Why Am I Always Being Researched?

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Chicago Beyond

In this publication, Chicago Beyond offers “how” we can begin to level the playing field and reckon with unintended bias when it comes to research. This guidebook was created to help shift the power dynamic and the way community organizations, researchers, and funders uncover knowledge together. It is an equity-based approach to research that offers one way in which we… Read More

Facilitating Intentional Group Learning

Posted on June 11, 2021

For organizations to be successful, individuals need opportunities to share data, as well as their knowledge and experiences, with others. Facilitated, intentional group activities create the ideal environment for reflection and dialogue that lead to new insights and understandings. From quick 20-minute activities to multi-hour gatherings, this guide provides detailed instructions on how to conduct high-energy, inclusive, and productive experiences… Read More

Engaging Boards and Trustees in Strategic Learning

Posted on June 11, 2021

Effecting social change in a rapidly changing political environment and an increasingly interconnected world requires foundations to adopt a learning orientation. Without continuous learning, grantmakers—and thus boards and trustees—are unaware about what is working where, with whom, and why, as well as what changes or refinements are needed in order to achieve the grantmakers’ desired results. Researched and written in… Read More

Systems Thinking Toolkit

Posted on June 11, 2021

Systems thinking allows individuals and organizations to understand the complex relationships and contexts surrounding social issues in order to best influence and navigate the system. We have identified several tools that are helpful in this practice, whether you are looking to understand an issue and its system, create a plan for action, or learn and refine as you go. This… Read More

Decision Making when Founders are Present

Posted on June 9, 2021 by Ann Shulman

This is an excerpt from Demystifying Decision Making in Family Philanthropy. Founders accustomed to making their own decisions in a business setting may bring unilateral decision-making to the foundation, often using it inappropriately. Founders may think of the foundation as “theirs” and feel impatient with or dismissive of group decision-making. At the same time, they genuinely want family members to… Read More

Strategies for Aligning Practices and Values

Posted on April 16, 2021 by PEAK Grantmaking

Want to secure more trusting relationships, met expectations, and true partnerships—as well as better, more sustainable outcomes? Discover they key questions you should be asking and the three strategies to connect the “how” of grantmaking to values, strategy, and impact: Develop strategic goals related to improving your grantmaking practice Recognize that grantmaking staff are integral to the realization of your… Read More

Theory of Change, Monitoring, and Evaluation: Understanding an Organization’s Activities, Outcomes, and Impact

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Stanford PACS

Learn how to evaluate a nonprofit’s theory of change, or develop your own. Understanding an organization’s theory of change helps you make your own assessment of whether an organization has sound strategies for achieving your shared objectives. Whether or not an organization uses any particular term is unimportant. What matters is whether it is clear about its intended ultimate outcomes,… Read More

Best Practices for Assessing an Organization’s Wellness

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Sheryl Seller, The Sillerman Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy

The purpose of this guide is to provide tools to assess the general wellness and well-being of organizations that your foundation funds or seeks to fund. This guide considers financial well-being as well as other factors, such as mission alignment and outcome measurement. Although the guide focuses on financial-related information, we encourage you to look beyond the numbers and ask questions… Read More