As we, at Alliance, strive to be a ‘critical friend’ to philanthropy worldwide, this monthly column from Alliance’s executive editor, Charles Keidan, shares new thinking on the issues which matter. Drawing on two decades as editor, campaigner and foundation director, Charles Keidan’s Critical friend invites people to think differently about philanthropy.

Critical friend holds up a mirror up to our field, offers challenge and praise, and alternatives to the status quo. It illuminates where philanthropy could do better whether by giving more – and more effectively – to specific issues or by acting more ethically and transparently.

Being ‘critical’ doesn’t mean being condescending or wishing something away; it means valuing something and being valued by it. Like our readers, we deeply value the institution of philanthropy. As such, Alliance strives to be the place for what’s happening in our field, the place to think about what’s happening, and a place to discover pathways to a better future.

That’s what being a critical friend is all about. Read on here.