp.org or call (202) 387-9177.

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