In 1948, when The Pew Charitable Trusts was established, grantmaking was closer
to a personal act of charity. Today's world has greater needs, tougher problems
and more competition for resources. Grantmaking, accordingly, is closer to
a strategic investment with the return measured not in profits, but in long-lasting,
positive and powerful results. One result the Trust seeks is the greater engagement
of Americans in the civic process of democracy. Rebecca Rimel is president
and chief executive officer for The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Trusts, with
more than $4.7 billion in assets, invested more than $213 million in 298 nonprofit
organizations in 1998.
Listen with Real Audio
