5/30/06

Innovation in the world of philanthropy

"I am convinced there is burgeoning activity in the world of philanthropy in this country and around the world, new forms of mobilizing philanthropic resources and bringing them to bear," says Lester M. Salamon the new head of the Alexis Institute for Civil Society and Philanthropy. "There is not sufficient focused attention to them."

In Mexico, for example, a consortium of industries has formed a new foundation that will work to train workers and improve working conditions and economic prospects, using funds from a voluntary tax on their payrolls the industries have agreed to pay.

"There's an enormous amount of innovation going on, and we need to do a better job of disseminating it," Salamon says.

Research the new institute plans also will aim to generate greater innovation in philanthropy. For example, foundations "might usefully begin to operate like philanthropic banks, leveraging other private resources by offering an array of financing options, including loans and loan guarantees, in addition to grants," he says.

Previously, Salamon was director of the Center for Governance and Management Research at the Urban Institute, and before that was deputy associate director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.

[Excerpt of article in Philanthropy Journal]

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