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Opinions
Is there any value in imposing annual payouts?
A recent headline-grabbing speech claimed British foundations should raise their spending through being compelled to spend a mandatory proportion of annual capital assets.The claim suggested that foundations are ‘warehousing’ assets that could be put to …
EVPA Annual Conference 2016 – a sketch from the floor
The European Venture Philanthropy Association’s (EVPA) 2016 conference was its biggest yet attended by over 500 delegates. Held in Paris for the first time in a decade, Andrew Milner shares his offbeat impressions. The opening …
The echo of constituent voice
Just over a year ago, Alliance ran a special feature on the role of feedback in the social sector. With upcoming summits in Washington DC and London, Alliance wanted to catch up with contributors to …
When all else fails
The details of the Flint water crisis continue to shock: through a stunning sequence of incompetence and malfeasance from public officials in Michigan and the US Environmental Protection Agency, the people of Flint were poisoned …
Hostile takeover of civil society pays dividends for new Polish government
The victory of the right-wing Law and Justice Party in the Polish elections of September last year has been followed by legislative changes which are little short of a dismantling of liberal democracy and the …
What do Europeans think of British philanthropy?
On 23 June 2016, the UK holds a referendum on whether to remain in or leave the European Union (EU). As highlighted in Alliance Extra, the vote is on the minds of British foundations. But …
Ending American poverty: the SDGs in the global north
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a turning point in development. They apply equally to the global south and north, creating a universal agenda for a different planet by 2030 that ‘leaves no one behind’. …
The grateful patient as philanthropist
Healthcare benefits hugely from philanthropic gifts, and grateful patients seem like a good source of funds. But is it okay for doctors to be involved in fundraising? This dilemma is raised by the new and …
Closing space survey: responses from around the world
Earlier this month, Alliance and European Foundation Centre (EFC) published the results of a joint survey about the restrictions on freedom of action imposed by governments on civil society. Two things stood out. First, a …
Who should measure the impact of non-profits? Responses to Caroline Fiennes and Ken Berger
The non-profit impact revolution has taken a wrong turn. The job of examining their impact should be done by independent specialists rather than non-profits themselves: this is what Caroline Fiennes and Ken Berger argue in …
