Posted by Trista Harris on May 23, 2007
Question-Improving the field of philanthropy
If you could change one thing about how foundations operate, what would it be and why?
If you could change one thing about how foundations operate, what would it be and why?
May 23rd, 2007 at 11:33 pm
Hey y’all! I guess it depends on the type of foundation we’re talking about. Here are a few thoughts, in general, though- 1)More diversity reflected in the leadership of foundations. 2)More creativity and innovation in our approaches to social justice. 3) Less administration, more participation. 4) More collaboration. More, more, more!!! Best! Allyson Reaves
May 24th, 2007 at 8:48 am
I think it would be great if foundations in general were more transparent about the grantmaking process with potential grantees. In terms of their guidelines and priorities, it’s great to have them posted online, but a lot of nonprofits would benefit by knowing more about the entire process. What happens in the three, six, nine months after we send in a proposal? Can we call to get an update? Will you give feedback if we ask for it? Etc. Foundations could share more of this information by participating in more “meet the funders” style events. In DC at least, you see the same five, six grantmakers on panels, but the others tend to hide out.
June 14th, 2007 at 9:35 am
I work for a non-profit health center and a good poriton of our funding comes from foundations. I wish more foundations offered support for general operating instead of implementation of new programs and/or services. The foundations want to put there mark on a cause and look for new and trendy organizations and loose sight that what we sometimes really need is to keep our lights on.
June 15th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
In an effort to answer this transparency/lack of feedback question I am doing a poll asking what kind of decline nonprofits would like to receive and why. Inside Foundations could use feedback like this to get at the heart of this question. If you are interested in participating it is at or near the top of my blog
http://insidefoundations.blogspot.com/
Part two will be asking for feedback from other foundations so stay tuned!
July 24th, 2007 at 9:16 pm
I would have foundations invest more money in leadership programs for young kids, as well as educational & after school programs for young kids also. We need to start training the youth of our country.
October 30th, 2007 at 7:30 pm
cRIOob Please write anything else!