Where Most Needed

The Chronicle of Philanthropy gave a front page spotlight to the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, touting its approach of giving long-term grants to relatively few organizations, but holding them to challenging goals for growth and measurable outcomes.  The article balances the conversation with the foundation between Nancy Roob, Clark's current president, and her predecessor, Michael Bailin. 

The paradox is that the foundation does not hold itself to such growth goals.  President Nancy Roob says that the total number of grantees of the organization would probably top out at 30.

And in that light, it is most interesting to take a look at the salaries paid by the foundation.  The 2004 Form 990 shows Mr. Bailin with a salary of $538,793 and Ms. Roob $246,345, and that both salaries have been steadily rising since at least 2002. 

So it appears that holding other people to high standards does have its rewards.