Lenkowsky on Philanthropy
Nationally recognized scholar and Sagamore Board Trustee Dr. Leslie Lenkowsky is a regular contributor to The Chronicle of Philanthropy, the leading news source for the nation’s philanthropic community. His articles largely focus on issues of politics and the impact of public philanthropy.
In an article “In Philanthropy, It’s Not Just About the Numbers,” which appears in the January 29, 2009 issue, Lenkowsky comments on a recent report on the social value of philanthropy in the United States.
Another article entitled “Habitat for Humanity’s Founder Blended Old and New Philanthropy”, appearing in the February 26, 2009 issue, commemorates the work of Millard Fuller, founder of Habitat for Humanity. By focusing on Fuller’s work in building this worldwide housing ministry, Lenkowsky uses Fuller as a model of how philanthropy ought to work in contemporary society.
In a column entitled “Government Activism vs. Private Charity: What’s Best?,” appearing in the March 12, 2009 issue of The Chronicle, Lenkowsky criticizes President Barack Obama for pushing big-government programs, which he argues could threaten philanthropic giving. He notes that the President’s policies “would reduce the incentive for the very rich to give by curtailing the value of their tax deductions. As a result, leaders in the nonprofit world are confronted with a tough choice: Do they favor greater government spending? Or increased charitable giving?”
Dr. Lenkowsky serves as the Director of Graduate Programs for Philanthropic Studies at the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. He previously served as CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (2001-2003); President of the Hudson Institute (1990-1997); President of the Institute for Educational Affairs (1985-1990); and has been a fellow with the American Enterprise Institute and the Smith Richardson Foundation
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