Data can be a scary word, but it also can be a thing of beauty when you’re looking to develop more efficient processes, make better decisions, or help your grantees find new ways of doing things. As a funder, you can have a role in supporting the data collection efforts of your grantees. This doesn’t... Read More
Small funders have limited grantmaking capacity and must think about how to use those funds strategically to help their key nonprofit partners. When a funder can offer a nonprofit partner a fully-sponsored organizational assessment process led by a qualified consultant, it can be an instructive experience for both the grantee and the grantmaker. Whereas larger... Read More
As another week unfolds and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to dominate headlines and impact commerce, government, schools, businesses, and the world economy, we in the giving sector are in no way immune from its impact. Serving Our Grantee Community Although many of us in the Exponent Philanthropy community work individually or with only a handful... Read More
Money affects power dynamics in relationships and as donors, we have the responsibility to send money carefully. When considering alternatives to a traditional funding approach, participatory grantmaking leverages knowledgeable input and democratic checks and balances. Being participatory is more than soliciting outside advice; it means inviting people at the center of the work to participate... Read More
Experts and experience have shown that the most effective grantmaking in response to a disaster follow the “Four Cs”: 1. Connect with a good source of information about the disaster Local organizations are already at the scene, know best what is needed, and understand the complex political, social, and cultural context. You might call on:... Read More
As foundations strive to make meaningful change in support of their missions, understanding what leads to philanthropic impact is crucial. In the 2023 Foundation Operations and Management Report, foundations named insufficient grantmaking impact as one of their top challenges. In this blog, I’ll discuss a few factors that drive impact, as well as strategies for... Read More