As I mentioned in my reflections, I am currently writing a paper for another class on the Gates Foundation’s influence and accountability. As the article Nonprofits and Demands for Transparency and Disclosure makes clear, transparency is crucial to maintaining a trustworthy brand, building effective programs, and as Cohen loftily points out, continuing as “a bulwark against the persistent weakening of American democracy”. To that point, I wanted to share this article about Gates ranking as one of the least open and accountable large organizations in the aid and development field. While this hasn’t hurt their influence, it has raised a lot of criticism against the organization regarding trust and faith in their guiding philosophies.