Foundations: Creating Impact in a Globalised World - Hardcover

De Borms, Luc Tayart

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470015055 ISBN 13: 9780470015056

Publisher: Wiley, 2005

Synopsis

This book examines the evolving dynamics driving philanthropy as Western society struggles to meet today's many challenges. The author takes a hard look at the sensitive issues of democratic legitimacy, accountability and credibility in the context of civil society, as well as the changing policy environment in which foundations operate.

He argues that effective philanthropy is "impact driven" and depends on a strategic mix of methodologies that reach beyond grant-giving. The arguments challenge the status quo and deliver a wake up call to philanthropists on both sides of the Atlantic.

The book intends to spark an ongoing debate as the sector strives to strengthen its relevance and make a real difference in a world that is becoming more complex than ever before.

• About 80% to 90% of existing literature is from the Anglo-Saxon perspective and written by academics. This book represents a uniquely European perspective from a practitioner with more than 20 years experience in the field.
• Because of foundations' hefty - and growing - financial endowment, the questions of value creation, democratic legitimacy, intergenerational transfer of wealth, the payout rate and accountability are being debated. The author offers a European perspective on these issues.
• A new and dynamic philanthropy is emerging as foundations take on new roles in communities. These roles are examined within the context of different civil society models. A new role is emerging - that of convenor, or "catalytic converter", which brings various stakeholders together around a particular issue and then advocates for political and/or social change. The author ultimately argues for "impact driven" philanthropy and gives practical examples of how to get there.
• Challenges in our globalized world require both local and global solutions. The author urges European foundations to become more European and address the myriad challenges facing a reintegrated continent. He also urges them to assume a stronger leadership role on global issues such as HIV/AIDs, poverty, ethical challenges and drug policy.

About this title

About the Author

Luc Tayart de Borms, the Managing Director, King Baudouin Foundation, Brussels, was born in 1957, Beerse, Belgium. He holds a Master's degree in Moral Sciences from the University of Ghent. A practitioner with more than 20 years experience, he participates in several organisations, including the European Foundation Centre as president and vice-president and the Council on Foundations, US, as a member of the Board of Directors. Luc is President of the Network of European Foundations for Innovative Cooperation and a Board Member of the European Cultural Foundation. He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the European Policy Centre.

From the Back Cover

This book examines the evolving dynamics driving philanthropy as Western society struggles to meet todayâ??s many challenges. The author takes a hard look at the sensitive issues of democratic legitimacy, accountability and credibility in the context of civil society, as well as the changing policy environment in which foundations operate.

He argues that effective philanthropy is â??impact drivenâ?? and depends on a strategic mix of methodologies that reach beyond grant-giving. The arguments challenge the status quo and deliver a wake up call to philanthropists on both sides of the Atlantic.

The book intends to spark an ongoing debate as the sector strives to strengthen its relevance and make a real difference in a world that is becoming more complex than ever before.

• About 80% to 90% of existing literature is from the Anglo-Saxon perspective and written by academics. This book represents a uniquely European perspective from a practitioner with more than 20 years experience in the field.
• Because of foundationsâ?? hefty â?? and growing â?? financial endowment, the questions of value creation, democratic legitimacy, intergenerational transfer of wealth, the payout rate and accountability are being debated. The author offers a European perspective on these issues.
• A new and dynamic philanthropy is emerging as foundations take on new roles in communities. These roles are examined within the context of different civil society models. A new role is emerging - that of convenor, or â??catalytic converterâ??, which brings various stakeholders together around a particular issue and then advocates for political and/or social change. The author ultimately argues for â??impact drivenâ?? philanthropy and gives practical examples of how to get there.
• Challenges in our globalized world require both local and global solutions. The author urges European foundations to become more European and address the myriad challenges facing a reintegrated continent. He also urges them to assume a stronger leadership role on global issues such as HIV/AIDs, poverty, ethical challenges and drug policy.

From the Inside Flap

"What are foundations for? What justifies their existence? Luc Tayart asks the tough questions and he comes up with answers. His thought-provoking new book examines the full range of tools open to foundations wanting to achieve maximum impact. A must-read for thinking foundation leaders everywhere." - Caroline Hartnell, Editor, Alliance

"The relevance of foundations has increased significantly across the world. It is tempting to use the seasoned experience as a universal benchmark. Luc Tayart should be commended for his alternative views. He emphasises the importance of different civil society models, which determines the notion of effective, impact driven philanthropy. An excellent book by an excellent foundation leader." - Dr. Rien van Gendt, Executive Director, Van Leer Group Foundation, Netherlands

"Challenging both foundation staff and donors to move beyond traditional practices of program grant-making toward achieving greater philanthropic leverage from grant dollars, Tayart highlights the best of emerging international foundation strategy and practice. In understandable terms, we are offered both an expanded, global vision and down to earth ideas for how to improve the impact of not only our individual foundations, but philanthropy as a whole." - Jed Emerson, Senior Fellow, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation & the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and Lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470015055
• ISBN 13: 9780470015056
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 226