The Council on Foundations hosted a world-wide summit of philanthropy this week in National Harbor, MD.  Three thousand foundations were represented (there are approximately 80,000 foundations in the US alone.)  I was so exciting to hear what other folks are doing; a young woman at my table for this plenary session was from Brazil, and had such a solid grasp of the needs of her country, and the roles of government, businesses, and philanthropy.

During this plenary session, the audience explored how we want the next US President to work with the philanthropic sector.  AmericaSpeaks designed and facilitated the conversation using its unique 21st Century Summit format.  AmericaSpeaks is known internationally for engaging over 130,000 people in complex public and planning issues, including New Orleans recovery and designing the World Trade Center site after 9/11.

 At each table, a trained facilitator presented discussion questions, and a volunteer recorder reported recommendations through networked computers.  A team then collated the data and reported the common ideas back to the entire assembly almost immediately.

Using keypads, participants reviewed and prioritized thes ideas to develop clear messages.  The top three messages to the next US President are, in order of priority:

• Respect our role–philanthripic funds cannot replace government funds.  “We are not about picking up the shortfall.”
• Bring philanthropy to the table–create a cabinet-level position for philanthropy.
• Leverage philanthropy’s expertise, flexibility, and innovation.  “We are a laboratory for government.”

What are your recommendations to the next president regarding the philanthropic sector?