Best Practices - Grantmaker-Donor Relations
Grantees' Limited Use of Foundations' Social Media
The Center for Effective Philanthropy
While social media is increasingly ubiquitous among foundations and nonprofits, recent research finds that few surveyed grantees are using social media from their foundation funders or their funders’ staff. Those who do are finding foundations’ social media less helpful than other communication resources.
How Can Grantmakers Focus on Nonprofit Talent to Grow Impact?
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
This latest paper is the final in the “Reframing the Conversation: A GEO Briefing Paper Series on Growing Social Impact” explores the importance of supporting nonprofit talent development, the unique talent needs of nonprofits seeking to grow their impact and how grantmakers can help.
In 2012, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations released this report conducted by TCC Group, examining shifts in grantmaker practice since 2008, specifically, the connection between listening to and learning with grantees and the types of support that boost nonprofit resilience. In light of the economic downturn, this report is designed to be a tool for any grantmaker whose aim is not only to help nonprofits to weather the storm, but also to help them come out stronger at the end of it.
Patterns and Trends in Grantmaking: A National Field Study of Grantmaker Practices - 2011
Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
In 2011, GEO partnered with TCC Group to conduct a survey of staffed grantmaking foundations in the U.S. The goal of the study was to help strengthen the field by examining trends in the key funding practices that allow nonprofits to achieve better results, including grant structuring, stakeholder engagement, evaluation and collaborative problem solving.
Saying Yes / Saying No to Applicants: Strengthening Your Decision-Giving Skills
GrantCraft
This guide offers observations and suggestions from grantmakers and grantees to make the funding decisions easier and more meaningful. The guide also provides recommendations on how to say yes, or no, so that grant applicants understand your foundation's rationale, feel that they've been treated fairly, and can make realistic plans about their next steps.
A Map of the Craft: What Do Grantmakers Say they Need to Get Beyond the Basics
GrantCraft
The map identifies seven challenges in grant making, as well as the practices and skills that can help you overcome them. Grantcraft compiled responses from hundreds of Grantmakers about what they need to get beyond the basics and then charted their answers.
Criteria for Philanthropy at its Best
The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
Measurable guidelines help foundations and other institutional grantmakers to operate ethically and maximize the impact of their dollars. The guidelines attempt to answer the questions: What differentiates an exemplary foundation from the rest of its peers? What can foundations do to improve its relevance to nonprofits, the economically and socially underserved Americans and society as a whole?
The Nonprofit Quarterly's Study on (U.S.) Nonprofit and Philanthropic Infrastructure
Nonprofit Quarterly
The study maps and examines the strengths and weaknesses of the network that supports nonprofits and philanthropy in the U.S. Major findings address who is getting best served among nonprofits and why. The study also includes a provocative sub-study of the financial models of infrastructure organizations.
Communicating for Impact: Strategies for Grantmakers
GrantCraft
Grantmakers can use a "communications lens" to develop strategy, evaluate impact, take advantage of new media technologies, and more. Foundation communications goes far beyond an annual report or the occasional press release about grantees and integrating communications is critical to advancing programmatic goals.
Funder-Intermediary Relationships: Survey Report
The Fieldstone Alliance
A set of critical success factors can lead to positive, mutually beneficial relationships between funders and intermediaries. These factors can be used by both funders and intermediaries as a guide when developing contracts or grants, and as a tool to manage the ongoing work of the partnership.
