posted on: Tuesday, May 22, 2012

by Yna C. Moore

by jscreationzs/freedigitalphotos.net

There are times – numerous times – when foundations and nonprofits don’t agree on the best strategy to approaching a complex social issue. Although this is hardly news, instances of conflicting perspectives can be opportunities for learning if given the chance for constructive yet critical dialogue and self-reflection.

Recently, David Wertheimer of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, who serves as chair of Funders Together to End Homelessness, and Neil Donovan of the National Coalition for the Homeless, agreed to share their perspectives on the effectiveness of current approaches to ending homelessness.

In his article “Under the Big Top,” Donovan contends that the prevailing approach by funders who care about homelessness is too narrow and leaves homeless people out of the strategy- and decision-making process.

In “Maximizing the Impact and Amplifying the Voice of Philanthropy,” Wertheimer notes that Funders Together is bringing more rigor to the cause while attracting new funders.

Thanks to Neil and David for agreeing to contribute these articles for Responsive Philanthropy.

The lesson I take from both articles is that one cannot underestimate the value of soliciting feedback from various stakeholders. We can ask important self-reflecting questions such as: Are we doing things right? What should we be doing differently?

What is your take-away from reading both articles?

Yna C. Moore is communications director at the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP).