Press Releases

WASHINGTON ­­­­- The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) today released Understanding Social Justice Philanthropy, a paper marking the first stage of the organization's current research project on the subject.  The paper explores the meaning of social justice philanthropy and sets the stage for a report later this year that will assess the size and scope of the field and offer recommendations for practitioners.

"We are starting with an interdisciplinary definition of social justice philanthropy that embraces change beyond charity," said John Hunsaker, NCRP's research associate and director of the organization's social justice research project. Hunsaker co-authored the paper, along with Brenda Hanzl, NCRP's former research intern. "This paper sets forth that definition and lays the groundwork for the next phases of the project, in which we will survey social justice grantmakers and issue a report of findings and recommendations to help improve their effectiveness."

NCRP's Understanding Social Justice Philanthropy paper, copyright ©2003 by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, is available at www.ncrp.org/sjpaper.pdf on NCRP's Web site. The paper may be reprinted, in whole or in part, with written permission from and proper citation of NCRP.  Members of the media interested in more information on NCRP's social justice research project are encouraged to contact Sloan C. Wiesen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 387-9177.  Others seeking additional information on this project may contact John Hunsaker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (202) 387-9177.

"Like all of NCRP's work, our research program aims to understand and improve philanthropic practices - with a particular eye toward advancing social justice," said NCRP Research Director Jeff Krehely.  "So, naturally, we are very enthusiastic about this project's specific focus on illuminating and enhancing the work of social justice philanthropists."