Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a mindset and practice that empowers lean, place-based foundations to unleash their full potential to spark transformative change on issues prioritized by local communities.
By embracing their unique abilities to act quickly, focus persistently, and nurture deep relationships, individuals who embrace CLIP go beyond typical grantmaking and become dynamic agents of progress.
These funders weave networks, break through barriers, and invite new voices to the decision table, all in pursuit of reshaping systems, addressing inequities, and fostering vibrant collaborations that create lasting impact.
Key Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy Practices and Skill Sets
Anyone—trustees, staff, donors, or the next generation—can learn and embrace these practices and skill sets. This resource is a great place to start.
Practices:
- Focusing giving
- Developing a common purpose
- Getting out of the office and into the community
Skill Sets:
- Deep listening
- Building strong relationships
- Scanning the landscape and engaging the community
How to Get Started with Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy Contents
INTRODUCTION
KEYSTONE PRACTICES
#1: FIND YOUR FOCUS
- Making the Case to Your Board
- Overcoming Barriers to Focus
#2: DEVELOP A COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF PURPOSE
- How to Develop a Common Purpose
#3: GET OUT OF THE OFFICE
- Right-Sizing Grant Requirements
SKILL SETS TO HONE
#1: LISTEN DEEPLY
- Asking Powerful Questions
#2: BUILD STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
- Overcoming Barriers to Building Strong Relationships
#3: SCAN THE LANDSCAPE AND ENGAGE THE COMMUNITY
- How to Do Landscape Scanning
CONCLUSION: HUMILITY AND CONTINUAL LEARNING
APPENDIX: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
20 pages