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The CEP blog aims to offer a range of perspectives, experiences, and opinions related to effective philanthropic practice. We welcome submissions that address crucial issues facing individual and institutional donors and are not self-promotional in nature. The views expressed in these posts are not necessarily CEP’s own.
Phil Buchanan introduces Guest Blogger Crystal Hayling. Crystal is Former President and CEO of the Blue Shield of California Foundation and a member of the CEP Board of Directors. She is currently living in Singapore and is taking some time to write about – and reflect upon – philanthropy, social innovation, and international development.
Andrea Brock shares new data that suggests foundations have not shifted towards providing more general operating grants despite the abundance that has been written arguing for unrestricted support.
Kevin Bolduc thanks the 143 funders and the 50,000 grantees who have participated in the Grantee Perception Report process over the last four years and shares a Chronicle of Philanthropy ad that also extends that gratitude.
Alyse d’Amico shares the preliminary agenda for CEP’s 2011 conference and highlights six of the conference’s sessions.
Valerie Threlfall shares a post that was originally published on the Huffington Post: “Student Feedback: A Missing Link in Education Reform.”
Ellie Buteau, PhD asks readers to give their feedback on two recent research publications.
Phil Buchanan argues that funders should work to strengthen their relationships with grantees. He draws on testimonials from two foundations leaders who see strong funder-grantee relationships as critical to having an impact in their fields.
Phil Buchanan announces CEP’s partnership with Monitor Institute to bring the Strategy Landscape Tool, a new data visualization tool, to the field of philanthropy.
“Foundations can’t develop good strategy with closed processes,” asserts Phil Buchanan. He poses four questions for foundation leaders to consider before seeking stakeholder feedback.
Phil Buchanan discusses the dangers of openness when developing strategy, but explains why he believes the risks are greatly outweighed by the rewards.
CEP’s strategic planning process has embraced opinions from over seventy staff members, advisors, and directors. Phil Buchanan explains the process and the philosophy behind this approach.
Phil Buchanan shares lessons from a mentor’s strategic planning process and how it shaped his approach to strategy development.
A Harvard Business Review article oversimplified the purpose and ignored the great accomplishments of the nonprofit sector, says Phil Buchanan.
Is the nonprofit sector too data-driven? Phil Buchanan adamently says “no” and argues against the idea that data-based decision making and philanthropic passion are in conflict.
Valerie Threlfall challenges education funders and leaders to listen to students’ thoughtful feedback and to recognize that youth add an important perspective to education reform discussions.
Valerie Threlfall shares two keys to transforming student feedback into meaningful change in high schools.
In response to current events such as Zuckerberg’s gift to Newark and the DC mayoral campaign, Valerie Threlfall asks, “Are these reform efforts adequately considering students’ perspectives?”
Kevin Bolduc and Andrea Brock reflect on the 2010 Council on Foundation’s community foundation conference’s major themes and speakers.
Ron Ragin of the Hewlett Foundation shares four lessons he’s learned during two years of working as a program officer.
Jeff Raikes and Christine DeVita will be sharing stories of foundation goals and strategies at CEP’s 2011 conference. Phil Buchanan introduces them and highlights the Wallace Foundation’s just-released public performance scorecard.