Almost every foundation today is looking for the magic answer to how they can do more for their constituents in spite of their reduced assets. Well, there may be some solutions after all!
While we may not be able to call Wendy Horton and her team magicians at Community Foundation Insights, I can tell you that they have produced an excellent, easy-to-read report full of ideas on how foundations can cope with the economy and support their constituents.
The report is called “Taking Informed Action in Challenging Times” and was presented at a Council on Foundations meeting I attended in Chicago recently. Now if you don’t have a lot of time, you can just read the Executive Summary, or — if you’re a lists person like me — I highly recommend the list of ideas in section 5, “Serving Your Community.”
Although written for community foundations, most of the ideas can be applied to all types of foundations. Three key themes emerged from the research — Capacity Building, Convening, and Collaboration. Some of my favorite ideas pulled out of CFInsights’ “magic hat” include:
- Create a “first responders” list of vital human service organizations serving the community.
- Shorten decision cycles or create “fast track” grant categories.
- Convene larger funders in the community to create a coordinated response.
- Support mergers of small programs into larger, more sustainable organizations.
- Provide educational seminars for nonprofits on topics such as proposal writing, donor development, board development, and strategic planning.
This report as well as a pre-recorded webinar about it are available to download for free at the Community Foundation Insights website.
Join the Conversation: What are some new and creative things your foundation is doing, or considering doing, to support its constituents? If you have any ideas or resources to share, please let us know. We will review them and consider posting appropriate links on our website so everyone can benefit.
- Lisa Johnson, MCF’s manager of professional development and e-learning
