Press Releases

Philanthropy News Digest (PND) published Tuesday an interview with Rick Cohen, longtime executive director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), recognizing him as a Newsmaker and leader in philanthropy.

The interview, conducted by Mitch Nauffts, PND Editorial Director, explores the relationship between accountability and foundation effectiveness, the relevance of ideological labels in philanthropy, and philanthropy's role in strengthening democracy and the democratic process.

"Fundamentally, NCRP believes in making philanthropy more democratic. Philanthropy in the United States is still structured around a highly undemocratic dynamic, with few opportunities for the voices of communities, nonprofits, and their constituents to be heard," said Cohen in the interview.

Cohen served as executive director of NCRP for over seven years before resigning in September. He is credited with strengthening NCRP's profile as the nation's premier philanthropic watchdog organization.

As part of the Foundation Center's 50th anniversary celebration, PND Newsmakers is featuring a series of special interviews throughout 2006 that are intended to illuminate both the current state and future of American philanthropy. Interviews can be viewed at http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/newsmakers/.

Founded in 1976, the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy is dedicated to helping the philanthropic community advance the traditional values of social and economic justice for all Americans.  Committed to helping funders more effectively serve the most disadvantaged Americans, NCRP is a national watchdog, research and advocacy organization that promotes public accountability and accessibility among foundations, corporate grantmakers, individual donors and workplace giving programs.  For more information on NCRP or to join, please visit www.ncrp.org or call (202) 387-9177.