Foundations Engaging the Public Sector (Mandarin)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the optimal division of labor between foundations and the public sector. Philanthropists enjoy more personal degrees of freedom than leverage over social systems, because public resources vastly exceed philanthropic resources. Given this dynamic, engaging the public sector is one of the more powerful roles that foundations can play in improving society. Working productively with government has the potential to create massive scale and impact. By nature of the scale and authority of government institutions, changes in the formulation or execution of public policy can contribute to widespread social benefit and systemic change. Many feel that foundations are well-positioned to influence these changes in public policy and can benefit from understanding the range of options and key considerations for engaging the public sector. The paper develops a framework to engage the public sector, based on three interventions: grantmaking, technical assistance, and implementation.

Note: Downloadable document in Mandarin.

Keywords: Non-profit sector, public sector, foundations

JEL Classification: L31