Philanthropic foundations and accountability

Those of us who receive any form of government funding are well aware that we are accountable to the tax payer.  We are held accountable by our funders and are required to report against various compliance measures both financial and in relation to our activities. Philanthropic foundations cost taxpayers - and so should be made accountable do not receive funding but they do receive tax benefits.  Elizabeth Cham argues there is a lack of transparency and accountability around foundations; little is in the public domain including how many are currently operating in Australia.