Although his stated mission is to help close the growing technology gap, critics are concerned that most of the donated computers will run on Microsoft Windows and that the grant is one-time. But others credit the foundation for careful planning and implementation of the program. Last year at the first Business Philanthropy Summit, Washington, D.C., corporate executives were criticized by Hillary Rodham Clinton, but Reporter Cindy Loose said this year the first lady praised them for increasing their charitable donations. The District's 25 top corporate philanthropists increased their cash donations by 35 percent since last year. The association is facing obsolescence after switching its focus from the frightening disease of tuberculosis to the more common, but less dire problem of asthma.
Charitable givers say there are more important issues to support than asthma.
The Pew Charitable Trusts, for example, is restoring the Star Spangled Banner, building new cases for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and rejuvenating Independence Mall. According to reporters Roberta Hollan and Melody Panaroni, athletes and celebrities like Michael Jordan, who had to close his foundation in 1996, can now give money more effectively via the Giving Back Fund.