By communicating openly, you can build good relationships with potential partners from the start—and quickly help others move on to other funders. “It’s important to remember that our success as grantmakers depends on our grantees’ success,” says Exponent Philanthropy member Christine Elbel of The Fleishhacker Foundation. “If we can improve our processes, we’re contributing to... Read More
Just as each company has its own personality, each company has its own way of giving. That said, companies can get the social thumbs-up in two common ways: through corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Corporate philanthropy includes a range of voluntary charitable activities, such as giving cash, contributing products or services, volunteering, or... Read More
Bringing grantees together is an important aspect of work at the Access Strategies Fund. The fund not only provides grantees with financial support but helps them create a network of organizations in Massachusetts that are working to ensure that the electoral process is fair and open. The work that this foundation funds requires a long-term... Read More
Writes Ken Berger, former president of Charity Navigator: A while ago, a researcher on the nonprofit landscape created a list of every “information intermediary” (including Charity Navigator, GuideStar, BBB, etc.) and calculated there were over 100 of us. . . . Whatever barriers to entry there were in starting such groups have largely dissolved, given... Read More
Executive Order 13224, issued by President George W. Bush on September 25, 2001, was entitled “Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions with Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism.” It includes a long list of individuals and organizations perceived to be associated with terrorism. If a foundation is found to be supporting any individual... Read More
Here are a few simple tips for good communication with grantseekers. Explain your mission and guidelines Before applicants submit a grant proposal, they need to know your mission and grant guidelines to determine if they are eligible. By making both available, you spare grantseekers the trouble of preparing proposals with little hope for approval. Consider... Read More