Where

A piece in today's Journal asks why charities are are not better at reporting results. It recommends:

• Foundations provide detailed information on their Websites, including boardmember bios
• Charities should explain to donors how they measure effectiveness and not impede existing efforts at self-regulation
• More charities should embrace rigorous forms of evaluation and report their findings publicly

The big hurdle, it says, is a culture of secrecy. However, a recent study found that high-net-worth Americans would give more if charities could better demonstrate results.

The takeaway: results of philanthropic efforts should be tangible, measurable, and clearly communicated to the public. When this is done, everyone wins--the charity, the public, and the people benefited by the cause.

Cause-Related Marketing: Catching On Worldwide

Over the past 20 years, I have watched cause-related marketing explode in popularity in the United States as consumers become more socially conscious. But now there is strong evidence that the goodwill bug is spreading. The new Edelman Goodpurpose™ study of nine countries shows that 85% of consumers are willing to change brands or their consumption habits to make tomorrow's world a better place. 37% believe they are more involved in good causes than they were two years ago. (For Brazil, the number is 63%!)

Multinationals, take heed: cause-marketing is no longer just for developed markets. It's a tool for engaging consumers the world over. The numbers are there.

On your newsstands now

The October issue of The Atlantic is titled The Values Issue. The cover story is an interview with Bill Clinton on his social philanthropy ventures. "The idea is to identify markets that aren't supplying enough beneficial goods or services to meet the potential demand, and then to lead them to a new equilibrium"--a business approach to philanthropy. The article raises questions about whether the traditional approach to philanthropy--the grantmaking foundation--meets today's needs. It's worth a read.

Another piece in the issue explores the genetic basis for altruism.

Pick up a copy at your local newsstand.