NCRP Statement Regarding the Philanthropy Roundtable's "How Public is Private Philanthropy: Separating Myth from Reality"

Our analysis does not defend philanthropies from government involvement by saying, "You can't do this to us." Instead, it says, more modestly, "You can't do this to us on the grounds that our assets are public." Stated differently, if philanthropic assets cannot fairly be characterized as public money, proponents of increased government or public mandates must put forth other grounds for imposing on the purposes, structure, and operations of foundations and other charities. If successful, this monograph makes that case and effectively challenges the term "public money" and its application.