Little Hoover Commission hears philanthropy leaders on contracting, advance pay and partnership infrastructure

The Little Hoover Commission on Oct. 17 heard testimony from academic, philanthropic and nonprofit leaders who said California can scale its public‑philanthropic partnerships by fixing contracting practices, investing in capacity and institutionalizing liaison roles.

Chair Pedro Nava opened the hearing by framing the commission’s two‑track review: one stream examining state partnerships with foundations and another on public charities that receive taxpayer dollars. He said the commission will examine “what factors have led to successful public philanthropic relationships, how to institutionalize the infrastructure that leads to success, and where there might be opportunities for improvement.”

University researcher Jim Farris told commissioners that partnerships can bring “nimbleness and a flexibility that government and philanthropy don’t always have” and that durable cooperation requires demystifying the two sectors and building trust. He recommended offices of strategic partnerships or directors of…