January 15, 2016
More on Collaborating with Nonprofits
Resources on philanthropic collaboration with nonprofits.
If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a "big village" to raise a child with disabilities. It also takes a donor with a special kind of focus, patience, and willingness to learn.
Costs Are Cool: The Strategic Value of Economic Clarity
Understanding the true costs of providing programs and services can inform important resource-allocation decisions and provide building blocks for sound strategies.
Donor Decision Tool: Key Questions and Research Worksheet
This at-a-glance guide offers key questions you may want to answer during your research into a potential grantee, and also has a useful worksheet to summarize your research.
Mario Morino on Why Nonprofits Should Focus on Outcomes—and Why Philanthropists Should Help Them
Nonprofits must (and must be empowered to) set clear goals that can be supported with rigorous measurement to determine progress, says Venture Philanthropy Partner's Mario Morino.
Collaboration, Due Diligence, and Measurement: Three Lessons on Philanthropy from Darren Walker
Darren Walker says that three keys to social change are focusing on the greater good, conducting due diligence, and recognizing that philanthropy tackles a diverse set of problems.
Effective Collaboration with Nonprofit Grantees: Three Lessons from Richard Atlas
Want a truly collaborative relationship with your grantees? Richard Atlas's philanthropy strategy provides three lessons you can use in your own philanthropy.
Carolyn and Peter Lynch Share Three Keys to Effective Philanthropy
Wise investing, being patient, and conducting due diligence are three keys that can help philanthropists unlock results, say Carolyn and Peter Lynch.
Why Are Nonprofits Being Starved?
A robust infrastructure is critical to the success of nonprofit organizations. Yet most nonprofits don't spend enough on overhead. Here are critical resources on why nonprofits and funders alike continue to shortchange overhead.
Why Philanthropists Should Focus on Outcomes, Not Overhead
Overhead is a poor measure of a nonprofit's performance. Instead, philanthropists should pay attention to other factors such as transparency, governance, leadership, and results.
Don't Dig a Deep Hole, Then Leave
(On SSIR) Padmini Somani, head of two different foundations, discusses the importance of following the data and staying the course.
Josh Mailman on How Philanthropy Can Help Businesses Be a Force for Good
Social Venture Network co-founder Josh Mailman has played a key role in organizations—both nonprofit and for-profit--that promote social good.
The GreenLight Fund: Proudly Not Invented Here
What is the best way to help proven nonprofit models spread to new cities? John Simon tried several tactics—and then invented a new approach.
Philanthropist David Rubenstein Recommends Giving More Than Money
David Rubenstein says, I tell everybody if you want to be a good philanthropist...you don't just have to give away money: Give away your time, your energy, your ideas.
Guide to Interviewing a Nonprofit Board Member
Members of nonprofit boards are typically passionate champions of the organizations that they serve. Speaking with a board member—ideally the chairperson—will allow you to tap into that passion and learn more about the organization.
John Whitehead's Mission to Build Nonprofit Leadership Capacity
Although strong leadership is key to a nonprofit's effectiveness, too many leaders lack management training. John Whitehead has worked to change that.
How Can a Philanthropist Support Nonprofits Beyond Money?
Supporting grantee organizations well requires two primary approaches. We offer advice on strategy and communication around this important topic.
The Art of Being a Philanthropist: Eli Broad's Three-Question Investing Test
Before making a serious philanthropic commitment of funding—and time—remarkable giver Eli Broad asks three questions.
How Do I Measure Performance—Both Mine and My Grantees'—in a Practical Way?
One of the most common concerns donors have is how to measure the results they are getting with their dollars. This guide will help you identify a thoughtful path for measuring results.
How Do I Build Strong Relationships with Grantees?
Collaborating effectively with your grantees is a critical step on your journey from aspirations to real results. Here's guidance on how to achieve that.
Saying Goodbye: Exiting Grantee Relationships With Care
Although you may end up giving some grantees more money, you will also, inevitably, have to transition away from others by reducing or ending your support for them. Here's what to think about.
How Can a Philanthropist Support Nonprofits Beyond Money?
Supporting grantee organizations well requires two primary approaches. First, think broadly about how you can help an organization reach its goals. Ask "What can I offer besides grant money?" Second, communicate your own goals and strategy clearly and consistently to grantees, and make sure that your interactions are characterized by fairness, responsiveness, and approachability.
How to Research a Nonprofit's Financial Strength—Deep-Dive Approach
Understanding a potential grantee's financial situation can give you a clear line of sight into its long-term prospects, its ability to put additional funds to good use, and a sense of where it can best use your support.
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