How Flexible Are You, Really?
I recently had the pleasure of helping to tell the story of an incredible grantmaking initiative at the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust called “Healthy
June 2, 2015
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Practical Tips for Philanthropists
Kris Putnam-Walkerly is a philanthropy expert and consultant. If you find Practical Tips for Philanthropists useful, please consider subscribing.
New Webinar Series on Philanthropy Consulting
Based on the groundbreaking Spring issue of The Foundation Review — the first edition dedicated to the practice of philanthropy consulting —the National Network of
May 12, 2015
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5 Common Philanthropy Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make
There are many rules of thumb and lists of best practices out there for grantmakers. Yet, so many grantmakers seem to get caught in ruts
May 11, 2015
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The “Perfect Storm” for Leadership Development
Last year, the Putnam Consulting team had the privilege of working with Blue Shield of California Foundation (BSCF) on a case study documenting the Foundation’s
May 6, 2015
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Reflection Brings Value to Light
Earlier in my career, I didn’t think the things I had to say were worth much to the field of philanthropy. I thought that others
April 23, 2015
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Why Fiction Might Be Just What Philanthropy Needs
Let me start with a confession: I don’t read much fiction. As I travel the country advising philanthropies of all types and sizes, I find
April 6, 2015
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Don’t Act Against Your Nature
One of my favorite quotes from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden offers sage advice for philanthropy leaders: “You should limit the number of times you act
March 30, 2015
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Small Business Tips for Charitable Giving
Did you know that donating to a good case can help your business? I was quoted in a recent Wall Street Journal article that highlights how small
March 25, 2015
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Improve Your Philanthropic “Customer Experience”
I recently stayed at the Charles Hotel near Harvard Square, and was delighted to see the “Web Cube” on my hallway on my way to
March 23, 2015
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Why RFPs Waste Time: Choose a Better Approach to Finding a Great Consultant Part II
Last year I posted a blog about why I consider the RFP process for hiring consultants to be a waste of time and resources, for foundations
March 18, 2015
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Unlikely Allies Unite for a Policy Win
It used to be that you could scour the country and be hard-pressed to find a foundation working in the public policy arena. Fortunately, that’s
March 16, 2015
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What Being Pregnant with Twins Taught Me About Philanthropy
Almost every aspiring mom (and dad) has big plans and preconceived ideas about what pregnancy will be like. You picture the way your life might
March 10, 2015
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