Such engagement is particularly important at the local government and community levels where participation is so critical in ensuring successful outcomes. Foundations have a comparative advantage in working with community-based organizations. Foundations are able to fulfill this special role in civil society because of the unique combination of independence, innovation, and altruism that they embody. They have the financial independence and ability to support a program because they believe in it. They are altruistic - by definition.
Foundations are financially powerful - and generous with their financial resources.
This is larger than the assets of the number one company on the Fortune 500 list. Through their willingness to innovate and take risks, foundations make significant contributions to social and sustainable development. The Bertelsmann Foundation's work on reform of local government and the International Youth Foundation's work on corporate social responsibility have extended to developing country partners. Of course, major foundations have long been active in health and population, education, and agriculture. The Vitae and Toschpe Foundations have been very active in teacher training in Brazil, where the goal is to improve education.