Conclusion

Foundation philanthropy at the dawn of the new century and new millennium can look back on a proud heritage, but it should instead concentrate on a future that is quickening with power and potential. The big bull market has made foundation philanthropy strong. The intergenerational transfer of wealth will make it large. Venture philanthropy will make it more significant. And intersectoral alliances will make it resourceful beyond the wildest dreams of only a few years ago.

For all of this glory and promise, foundations sometimes fall short of the ideal. Some are too slow to make decisions, some too quick to move on to other things. A few have staffs that are too amateurish, others have no staff at all. Some are too passive, others ...

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