Bob Bothwell’s Support for Progressive Nonprofits Was Ahead of Its Time

To the Editor:

I was sorry to read about the passing of Bob Bothwell, who played a central role in helping several small, nontraditional charities fight for recognition and support (“Bob Bothwell’s Fearless and Effective Advocacy Shifted Power in Philanthropy to Nonprofits,” May 24). Those of us advocating for our nonprofits to be included in workplace giving campaigns, such as the Combined Federal Campaign and other employer-based pledge drives, always appreciated his tenacity.

During his time at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, Bob relentlessly argued that progressive causes that many considered too extreme for the workplace deserved representation and respect. He regularly championed gay and lesbian rights, for example, and nonprofits led by and supporting a diverse array of people from all walks of life.

From the National Black United Fund to Women’s Way, Bob pushed for progressive funds and nonprofits’ inclusion in workplace giving campaigns for federal, state, and local government employees across the country. He did all this during a time when phone calls and the mail were the major means of contact, so his success is a tribute to his mastery of old-school tactics.

Countless people and nonprofits likely benefited from Bob’s and the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy’s work. Bob was notoriously tight-fisted with finances, so we should all buy someone a drink in his memory and raise a glass to the passing of a nonprofit titan.

Lisa Doucett
Former Combined Federal Campaign Manager
Grant Writer, Middlesex Community College