In the wake of Jack Abramoff's alleged abusive use of philanthropic organizations for political purposes, there is both a need and a public demand for new regulations on the sector. Lately, many are asking, "What are all philanthropic organizations doing to prevent such egregious use of their organizations and assets?"
As a member of Congress and now as the president and chief executive officer of the Council on Foundations, an association of more than 2,000 foundations and company giving programs, I view this from a unique perspective.
From my position as a legislator, I saw how different entities can be exploited by the unscrupulous to gain favor in politics.
From my vantage point at the helm of the Council, I see the many measures that effective, ethical philanthropic organizations are taking to protect themselves against such abuse, and am impressed with how seriously the field has taken its responsibility to its donors and to the general public to be prudent stewards of their charitable assets.
While there is no magic answer to solving all abuses, self-regulation is one of the most promising and effective tools we have.
Let me be blunt: Most foundations and giving programs that seek to abide by the public trust also have sought to follow the standards established by their field. The foundations in trouble on Capitol Hill would do well to become the philanthropic citizens exemplified by their foundation colleagues in the field.
[From a commentary by Steve Gunderson in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer]
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