In an article recently published in Washington Examiner entitled “People don’t believe government can solve tough problems. But philanthropy can,” Elise Westhoff, president and CEO of Philanthropy Roundtable, wrote that, instead of relying on the government to solve problems in our communities, charitable organizations respond quickly and effectively to the many concerns facing our country today.
Below are excerpts from the article:
“Americans named the government as the top problem facing the country last month, surpassing concerns over inflation and the economy. According to recent Gallup polls, faith in the U.S. government and its ability to address our nation’s most pressing challenges is at historic lows . While people’s frustration with government isn’t exactly new — Gallup notes “satisfaction” with the state of the nation has been declining for two decades — it’s important to recognize that government is not the only tool available when it comes to solving pressing challenges at the local, state, and federal levels.
“For those who wish to see more accomplished on issues such as education, poverty alleviation, and crime, we must remember that the private sector provides an even more powerful answer, a uniquely American tradition with a historic track record of success: charitable giving.”
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“What’s more, nonprofit organizations and the philanthropy that supports them do far more than just address temporary needs, such as helping people learn a skill or earn a paycheck; they instill confidence and a sense of meaning and purpose in the individuals and families they serve. Effective philanthropy empowers people to transform their lives and achieve self-sufficiency for the long term — something that government is not well-equipped to do.
“Given the current state of our government and economy, now is the time for people to reacquaint themselves with the power of civil society to address tough societal issues, improve lives, and advance the proven values that have guided us for hundreds of years: liberty, opportunity, and personal responsibility. Perhaps people would see more positive change if we invested in effective solutions and strong organizations rather than relying on government to address complex issues.”
Please continue reading “People don’t believe government can solve tough problems. But philanthropy can,” at Washington Examiner.
