I had so many questions after hearing about this new legislation in Florida that I requested comment from several organizations regarding their position on advocacy efforts aimed at curtailing how much state and local governments can do to regulate foundations and their diversity practices.
First I asked some of the foundations who are members of the Florida Philanthropy Network, which is obviously in support of the new legislation:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
“Our membership in the Florida Philanthropy Network does not constitute an endorsement of their activities on this legislation.”
“The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation believes that diversity and inclusion strengthen the charitable sector’s ability to address social inequities.
Within the foundation, we actively monitor the global diversity of our workforce and we have joined several affinity groups to increase targeted recruitment efforts and expand networking opportunities for current employees. Attracting, supporting, and developing a diverse, global workforce is critical to our impact.
The foundation pays membership dues and provides general operating support to a variety of national charitable sector associations. We also are members of regional grantmaker associations, such as the Florida Philanthropy Network, in states where we have significant programmatic activity.
We were not aware that the Florida Philanthropy Network was advocating for this legislation, and we were never asked to sign on to a letter of support or endorsement of any kind. Our membership in the Florida Philanthropy Network does not constitute an endorsement of their activities on this legislation.”
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
“The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is deeply committed to diversity and inclusiveness.”
From Jessie Ball duPont Fund President Sherry P. Magill:
“The Jessie Ball duPont Fund is deeply committed to diversity and inclusiveness, as evidenced by our grantmaking and our practices within our organization. For the record, we were not aware of the Florida estate-tax-fix bill prior to its being signed by the governor.”
Then, I asked some of the top infrastructure organizations serving nonprofits and philanthropy. (I’d love to tell you what Independent Sector thinks, but they never got back to me.)
Council on Foundations
“We believe that voluntary leadership prevents legislative mandates.”
“The Council on Foundations has always encouraged voluntary leadership and proactive steps to achieve greater diversity and inclusion as well as transparency and accountability in our field. We believe this stand is right, and we believe that voluntary leadership prevents legislative mandates. Nothing about our commitment or strategy has changed.”
Foundation Center
“Greater transparency is the best defense of philanthropic freedom.”
“The Foundation Center does not take any formal stances on policy matters regarding the operation of foundations. But as a knowledge resource for the field, we believe that more information is better than less, and that greater transparency is the best defense of philanthropic freedom. By providing data to groups ranging from the Philanthropic Collaborative to the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy and conducting research with foundations and regional associations, we are committed to helping philanthropy meet the challenges and opportunities of diversity.”
In reading between the lines, it sounds like these four groups are pretty much opposed to the new Florida law. Too bad they didn’t use their voices to speak up to let the bill’s supporters know before it was passed.
P.S. Join me on Monday, June 28 for a live discussion with Aaron Dorfman, Executive Director of the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy, who agrees with me that the new Florida legislation is a major setback for philanthropy. Al Pina, Chair of the Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition, will also be joining us.
