Posted on December 10, 2003

Philanthropy and Voluntarism

Theory of Change (13 pages, PDF), a recent paper from Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, maintains that the status quo is no longer an option for grantmaking organizations, which instead must strive to understand their roles and the roles of their beneficiaries as a way of improving the effectiveness of the nonprofit sector. The report cites calls for greater accountability and better management of resources by philanthropic organizations as evidence of the need for change in the sector as a whole. Drawing on its experience promoting dialogue and information sharing among funders, the report outlines GEO's assumptions and core beliefs, examines grantmakers' spheres of influence and activity, and articulates its own agenda to improve philanthropy as a system.