Perspectives from a Former Foundation President

In Beyond the Money, Edward Skloot, the former president of the Surdna Foundation, shares his thoughts on more effective approaches to philanthropy and social change. The compilation of Skloot’s speeches touches on a variety of topics and issues, including funding collaboratives, advocacy, social entrepreneurship, governance issues, and more.

His critique of American philanthropy serves to promote constructive dialogue in the sector, as Joel Fleishman’s The Foundation: A Great American Secret has. Skloot writes:

“The little collection you are reading now is wider in its scope and more impressionistic in its tone than Joel’s finely honed, expert review of the philanthropic sector. But I hope this contribution will also be provocative and useful. Call it the 'sorbet course' in an ongoing dinner conversation about the uncommon challenges facing civil society."

To read more (and to find out what Skloot means by the “International House of Pancakes Theory of Philanthropy”) call the Surdna Foundation at (212) 557-0010, ext. 400, and request a free copy. The full-text is also available in PDF format:

Beyond The Money: Reflections on Philanthropy, The Nonprofit Sector and Civic Life, 1999-2006