Learning in philanthropy can happen in any number of ways — from traditional training programs and orientations for new staff to regular discussions among staff members, board members, grantees and grantmakers about how things are going and how to get better results.
The most difficult part of evaluation can be to know where to begin. There is so much information we could gather, but the key is determining what is most useful for what we need to know now to make better decisions and improve performance. This piece offers a matrix to guide thinking about what we want to learn from our evaluation, what tools and methods can support that learning and what key questions can help shape evaluation plans.
One of the biggest barriers to supporting capacity building is knowing how to tell if the support we give is having the desired impact. It can be difficult to measure improvements in organizational capacity and even more difficult to make the connection between capacity improvements and organizational outcomes.
Why Do Funders Work with Intermediaries?
What is Strategic Co-Funding?
How can grantmakers expect nonprofits to deliver on their missions when many of them are struggling just to stay afloat? How can grantmakers expect nonprofits to perform effectively when they don’t have the funds they need to invest in decent salaries, technology and other infrastructure?
Grantmakers increasingly are turning to general operating support to ensure that nonprofits have the resources they need to achieve their goals. However, many grantmakers still have reservations about shifting more of support for grantees into the unrestricted column.
SVP Seattle engages volunteer and paid consultants to help “investees” make the most of capacity-building grants.
Southern California grantmaker makes the switch to core support for majority of grants.
Washington, D.C. grantmaker combines large, multiyear investments in youth-serving organizations with consulting and other support.
Arkansas grantmaker supports nonprofit networks to promote field wide learning.
Seattle-based grantmaker builds regional networks of organizations working to engage low-income families as advocates for change.