Ron Ragin explains the Hewlett Foundation’s philosophy on general operating support and shares examples of how it benefits nonprofit arts organizations.
Thoughts on General Operating Support in Uncertain Times
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Blog
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.
Challenging How We Think, Part II: Michael Mauboussin
Is there too much data in philanthropic decision-making? Phil Buchanan refutes that idea, and introduces Michael Mauboussin, a speaker at CEP’s 2011 conference, who argues that a lack of data often results in flawed decision-making.
Investing in Data
Ron Ragin discusses data collection systems that are informing impact measurement in the performing arts at the Hewlett Foundation and evaluation trends (or lack thereof) in the arts more generally.
Challenging How We Think: Esther Duflo
Esther Duflo, of MIT’s Poverty Action Lab, will be one of the featured speakers at CEP’s 2011 conference. Phil Buchanan explains her use of experiments to inform the field of development economics and how her attitude towards data meshes with CEP’s.
Keepin’ It Real with GPR Results
Ron Ragin, associate program officer for the Hewlett Foundation, discusses the Performing Arts program’s Grantee Perception Report results: what was good, what was bad, and what was changed based on grantee perceptions.
Introducing Guest Blogger Ron Ragin
Phil Buchanan introduces guest blogger Ron Ragin. Ron is a former CEP research analyst and a current associate program officer at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Report Watch: Leveraging Communications
Research Analyst Sally Smyth reviews recent communications research. These reports echo what CEP’s data has found to be true: getting clear and consistent about communication is tough, painstaking work.
Know Your Sector
The video “Know Your Sector” shares enlightening information for both nonprofit veterans and those who know nothing about the sector.
Getting Over Our Identity Crisis
Phil Buchanan takes issue with Hildy Gottlieb’s proposal for renaming the nonprofit sector, saying “…being nonprofit matters, and we shouldn’t deemphasize that by avoiding the term.”
No More Messing Around Like We Have Been: A Thank You to a Crusader for Better Philanthropy
Phil Buchanan pays homage to Joel Orosz, retiring professor of philanthropic studies at Grand Valley State University, who has worked tirelessly to foster greater professionalism in the field of philanthropy and has good-naturedly improved the sector in marked ways.
Program Officers Describe Keys to Success when Working with Grantees
Alyse d’Amico, vice president—programming, communications, and development, highlights a video interview of Chris Kabel, one of the five exemplar program officers profiled in CEP’s research publication “Working with Grantees”.
More Truth-Telling and Candor?
Guest blogger Linda Wood of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund explores the power of truth-telling in philanthropy.
Introducing Linda Wood of the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund
Kevin Bolduc introduces guest blogger, Linda Wood, senior director, leadership and grantmaking at the Evelyn and Walter Haas, Jr. Fund.
Report Watch: Rejecting False Dichotomies
Phil Buchanan shares a favorite excerpt from the Monitor Institute report “What’s Next for Philanthropy.”
Report Watch: The Future of Philanthropy (and Your Next Board Meeting)
Phil Buchanan recommends two reports on the philanthropic sector and suggests them as reading material for foundation board meetings.
Education Funders: Step Up and Hear from Those You Seek to Help
Phil Buchanan explains why CEP, which is focused on improving funder effectiveness, is surveying high school students about their educational experiences.
Those Who Should Matter Most
Phil Buchanan writes about stakeholder engagement and YouthTruth, CEP’s project to help funders better understand the experience of their beneficiaries.
Report Watch: Engaging Stakeholders
Phil Buchanan reviews Grantmakers for Effective Organizations’ guide for stakeholder engagement.
Wall Street Saves the World!
Phil Buchanan takes on the “business-to-the-rescue” attitude of the media and Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Report Watch: Giving While Living Requires Inspiration and Good Strategy
Senior Research Analyst Andrea Brock reviews a recent Atlantic Philanthropies report, noting it is “inspiring” but could urge donors to give in a more thoughtful way.