Stephen Heintz on the Responsibility of Philanthropy

To tackle the root causes of the world’s most pressing problems, philanthropy must invest time and commit to constant innovation, said RBF President Stephen Heintz, in remarks at the University of Sydney’s United States Studies Centre on April 4. The challenges our interdependent world faces, including a constant threat of terrorism, extended military conflict, the widening gap between rich and poor, and the growing dangers of climate change, require foundations to be bold in their ambitions, yet humble in their strategic engagement, he said. His remarks were delivered alongside the launch of a new report, U.S. Foundation Funding for Australia, which was co-authored by the New York-based Foundation Center, the U.S. Studies Centre, and Philanthropy Australia.

Heintz also delivered the keynote speech at Australia's first Divest-Invest Conference on April 5. In addition, he visited the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne for a conversation with journalist Peter Mares about the responsibilities and limitations of philanthropy, and the Fund's decision to divest from fossil fuels. Listen to the Wheeler Centre podcast interview.

Download the full text of his remarks [PDF]