Understanding a Foundation’s Social Compact Rien van Gendt

This podcast is part of GrantCraft's Theory of the Foundation series, which explores the role and purpose of foundations and offers a framework for introspection on three core elements – charter, social compact, and operating capabilities – that together shape a foundation’s structure and approach. 

“Social compact” refers to the foundation’s agreements – either implicit or explicit – with society and key stakeholders. It’s how the foundation defines its license to operate, and what it thinks is should do, and shouldn’t do. This encompasses: partner relationships, external accountabilities, relationship to society and government, and transparency.

In this episode, you’ll hear the voice of Rien van Gendt, board member, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (and former CEO of the Van Leer Group Foundations) reflecting on how foundation transparency and accountability to the public is perceived differently in the U.S. and in Europe.

See related content below for more podcasts in this series.