Foundations Favor General Operating Support in Theory but Hesitate to Make It Happen

What is your take on general operating support? And better yet, multi-year general operating support? In this time of COVID, nonprofits are challenged to evolve both in their programs and in their revenue generation. But what about foundations? Shouldn’t funders evolve their thinking and grant making as well?

This 10/21 article in the Chronicle of Philanthropy by Alex Daniels highlights a recent study by the Center for Effective Philanthropy that surveyed foundation CEOs and program officers as well as nonprofit organizations. The findings are not surprising but the reasons cited by funders to stick with the tried and true one time program funding are a bit disappointing.

Image by Steve Johnson @steve_j