The Request for Proposals (RFP) is essential to the way many organizations make grants – so improvements in the RFP process can have a profound impact on grantmaking success. Over the years, my experience and research have revealed 10 steps a funder can take to help make RFPs successful: 1. Be crystal clear on what […]
10 Tips for Successful RFP Management Read More »
If I had a career do-over, I might choose to be a signage expert. I am constantly appalled by poor signage, and occasionally impressed by excellent signage. To me, useful, informative, and strategically placed signs are one way for people to be kind to each other. “We’re thrilled you chose come to Stanford University’s campus,
What Message Are You Sending To Grantees? Read More »
Knowledge is power, as the saying goes, but I am not sure many foundations fully believe that. In the course of working with foundations across the country, I have made a somewhat surprising discovery: Many foundations grossly underestimate the importance of evaluating impact. This is unfortunate, because evaluation is both enlightening and empowering. In fact,
3 Reasons to Evaluate Your Grantmaking Read More »
Key stakeholders have much to contribute to the decision-making process, and their involvement can dramatically improve the success of any funding program. We’ve identified six ways to engage stakeholders and benefit from their input. First, there are three types of stakeholders: Those most directly impacted by the problem you are trying to solve Those who
6 Ways to Engage Your Stakeholders: Let the Key Players Improve Your Program’s Success Read More »
This is a guest post by Lora Smith, Communications Officer at the Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation. Public policy discussion has always been a cornerstone of American democracy. Policy change can’t happen without constructive public discourse and influence. Getting to that influence involves persuasive conversations and well-framed messages. Policy advocacy organizations must reach and effectively communicate
Invest in the Strategic Communications Capacity of Policy Grantees Read More »
One of the most important — yet overlooked and underestimated — actions foundations can take to ensure the success of their grantmaking initiatives is to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan. Believe me, I know that this is tough to do at the beginning of your grantmaking program, when you’re in the middle of
The Power of a Communications Plan: Why You Need One Now, and How to Get It Rolling Read More »