Message from the President

Steve Gunderson, President & CEO, Council on Foundations

Maybe I’m just nostalgic. Or maybe it’s that Abraham Lincoln has always been one of my political heroes. But his words seem to hold a special meaning for philanthropy on this, the 200th anniversary of his birth.

In June 1858, Lincoln accepted his party’s nomination for the United States Senate from Illinois with his now-famous speech “A House Divided.” Some say the speech caused both his loss in 1858 and his presidential victory in 1860. His exact words, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” suggested that the nation could not permanently endure “half slave and half free.”

I’m reminded of these words as I listen to the many responses to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s (NCRP) recent publication, “Philanthropy at its Best.”As you know, I personally issued a statement as president of the Council on Foundations. In doing so, I sought to reaffirm the Council’s guiding philosophy by stating that we:

…support the diversity of philanthropy—in our members’ missions, our work, and our people. We do so because diversity of purpose and perspective defines the mission of each philanthropic organization. Given this belief, we cannot endorse mandates, or impose measures that seek to promote a one-size-fits-all approach. We believe that the combination of voluntary leadership promoting diversity and inclusion, as evidenced by the Council’s work in this area, combined with a rejection of mandatory government regulations will best promote philanthropy—in size and service to society.

The Council believes in these values: foundation accountability to many stakeholders (boards; advisors; federal, state, and local authorities; donors and founders; and grantees), transparency in their operations, and effectiveness in their work. We want to see foundations remain committed to their missions and operate in an ethical manner.

We also believe that a single set of measures to strengthen philanthropy and the nonprofit sector are unrealistic. Each foundation is different in its structure, mission, place of work, and pursuit of goals. The Council aims to honor and respect that uniqueness. In fact, we have different standards and principles that address the specific needs of our constituencies: community foundations, family philanthropy, corporate giving programs, and independent foundations.

That said, NCRP’s document contributes to the discussion of these matters—and it’s a discussion our field must have. It is in that spirit—and my hope—that whether you agree or disagree with their recommendations, we have substantive conversations here, on the pages of TAI and in other forums, such as the Townhall session we’ll host at the upcoming Annual Conference in Atlanta.

We know that there are many, diverse voices. So let us ponder the role of philanthropy in 2009—at this time of economic crisis—and beyond. Doing so will only enhance, enrich, and empower us to consider better ways to serve the common good.

These conversations should not serve as a wedge to divide us.