The latest issue (vol. 4, issue 3, 2012) of the peer-reviewed journal Foundation Review was originally planned as an issue on faith and philanthropy. However, only two articles on the topic were accepted, so it is now a general-themed issue. Why were there so few submissions? Editor-in-chief Teresa Behrens speculates that the targeted funding of faith-based programs is relatively new and little rigorous evaluation has been done. She also theorizes that these programs are somehow seen as outside the purview of evaluation.
In this post, I've abstracted five of the articles in the issue; the first two address faith-based philanthropy. You can read the entire issue at the New York Library. For contents of older issues, search the Catalog of Nonprofit Literature.
"Philanthropy in the Faith Community: Mobilizing Faith-based Organizations for Substance Use Prevention" by Ashley Townes, Kelly Firesheets, and Mary Francis.
(p. 14-20)
CNL Abstract: Article describes successes and lessons learned when congregations are
engaged in community-based substance abuse efforts. The Assistance for
Substance Abuse Prevention Center (Cincinnati, OH) has worked with
community partners in the faith community to prevent alcohol, tobacco,
and other drug use; the authors outline the collaborative effort and
offer advice for faith-based philanthropy.
"The Role of the Congregation in Community Service: a Philanthropic Case Study" by Mark T. Mulder, et al.
(p. 21-41)
CNL Abstract: Examines a foundation funded collaborative, church-based effort in Grand
Rapids, MI called the Gatherings of Hope Initiative. The study
concentrates on its Family Leadership Initiative, which was charged with
improving inner-city African-American and Latino children's education
and strengthening their families. Article discusses the foundation's
role, program evaluation and impact, and shares lessons learned.
Behrens: "initial evaluation shows high levels of satisfaction, with students reporting some academic improvements"
"Dimensions of Change: a Model for Community Change Efforts" by Jara Dean-Coffey, Nicole Farkouh, and Amy Reisch
(p. 42-64)
CNL Abstract: Introduces a framework that can be used by foundations, government
bodies, coalitions, or individual organizations that are initiating or
engaged in substantive efforts to bring about community change.
Describes the "Dimensions of Change Model" and then examines its use
through the efforts of the First 5 Marin Children and Families
Commission in Marin County (San Rafael, CA).
"Investigating the Roles of Community Foundations in
the Establishment and Sustainability of Local College Access Networks in
Michigan" by Nathan Daun-Barnett and Haley Lamm
(p. 65-76)
CNL Abstract: Examines the roles that community foundations play in the creation and
establishment of local college access networks (LCANs) in Michigan.
LCANs are community-based coordinating bodies committed to building a
college-going culture and increasing attendance and completion rates.
Foundation roles include fundraising, convening, and cheerleading the
efforts of LCANs.
"Assessing and Advancing Foundation Transparency: Corporate Foundations as a Case Study" by Marta Rey-Garcia, Javier Martin-Cavanna, and Luis Ignacio Alvarez-Gonzalez.
(p. 77-89)
CNL Abstract: Article frames and discusses the topics of accountability and
transparency within corporate foundations in the U.S. and Spain. It
identifies and describes six drivers of increased transparency, and
proposes a simple tool for assessing transparency internationally. The
authors also found that benchmarking reports were a key driver for
increased transparency at Spanish foundations
--Rob Bruno
Catalog/Reference Librarian
The Foundation Center