Opinion -- Philanthropy: It doesn't shut down

Philanthropy: It doesn't shut down

By RONNIE L. BLOOM & STEVE GUNDERSON

THE 11TH-HOUR avoidance of a government shutdown is another glaring reminder that the federal government is both broke and broken. But as the nation's leading grant makers gather in Philadelphia this week for the Council on Foundations' annual conference, they will see visible evidence of philanthropy's ability to produce results, despite budget cuts at the federal, state, and local levels.

Philanthropy represents the independent, innovative investment of resources to build our communities and does much to help create opportunities and a better quality of life, here and around the world. Philadelphia, the birthplace of America's independence movement, is both a model for philanthropy in action and an ideal setting to showcase the power of innovative partnerships. This region has a rich philanthropic history and a vibrant present that affects all areas of our lives, from culture and the arts to health care, education, the environment and job growth.

As part of the conference, foundation leaders are seeing neighborhoods whose revitalization has been sparked by philanthropic support that's enriched countless lives while helping generate more than 40,000 jobs and more than $150 million in annual state and local tax revenue. They are seeing how a citywide farm-to-school program and other fresh-food initiatives are improving nutrition education and promoting physical and economic health. From the creation of youth services, new housing and a health center in Coatesville, to university education and outreach in Camden, this region is ripe with examples of progress achieved through public-philanthropic partnerships.

The region's philanthropic community also plays a key role in helping key parties to create more and better job opportunities in areas such as health care and the green-collar industry. For example, the Job Opportunity Investment Network, a $5 million public-private collaboration, leverages resources of more than 100 businesses, a dozen nonprofits, 10 philanthropic organizations (including the William Penn and the John S. and James L. Knight foundations) and several government agencies to advance the careers of hundreds of low-skilled adults.

Philanthropy is having a similar effect all across the U.S. The National Fund for Workforce Solutions is a five-year, $30 million initiative designed to connect people to skills training and better jobs and help America regain its competitive edge. It is expanding to 30 communities with the help of about 300 funders, including the Annie E. Casey, Ford, Hitachi, Prudential, and Harry and Jeanette Weinberg foundations, private firms and government.

Successful efforts like these, in Philadelphia and thousands of communities around country, represent what philanthropy is all about: supporting educational institutions, social services, economic-development organizations, workforce- training programs, health clinics, arts and culture, and neighborhood revitalization.

These organizations and services help create vibrant communities - and employ workers who can help move our economy from recovering to robust.

PHILANTHROPY can't replace the role or resources of government. To be successful in our work, we need effective government at all levels.

Still, America has more than 75,000 foundations working with the nonprofit, private and public sectors to make the strategic investments that help find solutions to some of our society's most entrenched challenges.

Ronnie L. Bloom is director, Children, Youth and Families, of the William Penn Foundation and president of the board of directors of Delaware Valley Grantmakers (www.dvg.org). Steve Gunderson is president and CEO of the Council on Foundations (www.cof.org).