Friday, November 13, 2009

Philanthropy for the Future (Post #4)

This week I’ll be discussing an article that was published on “Dialogues on Civic Philanthropy”, http://www.civicphilanthropy.net/. Rick Cohen, the former Executive Director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, posted an opinion piece on that website entitled What Can and Should Philanthropy Do in the Future?  This is the LAST post in the series.

Foundations Should Provide Flexible Capital to Nonprofits

Rick Cohen frames this issue very clearly. He believes that foundations must increase grants for core operating support of nonprofits, and I couldn’t agree more. General operating grants provide the kind of funding that is critical for the effective functioning and survival of nonprofits. Period. It isn’t glamorous, cutting edge, or sexy. It’s just necessary, in the truest sense of that word.

The safety net nonprofits literally hold up the sky for our neediest neighbors. We can’t forsake them for the latest and greatest “social entrepreneurship” endeavor that comes along.  Community foundations are well positioned to support the existing, long standing, well managed safety net nonprofits.  Indeed, there probably isn't a better way to deploy the majority of available unrestricted grant dollars in 2010.

His message is clear:  Foundations need to refocus on critical community needs.  Fund the safety net nonprofits and provide them with general operating support whenever possible.

No comments: