The philanthropic sector of our society is changing rapidly for economic, social and political reasons. Contributors to this issue help us better to understand some of those reasons and prepare us to cope with change.
Jane Burke-Robertson discusses creating a parallel foundation, as many hospitals have done over the years. Such an organization may promote stability in changing times, especially for funding, but it is not for everyone, as our author explains.
Shrinking resources or expanding responsibilities threaten charities with the need to compete with each other. Monica Patten explains why such competition would be unnecessary between the United Way and community foundations across the country. Sherherazade Hirji explores ways for funders to sort out the competition for grants. Letha Whyte challenges boards to collaborate rather than compete senselessly, even if their own organizations must disappear as a result.
Gordon Floyd addresses the contradiction in the messages that the sector is receiving from some governments: your activities are more and more vital to our society, but you are only “special interests” when it comes to formulating public policy. His theme is important, but will it be heard where it counts?
In his regular contribution, Jim Phillips shows the Ontario courts confirming what had been clear in principle if not on the cases, that trust investments are limited both by legal lists and by lack of delegability of investment decisions. Legislative assistance may be needed to make the law work reasonably.
To close the issue, Claudia Willetts, our tireless indexer, again produces her record of our last volume, which we offer to posterity, or at least for the convenience of our present readers. In case she thinks it a thankless task, let this note formally record our thanks for her labours.
JOHN D. GREGORY
Editor
