This article presents an interview with Mary Bitterman and James Narduzzi. Mary Bitterman, former President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation, is President of The Bernard Osher Foundation and Immediate Past Chairman of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). James Narduzzi is Dean of the University of Richmond's School of Continuing Studies.…

In the post-World War II era, efforts to improve the accessibility and quality of higher education rose to prominence in US educational debates and policymaking. In retrospect, a confluence of factors helped to forge this growing social consensus about the need to create educational opportunity and to diversify the nation's colleges and…

This article presents an interview with Craig Harmer, who founded the Classroom Wishlist online, which is the San Jose, California, nonprofit organization that helps teachers around the nation solicit donations for needed supplies. After working as an Internet strategist in Silicon Valley, Craig Harmer decided to quit the high-tech rat race and…

Int his essay, the authors identify and problematize the claims and activities of four think tanks supported by contributions from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Kovacs and Christie attempt to show that these contributions support scholars and research of dubious quality, engage in political science abuse, and perpetuate discourses and…

Heather B. Weiss and Priscilla D. Little of the Harvard Family Research Project suggest seven possible approaches to strengthening OST (Out-of-School) organizations, including methods to ensure that OST providers become stronger partners with other groups and more adept advocates for their field. Strategies discussed include: (1) Cultivate…

The paper presents a historical overview which begins in the year 1785, takes George Peabody through his life activities, and ends with Peabody College's becoming part of Vanderbilt University. The paper looks at a multifaceted history covering 217 years of 6 consecutive charter-connected educational institutions in Nashville, Tennessee, that…

In this article, the authors review the case scenario featured in "When Is an External Evaluator No Longer External?" In the literature, the authors observe that there is no dearth of definitions of internal and external evaluators. For example, Kendall-Tackett defined an external evaluator as "any individual not directly involved in the program…

When foundations reduce their support to a field, they generally offer brief explanations for their actions, citing a record of past achievement, a new constellation of social needs, and a consequent reconfiguration of priorities. Other rationales for the foundations' recent rift with higher education include friction between foundation agendas…

University-related foundations considering new entrepreneurial activities should examine several questions and criteria before pursuing such opportunities. Each foundation has its own strategic priorities, values, and culture, and what works for one may not fit another. While the differing historical, tax, and legal environments facing foundations…

Reviewing evidence of private foundation support of adult education, the author finds that the number of contributing foundations is increasing, the range of grant recipients is broadening, and that foundations have an impact on legislation. (SK)

In fall 2005 the John M. Olin Foundation dispensed the last of its funds, liquidated its belongings, and vacated its offices. John Merrill Olin intended his wealth to promote conservatism in academia, and for 52 years his foundation pursued that aim by creating grants for individuals and organizations that have become founts of right-wing…

Back in 2000, Charles Best was teaching at Wings Academy, an alternative high school in the Bronx, when he got the idea for a Web site where teachers could solicit donations for class projects. With help from his students, DonorsChoose.org soon was born. Last year, the site won Amazon.com's Nonprofit Innovation Award. So far, DonorsChoose has…

Discusses Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities (FADICA), an organization composed primarily of foundation trustees who meet to examine significant trends and problems affecting Catholic life. Highlights FADICA's successes and focuses. (DMM)

University-affiliated foundations have difficulty locating and retaining good fund-raisers. A recent survey found that demand for fund-raisers is greater than supply; only one in five is looking for a new job. This paper explains issues and lists strategies that can help affiliated foundations recruit and retain chief advancement officers and…

Offers a historical perspective on the community college foundation, reviews 1987 research findings concerning foundation assets, lists 10 steps to establishing a foundation, and identifies key factors in organizational success. Describes the revitalization of the Citrus College Foundation. (DMM)