Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Individuals and families are not the only ones feeling the pinch these days. Nonprofits face a glum forecast in their fundraising, many expecting fewer or smaller grants from foundations. This does not bode well for lower-income people and communities that depend on charitable programs for basic services like community health clinics.

In this quarter’s issue of Responsive Philanthropy, two foundations—the Marguerite Casey Foundation and The California Wellness Foundation—show what philanthropic institutions can do to achieve the maximum impact for their grants. Prof. john a. powell, director of the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity at Ohio University, offers a new paradigm for foundation grantmaking.

“These strategies are among the most effective tools in a foundation’s arsenal that can truly improve people’s lives,” said Aaron Dorfman, executive director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, publisher of the quarterly journal.

The Marguerite Casey Foundation historically has been a staunch supporter of advocacy and organizing. In the lead article, foundation president and CEO Luz Vega-Marquis talks about the 15,000 families that participated in the Equal Voices for America’s Families conference in September. 

“Those families came together around a platform of issues they helped to create,” said Ms. Vega-Marquis. “They called on the country, on lawmakers, and on elected officials to adopt a national platform that addresses comprehensively the economic and social challenges families face.”

Cecilia Laiche from The California Wellness Foundation shares the story of how the foundation’s general support grants enabled a community clinic to continue serving the residents of a densely populated, underserved and impoverished area of South Los Angeles. She also offers tips for funders to consider in providing core support to nonprofits.

“Our grants have buffered clinics through tough economic times,” said Gary L. Yates, president and CEO of The California Wellness Foundation. “[It] allowed them to pursue plans to solidify infrastructure and keep needed services available.”

Prof. powell, a renowned authority on civil rights, poverty and democracy, suggests an inclusive, relationship approach based on the ideas of “structural racialization” for foundation grantmaking in an article by NCRP research director Niki Jagpal.

“Small problems hurt us by enticing us to see things as separate, while big problems are more likely to be seen relationally,” said Prof. powell. “It is important for foundations and communities not only to do multi-issue work, but to see issues in relationship.”

Finally, Aaron Dorfman, executive director of NCRP, offers a glimpse of how trade associations like the Council on Foundations and the Association of Small Foundations talk about government regulation, foundation lobbying and the excise tax.

Free to NCRP members, Responsive Philanthropy is also available to non-members for $25 annually. 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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