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Creating Fair, Equitable Relationships in International Grantmaking
The right question is not “What can I do for you?” It is “What can I do with you?” When I worked at the Global Fund for Women (GFW), one of our mantras was, “How we do our work is as important as what we do.” This resulted in a grantmaking program that very deliberately trusted and respected grantees’... Read More
Small Foundations Embrace Advocacy to Catalyze Change
This post, based on research by Exponent Philanthropy Senior Program Director Andy Carroll, was originally featured on the Bolder Advocacy blog. An initiative of the Alliance for Justice, Bolder Advocacy equips nonprofits and foundations with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively. People who believe in advocacy as a strategy for change wonder: “How can we encourage more foundations to... Read More
12 Ways to Help Grantees Use Volunteers
As small foundations, we are always looking for leverage. Where and how can we invest our assets in ways that will produce the best returns? Will organizations we funded in the past survive these times of shrinking resources and growing needs? We must encourage and support our grantees as they reimagine how to accomplish their... Read More
Why Do We Call Ourselves Grantmakers?
I recently returned to a favorite publication of mine—Small Can Be Effective by Paul Ylvisaker, published first in 1989. I remember thinking it was thoughtful and relevant years ago, and I was particularly taken this time by the discussion of the five roles of small foundations. One of the things that struck me was the... Read More
Streamlining Our Grant Process
Lana Vento Charitable Trust (LVCT) recently tailored its grant process to fit a local theater’s organizational capacity and reflect the size of its grant. Read about the steps it took to minimize the theater’s paperwork and maximize its time spent on programs. For the past 7 years, Lana Vento Charitable Trust (LVCT) awarded Pistarckle Theater... Read More
Ask Your Way to Impact: Holding Up the Mirror
How can a small foundation with a limited grantmaking budget leverage its resources to make an even greater impact? This post includes questions to ask yourself in pursuit of greater impact. Each foundation’s unique approach to impact will represent its passion, character, leadership, capacity, and history. As we dialogue with other funders, nonprofits, and thought... Read More