Now Philanthropy is Dead?

Posted by Tara Greco

I thought it was just “under attack.”
 
One of my favorite Washington Post columnists, Steve Pearlstein, asks a good question in today’s On Leadership section of The Washington Post.
 
In an era when business leaders are retooling their mission and methods to be more socially responsible, and social entrepreneurs are using market mechanisms to solve social problems, is corporate philanthropy still relevant?
 
I tend to agree with panelist Bill George, who has the point of view that “thoughtful coproate philanthropy is capitalism at its best.”
 
Corporate philanthropy has become more sophisticated over the last several decades — companies are strategically developing partnerships with NGOs that align with their business objectives. And with these partnerships come the full suite of resources and expertise from the company.
 
The norm for corporate philanthropy is now to contribute human resources and intellectual capital, in addtion to dollars. It’s the comprehesive approach that really affects social change. In addition, the more collaboration between the public sector, the nonprofit community and corporate America that occurs, the greater and more enduring the impact will be on society.
 
It’s not an “either/or” question…it’s “and more…”
 
Which, in the long run, is best for everyone…including corporate America.