Coalition of Grant Makers Issues Document Outlining Its Goals for the Next Five Years

The Council on Foundations, in Washington, made public last week a report outlining its goals for the next five years.

While the report touches upon several topics, it emphasizes that the council’s primary objective is to assuage the concerns of members of Congress and state regulators about foundation operations. Some government officials say they worry that grant makers are spending too much on administrative expenses, among other things.

“Supporting a favorable regulatory environment (‘protecting the franchise’) is the council’s top priority,” the report says. It adds that the association of about 2,000 foundations plans to react aggressively to lawmakers’ efforts to regulate grant making. “We will represent organized philanthropy in legislative and regulatory settings to strengthen and enhance the climate for philanthropy, and will be prepared to act on situations that threaten the independence or vitality of the field.”

In addition to navigating government policy, the council’s new plan includes:

• Helping its members increase their accountability and effectiveness.
• Educating the public about foundations, including explaining how endowments work and “how grants help people,” says Ellen Dadisman, a spokeswoman with the organization.
• Working more closely with regional associations of grant makers and affinity groups, which bring together foundations interested in working together on specific issues, such as HIV/AIDS or the environment.

The council’s board of directors decided to establish a new plan because of philanthropy’s growing role in globalization — the increasing economic and social ties between countries and people around the world.

“They felt it was a pivotal time for philanthropy,” says Ms. Dadisman.

Perhaps the plan’s most immediate effect will be to influence the association’s search for a new president.

Dorothy S. Ridings, the group’s leader since 1996, announced her retirement in December. Last week the council appointed seven of its board members to a committee to find a new leader.

The council’s report, “Council on Foundations Strategic Framework 2005-2009,” is available on the group’s Web site at http://www.cof.org, under “Council News.”