Annual Meeting Preview
Right, Left, and Center: Why They Each Have a Stake in Philanthropic Freedom
Right, left. Democrat, Republican. Conservative, liberal. Public debate is too often and too easily framed by predictable, binary categories. But there is one topic that unites Americans from across the political spectrum: philanthropic freedom. Donors increasingly recognize that, whatever their political perspective, activist groups, legislators, and regulators can hinder their ability to achieve their charitable objectives. In this session, three leading thinkers will share their perspectives on why the preservation of philanthropic freedom transcends ideology and party. Join William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, Claire Gaudiani of New York University and author of the recently published Generosity Unbound, and Jane Wales of the Aspen Institute and the Global Philanthropy Forum as they discuss philanthropic freedom, a political virtue that rises above political categories.
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Kenneth E. Behring is a man on the move. After a lifetime of chasing opportunities, he spearheaded a much-needed renovation at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Ken Behring was instrumental in creating exhibitions that celebrate the American presidency, honor our fallen soldiers, and get citizens of all ages excited about American history. He is also deeply involved in funding global health and education programs. As the founder of the Wheelchair Foundation, he has overseen the distribution of 800,000 free wheelchairs to desperately poor, disabled people around the world. Mr. Behring spoke to Philanthropyabout his efforts in global health, his work in education, and his support for the study and celebration of American history.
In 1960, Indianapolis businessman Pierre F. Goodrich founded Liberty Fund, a "hopeful contribution . . . to the preservation, restoration, and development of individual liberty." In its Summer 2010 issue, Philanthropy told the story of Goodrich's life, business career, and philanthropic objectives. Click here to learn more about Goodrich's passion for education and his lifelong pursuit of wisdom, and how Liberty Fund's directors and staff honor Goodrich's intent 50 years later.
Randolph Foundation president Heather Higgins and Philanthropy Roundtable president Adam Meyersonwere recently featured in the Washington Legal Foundation's "Conversations With..." feature, joined by Hillsdale College president Larry Arnn and former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Richard Thornburgh. They explain Americans' uniquely charitable spirit and the role that philanthropy plays in our democracy, and they also detail the growing movement to impose further government regulation on the philanthropic sector and more narrowly define which charitable causes are "in the public interest." As Higgins says, "So long as organizations provide a public benefit, broadly defined, and are neither political nor operate for private benefit, the 'market' of individual decisions is allowed to flourish. The result is a vibrant and responsive charitable community."
Click here to read the full transcript of the conversation.
In 1960, Indianapolis businessman Pierre F. Goodrich founded 
