There's an interesting debate going on over at the Tactical Philanthropy blog. (Be sure to read the comments, not just the post.) It's about the Chronicle of Philanthropy op-ed published recently by Phil Buchanan and Ellie Buteau of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, which questions the value of the ever growing field of "purveyors of new philanthropic formulas for making a difference."
The main lesson in all this for me, at least, is that there are a lot more people playing in the philanthropy sandbox than there were even a short decade ago. More people means we'll get some great new ideas and a lot more just plain noise. While the discussion referenced above is focused more on effective grantmaking, we've already seen new voices pipe in on discussions of foundation rules, foundation regulations and general philanthropy policy. We're beginning to see new and different speakers and approaches to philanthropy conferences. Come to think of it, our sandbox is beginning to feel a might crowded.
But that's okay, maybe we all need to engage in a little more "Sandbox Philanthropy" to keep our minds open. (Sorry, I couldn't resist filling in that blank.)
Offering anecdotes and snazzy adjectives modifying the word “philanthropy,” they extrapolate from a success story or two, promising that their approach—fill-in-the-blank philanthropy—will allow foundations and philanthropists to finally show progress..." says the column.
Sean Stannard-Stockton replies with the argument that no "Tactical Philanthropy," "Catalytic Philanthropy," or other "Fill-in-the-blank philanthropy" approach has claimed to be right for every foundation or philanthropist. And the conversation goes on, including a response from Mark Kramer, who coined the term "Catalytic Philanthropy" and who will be speaking at the SECF Annual Meeting in November. The main lesson in all this for me, at least, is that there are a lot more people playing in the philanthropy sandbox than there were even a short decade ago. More people means we'll get some great new ideas and a lot more just plain noise. While the discussion referenced above is focused more on effective grantmaking, we've already seen new voices pipe in on discussions of foundation rules, foundation regulations and general philanthropy policy. We're beginning to see new and different speakers and approaches to philanthropy conferences. Come to think of it, our sandbox is beginning to feel a might crowded.
But that's okay, maybe we all need to engage in a little more "Sandbox Philanthropy" to keep our minds open. (Sorry, I couldn't resist filling in that blank.)
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