March 28, 2007 | Read Time: 2 minutes
Trent Stamp, a flip-flopper? The head of the watchdog group Charity Navigator admits it’s true — at least regarding his position on nonprofit self-regulation.
On his blog, Trent Stamp’s Take, he writes that he has changed his mind and now supports the Principles for Effective Practice drafted by Independent Sector, an association of foundations and charities, to promote good governance in the nonprofit world.
While he still finds the proposals too lenient, he says he is loathe to align himself with the groups that oppose Independent Sector’s suggestions, such as the Direct Marketing Association and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
“I represent donors, some four million strong as a matter of fact, and I would have no credibility with any one of them if they knew that I was on the same side as the telemarketers and the mail solicitors, no matter the reason,” he writes.
Not everyone agrees with his reasoning.
Dan Prives, the author of Where Most Needed, says he appreciates Mr. Stamp’s candor, but that the Direct Marketing Association and others are just advocating for their members. What’s more, Independent Sector relies heavily on wealthy foundations for financial support and therefore only speaks out for their interests, he says.
“Say what you will about the DMA, at least its members pay the freight. You can be assured that its positions represent those of its constituency. Independent Sector does not represent the views of US charities or nonprofits. It speaks about the independent sector, but not for the independent sector,” says Mr. Prives, who has worked at several charities.
His final thought: “And Trent Stamp hates junk mail — at least we cleared that up.”
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