Tactical Philanthropy & the New York Times

Stephanie Strom, the New York Times’ philanthropy reporter has a great article in tomorrow’s paper titled Foundations Are Facing Up to Failures. She writes about Jim Canales and the Irvine Foundation’s MidCourse Corrections report, and discusses the trend towards transparency:

“There’s an increasing recognition among foundation leaders that not to be public about failures is essentially indefensible,” said Phil Buchanan, the executive director of the Center for Effective Philanthropy, which advises foundations. “If something didn’t work, it is incumbent upon you to make sure others don’t make the same mistake.”

It is a great overview of the subject. I especially enjoyed the article because of this paragraph:

Mr. Canales and Paul Brest, president and chief executive of the Hewlett Foundation, have made it their mission to change that pattern. They are writing an op-ed article on the subject, and Mr. Canales appears in a Podcast on the blog Tactical Philanthropy.

You can read the whole thing here.