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I Used To Be on the Other Side: Reducing the Power Dynamic in Philanthropy
For the past 30 years, I have had the privilege of working in leadership positions at nonprofit organizations from local through international regions. I’ve also worked as a consultant for nonprofits doing strategic planning, staff and board development, and fundraising. I know first-hand what it’s like to run programs, engage in advocacy, and have to... Read More
Funding Local Arts
The Presser Foundation is the only foundation dedicated solely to funding music organizations in the Greater Philadelphia region. Its holistic approach to grantmaking also makes it unique among funders. The foundation gives to music organizations through special projects, general operating support, and capital support grants. At the same time, it supports music students through undergraduate... Read More
Is There an Ideal Career Path To Working at a Small Foundation?
There is no one path to having a career in leanly staffed foundations, as they operate in almost every locale in the nation. Still, there are qualities, skills and experiences that prepare people to effectively manage small foundation operations, engage boards, and leverage resources for impact. Patterns in hiring First, let’s look at some career... Read More
Collaborating for Data Sharing: The Story of One Funders Group
When funders get together to connect, talk and build relationships with one another, big things can happen. Consider, for example, this analysis of over $14 million awarded to nonprofits in Frederick County, Maryland, along with a growing understanding of how local giving relates to community needs. The origins of our funders group About five years... Read More
10 Ways To Boost Your Facilitation Skills
As funders, you may participate in board meetings and site visits, committee meetings and funder collaboratives, grantee convenings and focus groups, staff meetings, and more. Having adept facilitation skills can make these gatherings more efficient, engaging and enjoyable for all. Here are ten ways to boost your facilitation skills: 1. Plan, plan, plan Most facilitation... Read More
Grantmaking Due Diligence: Organizational Budget Size
This post originally appeared on GMA Foundations’ blog. Organizational budget size is a favorite proxy indicator in philanthropy. Donors use rules of thumb to streamline grantmaking due diligence, but generalizations are imperfect. Using organizational budget size as a proxy indicator can reinforce funding inequities and lead to lost opportunity. Here are a few ways to... Read More