Joel Orosz draws connections between current political leanings and historical examples of populist criticism of foundations.
Déjà Vu (or 1969) All over Again?
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Blog
The CEP blog aims to offer a range of perspectives, experiences, and opinions related to effective philanthropic practice. We welcome submissions that address crucial issues facing individual and institutional donors and are not self-promotional in nature. The views expressed in these posts are not necessarily CEP’s own.
The Foundation: An Abiding American Mystery
CEP guest blogger Joel Orosz, PhD, reacts to findings of a survey published by the Philanthropy Awareness Initiative (PAI) that shows that even the most engaged citizens are in the dark when it comes to the accomplishments of foundations.
Introducing Guest Blogger Joel Orosz
Phil Buchanan introduces guest blogger Joel Orosz, PhD, distinguished professor of philanthropic studies at the Johnson Center for Philanthropy at Grand Valley State University.
Funders Should Do More to Help Nonprofits Build Evidence
Ellie Buteau, PhD urges funders to proactively offer grantees resources as they collect evidence of their effectiveness, rather than demanding proof of grantees’ impact without first supporting data collection efforts.
Experimental Design Can Be a Powerful Evaluation Tool
Ellie Buteau, PhD defends experimental design as an informative and rigorous means of assessment.
A Dose of Honesty: Expectations
Kevin Bolduc encourages funders to be clear about setting grantees’ expectations for processes and requirements, noting it will lay a foundation for greater trust and understanding.
A Dose of Honesty: The Tyranny of the Anecdote
Kevin Bolduc shares a few scathing examples of grantee comments about foundations, but urges funders not to let these colorful perceptions distract from important insights that other grantees may be offering in a Grantee Perception Report.
Philanthropy and the Social Contract: What Comes Next
Georgia Levenson Keohane asks, “Just what kind of society do we want to live in? What is the role of government? Of markets? And can philanthropy fill in the gaps?”
Foundation Philanthropy and the Power of PRIs
Georgia Levenson Keohane discusses PRIs and why more foundations should use them.
Some New Trousers for Foundations, with Glass Pockets
Phil Buchanan applauds Foundation Center’s new website, www.glasspockets.com, which aims to “bring transparency to the world of foundations.”