Posted on 22nd April 2010
A new report from philanthropy thinktank Caring to Change says that philanthropic giving is most effective when underpinned by the principle of the ‘Common Good’.
Foundations for the Common Good, is authored by Caring to Change director Mark Rosenman. Defining the term 'common good', he writes that, ‘the common good is advanced when society’s institutions, including foundations, operate in the interests of the broadest possible swathe of people.’
He goes on to say that trusts and foundations should look beyond their particular causes such as health, education or poverty, to see how their work will promote good for society as a whole.
The report is based on over 100 formal interviews and 50 conversations with people working in foundations and with groups that seek foundation support.
Rosenman took the trouble to speak to those, including young people and people from minority groups, that do not usually have a say in how philanthropic strategies are decided. He writes, ‘Our aim was to uncover their criticism of grant-making and their ideas about how foundations can be more effective at creating a better world.’
For more information about the report, click here.
