Giving Compass' Take:
- William F. Meehan III, writing for Forbes, describes four reasons why philanthropy has received criticism in recent years.
- One of the main critiques of philanthropy today is that it does not directly solve social problems. Meehan believes this is due to fundamental issues such as the model and focus. How can you best serve your community?
- Learn about philanthropy best practices.
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Unfortunately, almost all governments and large, established NGO’s (non-governmental organizations) have been sluggish in adopting the practices developed by these Nobel Prize winners and others in our “evidence-based” movement.
And, more surprising, is that philanthropists — as individuals and in foundations, often self-described as “innovators”, — have not seized the lead in applying evidence-based practices in their grant-making focused on reducing poverty whether in the U.S. or in developing countries or other program areas. Special kudos to Cari Tuna and Dustin Moskovitz and their Open Philanthropy Project and my former colleagues at King Philanthropies and others who have.
Our generation’s philanthropists drew little critical interest until the publication of two books: Anand Giridharadas’ Winners Take All: The Elite Charade of Changing the World and my colleague and friend Rob Reich’s Just Giving: Why Philanthropy is Failing Democracy and How it Can Do Better. I recommend you read both books. Giridharadas’ book is a snarky criticism of how our society creates so many super-wealthy, whose self-interest then dominates all that they do, including their philanthropy.
To sum up the criticism of Giriharadas and Reich, “If you are so wealthy and smart and well-intentioned, why aren’t you solving today’s most pressing social problems?”
There are four reasons philanthropists don’t focus their giving on our society’s greatest needs:
- The scale is off; and most philanthropy funds nonprofit organizations that are important to our civil society but don’t serve those in need.
- The philanthropic decision-making model is flawed.
- Most areas of social need have “no theory of change”. In simpler words, we don’t know how to solve most of the problems of our society’s poor or those with other important needs.
- Philanthropy can help innovate solutions to social problems by providing “risk capital”. But mostly not, even by intent.
Read the full article about philanthropy critiques by William F. Meehan III at Forbes.