Foundations: accountability and legitimacy

In: Voluntary sector review: an international journal of third sector research, policy and practice, Band 4, Heft 3, S. 403-413

Abstract

Many charitable foundations seek to influence social change. As independent endowed bodies with their own funds, foundations are, on the face of it, not accountable so there are questions about the legitimacy of their actions. This article draws on contemporary examples and practitioner experience to discuss accountability and legitimacy in the context of foundations that want to influence social change need to work with others. For such foundations legitimacy and accountability are operational necessities.