Criticism of Report Also Misses the Mark

To the Editor:

Leslie Lenkowsky’s recent column (“New Philanthropy Report Misses the Mark,” May 7) hypocritically admonishes philanthropy for testing grand theories of social change.

The hypocrisy lies in Mr. Lenkowsky’s role as a key thinker in a conservative political movement that has spawned some of the most mean-spirited and money-grubbing economic policies this country has seen since the earlier part of the century. The case he makes is also unfortunate for its citation of the shoddy research produced by the National Commission on Philanthropy and Civic Renewal, long discredited for being more of a mouthpiece for right-wing ideologues than a credible gathering of academic researchers.

Many people would agree with Mr. Lenkowsky’s statement that “more than non-profit antipoverty efforts will be necessary” to make progress on addressing economic inequality. In an era when the wealthy and corporations exert increasing control over the priorities of government through campaign contributions, non-profits and philanthropy can and should give voice to the millions of citizens who are concerned about the disturbing gap between the rich and poor and its devastating impact on democracy and equal opportunity.

Beth M. Daley
Fund-raising Consultant
Washington