Grantmaking Strategy & Tools

In grantmaking, is there such a thing as the good goodbye? Yes, say contributors to this guide, who have found ways to plan for exits upfront, clarify expectations with grantee organizations, and overcome the tensions that so often arise. Learn how to use the end of a funding relationship to boost a grantee's capacity, find new sources of support, and even multiply the value of the foundation’s investment.

Grantmakers often work with intermediaries to extend their reach and impact. GEO’s digital funders' brief offers insights from intermediaries and examples of grantmaker practices that help or hinder the effectiveness of intermediaries. Readers will find a breakdown of three grantmaker-intermediary relationship models, step-by-step relationship building recommendations, and more.

Strong grantmaking programs reflect a foundation's values, balance internal capacities with the external environment and address constituents' needs. TCC’s Ashley Blanchard and Chris Cardona discuss the five steps to creating programs with impact.

In The State of General Operating Support, NCRP notes that reported general operating support increased 34 percent in 2008-2010 compared to 2004-2006, but the share of such grants remained unchanged at 16 percent of total giving.