ABSTRACT

This chapter considers the application of a partnership model of social management to the development and management of corporate foundations. It explores the benefits and constraints of applying the partnership model with regard to the design, implementation, management and funding of foundations. Corporate foundations can provide a dedicated focus for social issues and can build institutional capacity and relationships independent of the parent company. Although the advantages of foundations for delivering social investment are acknowledged, there are increasing questions and concerns regarding their impacts. The main benefits of applying the partnership approach to local foundations are the development of trust and the formation of relationships, the pooling of resources and competences and the provision of a mechanism for allowing transparency and accountability. The key constraints in applying the partnership approach relate to the management and ownership of the foundation, the manner in which the operation of the foundation reflects local circumstances and the degree of community participation and representation.