Grantee/funder relationships can seem like bad theater at times, but getting them right can strengthen our work if both are prepared to trust, take risks and do things differently.
The Evolution of an Innovation
What hurdles to real innovation do nonprofits face? Ami Dar of Idealist discusses some of the barriers in our system for identifying and funding new ideas.
Nonprofit Diversity: An Asset We Can No Longer Afford to Ignore
Everyone agrees that diversity is good, but in spite of good intentions, foundations often fail to create internal diversity, putting our collective future at risk.
The Future of the Nonprofit Infrastructure
Infrastructure organizations support a broad range of nonprofits and foundations. Pratt identifies priorities that will support the future of the nonprofit sector.
Building Sustainable Communities Through Social Network Development
Networks: we are just beginning to know how they function to help our work achieve scale and impact. This will be the first of a number of articles on this subject.
The Challenge of Challenge Grants
In Braestrup’s experience as a grantmaker, the key to challenge grants is not only the commitment of the grant, but providing the money up front.
“Making a Way Out of No Way”: Bridging the Gap in Rural North Carolina
Losing more than 65 percent of its budget, Bridging the Gap has been set back, but is sustained by the commitment of a renewed board and a steadfast funder.
Spam: More Than Just a Nuisance for Nonprofits
Keeping spam out is a challenge; but perhaps even more important is how nonprofits can avoid becoming part of the problem and eroding their ability to communicate via e-mail.
Making Change: How to Build Adaptive Capacity
The strength of nonprofits rests on their adaptability. Sussman examines the core capacities and strategies that build and sustain adaptive organizations.
Brave Leadership in Organizational Conflict
Conflict and creative tension are key parts of organizational existence, but what is a leader to do when the situation becomes toxic?
What the Nonprofit Sector Can Learn from Home Improvements
Hewlett Foundation’s Paul Brest asserts that clear causal models are the key to successful strategies for nonprofits. He asks for feedback—what is your experience?
Time to Stop Excusing the Inexcusable: Foundation Trustees Who Play by Their Own Rules
Recent foundation scandals involve a small fraction of grantmakers, but all will be hurt unless trustees demand the highest possible standards of themselves.