Philanthropy in a World of Money and Politics

Last Updated (Monday, 29 November 1999 19:00) Written by Administrator Wednesday, 02 December 2009 13:38

December 2, 2009

CLPI Colleagues:

The Supreme Court is expected to rule soon in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission to move toward allowing corporations and labor unions to make unlimited partisan expenditures in elections. At the same time, philanthropy and charities are still mired in a dangerously outdated culture marked by fear and confusion over nonpartisan policy and voter involvement on issues that directly affect our constituents and missions.  

In the current Chronicle of Philanthropy Opinion piece, entitled Philanthropy Must Change Culture and Rules in World of Money and Politics, CLPI argues that our overall relevance and impact are at stake and it offers some recommendations for prioritizing civic and policy engagement within our sector and society at this critical time.   

Via constituents, staff, board members, volunteers, or donors, charities touch the lives of all Americans. According to The Johns Hopkins Center for Civil Society Studies, the nonprofit and voluntary sector account for more than 7.2 percent of GDP, making it the fourth largest industry in the United States. However, charities still are too often “seen but not heard.”

If you are interested in a conference call or other dialogue on these issues, please contact Matt Saperstone at matt@clpi.org. Additional resources and sponsors are provided below.

-- Independent Sector submitted an important amicus brief in the Citizens United case.

-- Common Cause has excellent materials on the case, and, with Public Campaign, is leading the way on an important reform to increase broad democratic participation.  

-- The Funders' Committee for Civic Engagement, Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement and Piper Fund are leading funder networks promoting ideas and action around civic engagement and democracy reforms within the sector.

It is time for the nonprofit world to finally bridge the service and advocacy gap. We must remember  that broad policy involvement is the cornerstone of our nation’s democracy and has been the engine of social and economic progress throughout our history. 

Thank you!

Larry Ottinger
President
Center for Lobbying in the Public Interest

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