The Foundation Review is the first peer-reviewed journal of philanthropy, written by and for foundation staff and boards, and those who work with them implementing programs. It provides rigorous research and writing, presented in an accessible style.  Visit www.foundationreview.org for more information about the journal.

Our mission: To share evaluation results, tools, and knowledge about the philanthropic sector in order to improve the practice of grantmaking, yielding greater impact and innovation.

Each issue of The Foundation Review will provide peer-reviewed reports about the field of philanthropy including reports by foundations on their own work.

Issue 1: Comprehensive Community Initiatives – Winter 2009

The first several issues of The Foundation Review focus on community change — the goal of much philanthropic work.  How can foundation resources be used to improve the lives f people in communities? Recognizing the complexity of communities, many foundations have adopted a strategy of supporting broad or deep change in targeted geographical areas.  This issue focuses on these efforts, commonly called comprehensive community initiatives, or CCIs.

Issue 2: Civic Engagement – Spring 2009

The authors in this issue tackle “civic engagement” from a wide variety of perspectives and  evaluation methods.  The full range from “reflection” to experimental design is represented.  This raises questions for foundations about what level is feasible and appropriate, and why they are doing evaluation related to civic engagement.  Also, the reflective practice articles, introduced in this issue, rely on the knowledge and experience of the authors, rather than on formal evaluation methods or designs.

The Foundation Review is a proud product of The Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University.