May 22, 2009 | Read Time: 1 minute
Is philanthropy the moral voice of society? Should foundations hold governments accountable to the public?
Bradford K. Smith, president of the Foundation Center, a research group in New York, said he and colleagues pondered these questions at the recent European Foundation Centre meeting in Italy.
On the center’s blog, Philantopic, he writes that there was a slight transatlantic difference of opinion on the propositions. But, he adds, the conference offered a good example of when foundations should stand up and speak out.
In response to controversial immigration policies in Italy, European grant makers issued a statement emphasizing the need for nations to respect the human rights of immigrants. (Read The Chronicle’s article about the decision.)
Mr. Smith applauded the move.
“Alarmed by growing xenophobia in Europe, they chose to take a stand that was both moral and political, rather than be voiceless spectators to a march toward the past,” Mr. Smith writes. “Philanthropy everywhere gets its energy and drive from moral values. And there are places and moments where those values impel us to tread the risky and challenging terrain of politics.”
What do you think? What are the moral and political roles of foundations in society? Click on the comment button to share your views.
