We Have a Real Chance to Influence Change Now

In philanthropy, as we look at our sphere of influence in society today it has a wide range of entry points. Foundations are called upon to make important and tactical decisions every day. These decisions often have influence on multiple people and organizations. A great many of these decisions are internal and are based on a program, process or an initiative or an intentional direction that a foundation is headed. Boards and staff decide on size and types of grants that are awarded, a process and decision around strategy, how much to invest in program evaluation, how much to invest in communications, etc.

The sphere of influence, referenced earlier, is changing for foundations and it should be. Philanthropy is a significant contributor to communities and to society as a whole and, therefore, has a major stake in how we effect community change. So do a lot of other entities such as government, business, schools, hospitals and various other organizations. If foundations are not looking for ways to influence thinking around issues that can impact their community, region and state, then they are missing an important dimension of their work and an opportunity to get to necessary change.

For example, if a decision is being made by a municipality that will move homeless people 10 miles out of town without adequate transportation and they become isolated, shouldn’t we speak up? It is our job to look at all the issues that affect society and, in particular, see how decisions are going to affect those indigent and low-income people. Alone, these members of society do not have the power or voice to influence the decision makers.

Furthermore, decision makers are often influenced by non objective outsiders that have a vested interest in the outcome of the decision, preventing this influence from being pure and unbiased. Foundations should be objective, and their resources and connections should position them to ask difficult questions and to demand “the little guy” gets his just due in the process.

Whether we are asking tough questions of government, business or other people of influence within our societal sphere, we must step forward and be willing to play a role. Philanthropy has a lot of responsibility and it wields a significant amount of power and influence. It is our responsibility to use that influence for the greater good and let our external opportunities be just as important as our internal decision making. Foundations can no longer live and work in isolation. What we do and what needs to be done reaches far beyond the walls of our office and local town or city. Now is the time for all foundations to step forward and advocate for their grantees, constituents and those in the greatest need. If we don’t aggressively move in this direction then shame on us when the outcome is not to our liking and negatively impacts our state.


Tom Keith is the president of the Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina