California
2010 Philanthropy Roundtable Annual Meeting—- Coverage of ACR sessions
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports on the ACR session “Right, Left & Center: Why They Each Have a Stake in Philanthropic Freedom” at the 2010 annual meeting.
Here’s an excerpt:
Making the case that philanthropic dollars do good and benefit society isn’t going to be enough to convince lawmakers and the public that foundations deserve the freedom and tax benefits they now enjoy, William Kristol, the conservative commentator, told an audience at the Philanthropy Roundtable’s annual meeting.
Click here for the full article.
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The Washington Legal Foundation just published its Summer 2010 edition of Conversations With…
Conversations With… The Honorable Dick Thornburgh, Dr. Larry P. Arnn, Heather R. Higgins, and Adam Meyerson
This edition is dedicated to threats to philanthropic freedom and features Former Attorney General of the United States and Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh leading a discussion with Dr. Larry P. Arnn, President of Hillsdale College; Heather R. Higgins, President and Director of The Randolph Foundation; and Adam Meyerson, President of The Philanthropy Roundtable. The three reflect on the American tradition of philanthropy and the growing movement to impose further government regulation on the philanthropic world.
Further Reading
Washington Examiner reports on Greenlining’s efforts in California and beyond
The Washington Examiner has printed a week-long investigative series on Greenlining’s past and current activities.
Below are links to the full series:
Day 1 (4/12/10)
Article: Radical Greenlining Institute perfected legal bank heists
Sidebar: Greenlining founders emerged from civil right movement
Day 2 (4/13/10)
Article: Uncle Sam opens the bank vault to activists
Sidebar: Two peas in a pod?
Day 3 (4/14/10)
Article: The Little bank that fought back
Sidebar: More info on Greenlining
Day 4 (4/15/10)
Article: California bill pushed ‘diversity’ standards on charities
Sidebar: Bullets in Greenlining’s ‘diversity gun’
Day 5 (4/16/10)
Article: Greenlining hits the road, targets private foundations
Sidebar: Is Greenlining in financial trouble?
For more background information on this legislation, click the “AB 624” tag below.
Adam Meyerson, president of The Philanthropy Roundtable, recently delivered a speech entitled “The Generosity of America” as part of a lecture series sponsored by Hillsdale College’s Allan P. Kirby, Jr. Center for Constitutional Studies and Citizenship.
Adam notes “Private charitable giving is at the heart and soul of public discourse in our democracy. It makes possible our great think tanks, whether left, right or center. Name a great issue of public debate today: climate change, the role of government in health care, school choice, stem cell research, same-sex marriage. On all these issues, private philanthropy enriches debate by enabling organizations with diverse viewpoints to articulate and spread their message.”
He cautions us though, warning “this freedom to give is now under serious threat… three kinds of proposals coming from Capitol Hill, the IRS, state governments, and sometimes from the charitable sector itself, that should be of concern to all Americans.”
The full article is available here.
Statement by Terrence Scanlon, President of Capital Research Center
Excerpt:
“A newly released report from the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) signals the latest step in a continuing war on donors being waged by nonprofit radical advocacy groups with a leftwing political agenda. These groups, representing political activists and special interests, have developed a social theory to justify the claims they make on philanthropists’ money. According to them, philanthropy betrays its highest ideals unless it gives them grants…”
Full the full statement, download the document below.
Further Reading
Washington Examiner
Op-ed by William E. Simon Jr.
Excerpt: “America is the most charitable country on earth. Our citizens have stepped forward with their resources because of an historic tradition that encourages and provides them with the freedom to support causes they believe in. The direction of these resources is not dictated by government or political parties, but instead by the powerful tool of donor intent which is recognized as the most effective means for distribution. This freedom of choice encourages mission, focus and creativity thereby benefiting thousands upon thousands of worthy causes…”
Further Reading
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
The Chronicle of Philanthropy reports on the new report from NCRP, “Criteria for Philanthropy at Its Best”.
Exceprt: “Foundations should spend at least half of their grant dollars to help poor neighborhoods and minorities, a foundation watchdog group here said today as part of a series of recommendations on how grant makers should improve their giving and management. The proposal by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy received support from a member of Congress and at least 120 charitable leaders, but several associations that represent foundations have criticized it, arguing that the approach would stifle philanthropy.
Further Reading
Commentary by Heather Higgins, Forbes
Heather Higgins, Vice-Chairman of The Philanthropy Roundtable, comments on the new report by NCRP on foundation grantmaking.
Excerpt: “If the health and viability of the charitable sector matters to you, if the charities you care about are supported by foundations and particularly if you think the work foundations do is important, brace yourself. The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), has produced a report misleadingly titled “Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best; Measurable Benchmarks to Assess Foundation Performance…”
Further Reading
ACR continues to identify and respond to challenges to the charitable community in the states as well, particularly those originating from interest groups and activist organizations. For example, last year the California Legislature considered AB 624, a bill that would have significantly increased onerous reporting requirements for foundations and their grantees. The legislation was promoted by Greenlining Institute, an aggressive activist organization.
We believe the impetus for comprehensive reporting was merely a veil for the true goal - influencing and ultimately directing foundations to fund causes preferred by Greenlining itself. Again, ACR activated many in the charitable community to add their voices in opposition to this legislation. While the legislation ultimately failed, Greenlining has expanded its focus to other states and has recently opened an office in Washington, D.C.
In 2008, the California legislature began formal consideration of legislation (AB 624). Under the guise of transparency and disclosure, this legislation would have, we believe, channeled foundation grantmaking to a limited, statutorily-prescribed group of charities. This legislation would have created winners and clear losers in the charitable community.
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