Planning a Meeting? Ditch the Conference Room and Hit the Trail

I don’t know about you, but it sure it hard to sit in an office or sit through a series of meetings on these beautiful spring days when want so desperately to be outside. Here’s an idea - how about meeting on a hiking trail? Janis Reischmann who is a board member of Exponent Philanthropy and has been working in the nonprofit sector in Hawaii for 20+ years showcased a recent meeting she had on the trail via Exponent Philanthropy’s May 15, 2019 blog post.

What Grantmakers Can Do to Help Nonprofits Thrive

Are there simple, creative solutions grantmakers can and should incorporate to strengthen nonprofits?

In a word…yes.

I see this sentiment gaining traction within the philanthropic arena. In Phil Buchanan’s latest book, Giving Done Right: Effective Philanthropy and Making Every Dollar Count, Buchanan interviewed nonprofit leaders from across the country. What those interviews revealed should come as no surprise …drum roll, please…

One of the greatest challenges nonprofits face is recruiting and retaining quality staff.

Through his conversations, Buchanan found many nonprofit leaders not only have vision and passion for their work, but also employ tremendous management skills. In his April 2, 2019 Opinion piece for the Chronicle of Philanthropy Buchanan states, “To spend time with these leaders is to recognize the utter fallacy of the caricatures of nonprofits that they are undisciplined, that their leaders couldn’t make it in business, or that the work is somehow easier than in for-profit organizations.” “Wrong, wrong, and wrong again.”

Over my 20 years in the funding world I am slowly but surely seeing change in the tried and true funding methods of requests in the door and dollars out. I am seeing funders who are actively involved in setting strategy for their work, finding ways to partner with nonprofits, and finding ways to partner with each other.

My theory is that In order to effect change the entire philanthropic community must work together and this work starts with inviting nonprofit partners to the table and giving them an equal voice. I also believe it is time for funders to open their eyes to the true cost of providing services including that dreaded word…overhead. In return, agencies must take the time to understand all that it takes cost wise to run their agencies and be up front with funders, without fear of push back .

Buchanan offers three simple solutions funders can employ:

1. Have conversations with nonprofits regarding employee salaries and benefits. Are agencies aware of benchmarks? Do they know the dollar figures it will take to reach and maintain those levels? Are they aware of the true costs of operating the nonprofit? Are they willing to share those figures? Are funders willing to listen? Are funders wiling to support staffing and operational costs?

2. Give general operating grants to organizations with budgets under $3 million. How about making it foundation policy that for every project grant awarded, the agency will receive the same amount for general operating support?

3. What about foundations flipping the model so that multi-year support is the default with one-year grants requiring special justification?

What do you think? Do you agree? Do you disagree? As a nonprofit, are you experiencing any changes in the traditional funding model? As a funder, are you having these discussions within your board and staff?

Let’s start the conversation….

The Foellinger Foundation Introduces a New Evaluation System

For over 60 years, the Foellinger Foundation has been providing resources to support residents of Allen County, Indiana to increase their self-reliance by moving from dependence to independence. A challenge faced by the foundation and their grantees is measuring how clients make this transition and creating a common system of measurement.

The Foellinger Foundation wanted input from the individuals working directly with children and families in creating this new system, so they turned to program staff for ideas. The system took two years to develop and the Foundation landed upon the Independence Continuum as the tool used visualize the system. The Continuum represents the setbacks and triumphs of individuals who receive services from grantee organizations.

Take a look at the Foellinger Foundation and the Independence Continuum. What do you think? As a nonprofit, how do you feel about working with a funder to develop a common measurement tool? As a funder, what are your thoughts regarding building relationships with grantees beyond grant dollars? Have either of you been involved in similar work? If so, tell us about it.

Time to Reboot Grantmaking

Good food for thought for funders. This article originally appeared on the Stanford Social Innovation Review website, June 27, 2017. As funders, are we asking our nonprofit partners the true cost of running the organization? Are we willing to accept the numbers they produce? Are we willing to fund operational capacity building? Are we willing to shift our mindset from program dollars to operational dollars that support strong programatic work? Are we willing to have these conversations?

Which Comes First? Procrastination or Fear?

Laura Duty with Jessica Dunn, VP of Philanthropy, the LiftFund.

Oh the joys of resolutions. One of mine for the New Year was to publish a regular blog on topics relevant to nonprofits and funders. While having lunch with a colleague, I was lamenting my procrastination. Her advice, “simply start.” Just because the first post isn’t in January doesn’t mean the effort is blown for the whole year. Jessica, at last I am heeding your advice!

I also got to thinking about the root causes behind my foot dragging and realized I can point my procrastination to one word…fear. Fear that a post would simply be one more thing to land in the inbox. Fear that a post would not have relevance. Fear that a post would be meaningless. And yes, fear of rejection.

Then I realized one of the reasons I am in the business of working with nonprofit leaders and with funders is to help them overcome the very thing holding me back…fear. Publishing a regular blog is part of a strategy I developed to advance my consulting work. Based on marketing research and conversations, I realize these communications are key. 

Because I had already missed early deliverables, I found my plan collecting dust as it sat on a shelf. It took talking with a colleague to put me on the path of actively working my business strategy.

Does this mindset sound familiar? Do you have ideas for strengthening your organization that may seem far-fetched? Do you have designs for developing strategies that are aligned throughout your organization from program to operating staff to the board? Are you looking for a neutral and confidential sounding board to toss ideas? 

Coaches, consultants, mentors, and peers offer a safe space as you navigate the twists and turns of your work. Just as my colleague helped me I am here for you to listen, offer insights, connect you with resources, and support you as you overcome your own fears of walking down new paths. Let’s get started…

A Modern Day Definition of Poverty is Eye Opening

Half of Dallas households are struggling to make ends meet according to United Way’s newly released ALICE report. ALICE stands for asset limited, income constrained, employed. These people and families earn more than the limits to qualify for federal benefits, but who struggle to provide for their family in ways that many of us take for granted. (I’m typing this note from the local coffee shop after enjoying a homemade slice of toast with peanut butter and honey.) The report further states more than 60% of jobs in Texas pay less than $20 an hour.