Comparative Study on Types of Community-Business-Government Partnerships for Corporate Giving in Local Communities in the United States and in Russia

Tatiana S. Sivaeva, Emerging Leader, International Fellows Program ~ 2002

Abstract

The work is based on the premise that the government, business, and nonprofit sectors are interdependent, thereby justifying the need for collaborative action to insure the well-being of communities everywhere. Particular attention is paid to the role that different intermediary organizations—including community foundations—play in coordinating the interests of business donors and their communities. The study suggests that bridging the divide that separates the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors is a major requirement for the development of philanthropy and philanthropic partnerships in Russia. Accordingly, it examines the role intermediary organizations should play in establishing-business-government-community partnerships to facilitate corporate philanthropy. Ms. Sivaeva suggests that a broader dialogue among the different types of intermediaries could have a profound effect on improving practices, strengthening the players, and promoting the ideology of corporate giving among the broader public. Community foundations in particular are identified by Ms. Sivaeva as having the potential to connect the interests of businesses with the long-term interests of their communities. Some of the features that would distinguish Russian community foundations from other intermediary organizations are their on financial accountability and transparency, their diversified board structure, and their greater opportunities for maintaining independence through building endowments. Finally, the author offers suggestions for the further development of community foundation leadership in working with Russian corporate donors.

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