Grantmakers and the Public Trust

“... Charitable organizations are an indispensable part of American society, offering relief from disasters, nurturing our spiritual and creative aspirations, caring for vulnerable people, protecting our natural and cultural heritage, and finding solutions to medical and scientific challenges. But they can fulfill these missions only by maintaining the trust of the public. Meeting the ethical standards that will justify this trust requires a series of ongoing commitments: from each charity and foundation, which must set standards and implement practices that manifest its dedication to transparency and governance; from the charitable community as a whole, which must share recommended practices and educate its members; and from the government, which must strengthen the law and dedicate the resources necessary to enforce it.”  

Strengthening Transparency, Governance, Accountability of Charitable Organizations , a final report to Congress and the Nonprofit Sector, Panel on the Nonprofit Sector (convened by Independent Sector).

Grantmakers Role

Our cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and individual values have resulted in a great diversity of philanthropic entities, all dedicated to advancing the common good.   As stewards of these resources in the public trust, those involved in philanthropy have a special charge to practice and promote ethical behavior.  

The Grantmakers Forum of New York and its members follow the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior.   We celebrate the positive contributions of the charitable sector.   We examine our practices, ensuring that our values contribute to the community impact of our grantmaking.

The following material is offered to promote legal compliance and ethical behavior in grantmakers.

Grantmaker Effectiveness

Best of the Worst Practices by Bruce Sievers and Tom Layton, Foundation News & Commentary, March/April 2000, Vol. 41, No. 2

Change Agent Project, Barriers List.  Grantmakers For Effective Organizations, July 2006.

Management and Governance Tools for Grantmakers

New York State Office of the Attorney General Charities Bureau

NEW REPORT
Challenges Ahead: Upstate NY Philanthropy and the Economy   (+additional materials for grantmakers)

Foundations             On The Hill                March 24-25, 2009

Webinars for Grantmakers   Register now

Philanthropy in Challenging Times      December 4, 2008 Register now.

Regional Events and education of interest to funders