Philanthropists have to make good decisions and also ensure that they and their grantees are positioned to deliver results. Ultimately, execution trumps strategy, and successful execution requires capabilities, resources, and discipline.
What do my grantees need to be successful?
Nonprofits need more than just checks. To execute with excellence, grantees need the right people and the right organizations in place. This requires attention to recruiting, retention, development, and leadership, which philanthropists can help facilitate.
What kinds of support should I offer?
A phobia of overhead costs plagues the nonprofit world. Work with your grantees to understand the people, systems, and processes that are critical to getting results, and consider how you can support building that capacity.
Am I structured for success?
As a philanthropist, you have choices about how to build your own capacity for impact. Should you outsource capabilities or hire staff to support your work? For institutions, there are further questions about boards, governance, and organization design that support impact without undue cost.
Case Studies
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The Bridgespan Group
What are your plans for retirement? In Afghanistan, Connie Duckworth is putting her Wall Street ambition and savvy to the test.
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The Bridgespan Group
With an innovative sabbatical program for nonprofit leaders, Carrie Avery is translating her grandfather’s values into the third generation of family involvement with Durfee
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Photo: Star Advertiser
Is it possible to help preserve a language and culture that is not your own? Dwayne Steele worked together with local Hawaiians to reverse the decline in native Hawaiian speakers and catalyze a broad cultural preservation movement.
Deeper Dives
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Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
How funders can help nonprofits with the financial challenges they face.
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Center for Effective Philanthropy
Many donors' efforts to contribute "more than money" has little beneficial impact on grantees.
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The Bridgespan Group
Tiger Foundation, created by hedge fund pioneer Julian Robertson, trains philanthropists as it funds high-impact nonprofits in New York City.
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Edna McConnell Clark Foundation
Co-funding is supporting the growth and sustainability of three highly-effective youth nonprofits.
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Stanford Social Innovation Review
Funders can help nonprofits by developing an equity approach to doing business. (Subscription required)
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National Center for Family Philanthropy
CEO transitions in family foundations typically have three major stages: clarifying the foundation direction, identifying a suitable successor, and realigning the foundation’s strategies and/or programs as necessary. This article shares observations from a long-time advisor and observer of family foundation boards, as well as perspectives from two family board members.