Opportunities for Better Philanthropy "Responsive Philanthropy" Also Looks at the Disability Rights Movement, Organized Labor, Transparency and More

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (http://www.ncrp.org) released today the spring issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" (http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011.pdf). This issue of the quarterly journal looks at four concrete ways that philanthropy can improve: effectively supporting the disability rights movement, working with unions, increasing transparency and providing multi-year and general operating support grants.

Philanthropy's Blind Spot: The Disability Rights Movement
(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011-Dickson.pdf)

In this cover story, Jim Dickson, board member of The Needmor Fund and the Aid Association for the Blind of the District of Columbia, candidly asks, "Why are people with disabilities not considered, from a funder's perspective, to be among the poor, underrepresented and disenfranchised?" He also points out that current grantmaking practices often overlook the need to eliminate barriers that systemically marginalize people with disabilities.

In the Limelight Again: Why Labor Unions Matter to Philanthropy

(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011-Ranghelli.pdf)

Lisa Ranghelli, director of NCRP's Grantmaking for Community Impact Project, looks at why foundations should not ignore unions. She suggests ways that philanthropy can work with organized labor to advance their missions and offers some helpful resources.

Advancing Transparency in Philanthropy

(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011-AdvancingTransparency.pdf)

Responsive Philanthropy interviewed Janet Camarena about the Foundation Center's "Glasspockets" initiative. Glasspockets began in January 2010 as an online tool for promoting transparency and accountability practices among foundations.

What Philanthropy Can Learn from Bankers about General Support and Multi-Year Grants

(http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011-Dobson.pdf)

Sean Dobson, field director at NCRP, argues that foundations need to go beyond building a "trusting, respectful and listening partnership with grantees" to avoid imposing unnecessary and burdensome reporting requirements. He offers some comparisons – and lessons – for foundations from bankers on the use of general support and multi-year grants.

This issue of "Responsive Philanthropy" also highlights the efforts of the National People's Action (http://www.ncrp.org/files/rp-articles/Responsive_Philanthropy_Spring2011-Member-NationalPeoplesAction.pdf) to advance economic and racial justice across the country. Jeff Pinzino, NPA's development director, talks about "Showdown in America," an ongoing campaign that challenges banks to help get the economy on the road to recovery.

These articles, along with articles from previous issues, are available for free on the "Responsive Philanthropy Article Archive" (http://www.ncrp.org/publications/responsive-pubs/rp-archive). Hard copy subscriptions to "Responsive Philanthropy" are complimentary for NCRP members and may be purchased by non-members.

The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy in Washington, D.C. 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. Visit www.ncrp.org.

SOURCE National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy

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