Three weeks ago, CEP and 21 other organizations published an open letter to foundations making the case for nonprofit infrastructure organizations and their crucial importance to helping foundations and nonprofits be as effective as they can be in their work. The letter, entitled “Investing in Infrastructure,” was sent to more than 1,400 foundation leaders.
In the time since the letter’s release, two more organizations have signed on (the Communications Network and DataArts), bringing the total number of signatories to 24: CEP, BBB WiseGiving/Give.org, BoardSource, the Center for High Impact Philanthropy, the Communications Network, the Council on Foundations, D5, DataArts, Exponent Philanthropy, the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, Foundation Center, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO), GlobalGiving, GuideStar, Media Impact Funders, National Council of Nonprofits, Nonprofit Finance Fund, Nonprofit Quarterly, the Philanthropy Workshop, Social Finance, Stanford PACS, Stanford Social Innovation Review, TechSoup, and VolunteerMatch.
It’s been fascinating to follow along with the ongoing conversation about the campaign and the unique and meaningful work that infrastructure organizations do. Thanks to GuideStar, one of the signatories, for compiling and publishing this list of blog posts and news articles about the letter, including this post from CEP President Phil Buchanan. It’s a big list, and the breadth of the organizations represented and ideas discussed showcases the many different important areas in which infrastructure organizations contribute to the sector.
We look forward to seeing this conversation continue. What are your thoughts about foundations and giving to nonprofit infrastructure? Do you have any stories of impact to share about how a funder responded to the letter? Weigh in in the comment section below.
Ethan McCoy is senior writer – development and communications at CEP.
