National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), established in 1976 and based in Washington, DC, is a privately-funded non-profit organization that conducts research on and advocates for greater accountability, transparency and a focus on social justice in the philanthropic sector. NCRP is unique in that it is the only existing national progessive watchdog of philanthropy in the United States.
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[edit] History
NCRP was founded in 1976 by The Donee Group, a coalition of nonprofit leaders across the nation who recognized that traditional philanthropy was falling short of addressing critical public needs.
The Donee Group encouraged foundations to support nonprofit organizations that monitored institutions of power and those that advocated for change and nurtured innovative solutions to the root causes of societal problems.
More than a quarter century later, the Donee Group's analysis and recommendations gain greater significance as the government and the corporate sector become further removed from the public, as evidenced by the growing role of money in politics, the decline of political parties as the chief vehicles through which public interests are summarized and citizens mobilized, declining levels of public trust in politicians, the media, and corporations, and the continuing devolutionary thrust passing the role of financing, designing and delivering critical social and human services from the federal government to the states to inadequately equipped and already strained nonprofits.
[edit] About NCRP
- NCRP's Mission
NCRP promotes philanthropy that serves the public good, is responsive to people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity, and is held accountable to the highest standards of integrity and openness.
- NCRP's Vision
NCRP envisions a fair, just and democratic society in which the common good is recognized as a high priority; where a robust public sector is empowered to protect, preserve and extend the commonly held resources and the public interest; where a vital nonprofit sector provides voice and value to those most in need; and where all people enjoy equality of opportunity, access and fair treatment without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability, economic status, national origin or other identities.
NCRP envisions philanthropy at its best contributing to this vision of society by operating with the highest standards of integrity and openness, and by investing in people and communities with the least wealth and opportunity and nonprofit organizations that serve and represent them.
- NCRP's Values "Philanthropy at its Best"
Philanthropy at its best serves the public good, not private interest. NCRP believes that the public has a legitimate interest in the use of philanthropic resources.
Philanthropy at its best employs grantmaking practices that most effectively help nonprofits achieve their missions. NCRP believes that both grantmakers and nonprofit organizations are committed to improving society.
Philanthropy at its best strengthens democracy by responding to the needs of those with the least wealth and opportunity. NCRP believes that philanthropy has a special responsibility to nurture and strengthen democracy and that the nonprofit sector is uniquely suited to promote the health and vitality of our pluralistic society.
- NCRP's Work
Since 1976, NCRP has used research and advocacy to urge the philanthropic community to provide nonprofit organizations with essential resources and opportunities to effectively serve disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations and communities.
[edit] Timeline
1976 – NCRP is founded by the Donee Group, a coalition of nonprofit leaders, to urge philanthropy to serve vital public needs.
1977 – NCRP challenges United Way’s giving strategies, advocating for funding of grassroots social change.
1980 – NCRP’s publication, Foundations and Public Information: Sunshine or Shadow?, encourages foundations to be more financially transparent and accountable.
1981 – NCRP helps establish local committees for responsive philanthropy to increase awareness of community foundation giving practices.
1985 – NCRP assists in hosting the first National Conference of Women’s Funds, from which the Women’s Funding Network was created.
1991 – NCRP initiates a study of community foundations in America’s largest cities, including Denver, Philadelphia, Seattle, Atlanta and Chicago.
1997 – Sally Covington's Moving a Public Policy Agenda: The Strategic Philanthropy of Conservative Foundations is published. This groundbreaking research ignites debate and discussion among progressive and mainstream foundations that continues today.
1999 – Executive Director Rick Cohen steps in for Robert Bothwell, continuing NCRP’s 23-year legacy as the nation’s only progressive philanthropic watchdog.
2002 - NCRP begins publication of annual State of Philanthropy reports.
2004 – NCRP testifies in front of the Senate Finance Committee on the need for increased public accountability for philanthropy.
2006 - Rick Cohen steps down as Executive Director; Mary Lassen appointed Interim Executive Director
2007 - Aaron Dorfman appointed Executive Director.
