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.