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Foundation Giving to Minority-Led Nonprofits |
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Members of California's Latino Legislative Caucus, Legislative Black Caucus, and Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus held a historic joint hearing on April 24, 2006 to discuss diversity in grantmaking and governance in the philanthropic sector. The hearings were called in part in response to the Fairness in Philanthropy report published in 2005 by The Greenlining Institute. Legislators heard testimony from over 20 witnesses representing nonprofits, foundations, and corporations. The intent of the joint caucuses in calling this hearing was to raise awareness about the importance of investing in California's future, especially by investing in communities of color. Although foundations have been prominent supporters of minority communities in the past, legislators noted that funding for minority communities seems to be diminishing. Nonprofit and community-based organizations are called on to serve more and more people with limited funding and provide disadvantaged populations a voice within the public discourse. First, minority leaders and organizations are frequently criticized by policymakers for their lack of participation in certain policy issues. Second, most current policy issues critically affect the minority community more than they do the general population. The charitable division includes a registry of charitable trusts unit and a legal and audit unit. Although the Attorney General's office does not regulate how charitable organizations distribute grants. Testimony presented by foundation executives provided insight into the policies, philosophies, and strategies of several large, influential California-based foundations. One witness highlighted their foundation's multi-cultural fellowship program, and their work in civic engagement and get out the vote efforts.
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