Guest author Caitlin Stanton voices concern about how progress toward complex goals is measured and proposes a new model for setting strategic goals.
Is It Time for RISKY Goals, Not Just SMART Ones?
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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.
‘Strategy’ Is Not a Bad Word
Phil Buchanan and Aaron Dorfman dispute the notion that there is an inherent tension between strategy and social-change movements; in fact, they argue, is essential to grass-roots success.
A New System to Meet Evolving Needs
Amber Bradley introduces a short video demonstration of our new online reporting system which allows funders greater customization in viewing and analyzing survey data.
Nothing Ventured? A Hard Look at Risk Taking
CEP Board Member Jim Knickman wonders whether or not the risks his foundation has been making are really risky enough.
Will What Was Said in Detroit Stay in Detroit?
Mark Russell reflects on the lessons from our conference, specifcally about the challenge of truly listening.
Design Thinking and Philanthropy: Are You Ready for It?
Jara Dean-Coffey explores the idea of design thinking, as introduced by Peter Sims during the 2013 CEP conference, posing questions for foundations as they think about making their own “little bets.”
A Transparency Mindset in the Foundation Boardroom
Guest author Jim Canales dicusses the role transparency plays in getting the most from foundation boards.
Documentary Paints a Bleak but Fair Picture of Detroit’s Decline
CEP Board Member Vincent Stehle gears up for the screening of “Detropia” during the May 20-22 CEP conference in Detroit, Michigan.
Foundation Transparency: The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
Reviewing our new “Foundation Transparency” report, guest author Aaron Dorfman reflects on the history of this topic and realizes how little has changed in the past three decades.
Transparency for Those that Need It Most
Research Manager Andy Brock highlights key findings from our new research report exploring what types of foundation transparency really matters to grantees.
Countdown to the CEP Conference
Mark Russell introduces a video of CEP President Phil Buchanan sharing his thoughts on the program of our upcoming national conference, Pursuing Results: Effective Foundation Practice.
Data Point: Consistency Among Foundation Funders
Ellie Buteau shares a data point from our “Room for Improvement” report that highlights the burden that funders’ inconsistent reporting requirements place on grantees.
Better Funder/Grantee Dialogue: From Elusive to Imperative
Guest author Antony Bugg-Levine reflects on findings from the Nonprofit Finance Fund 2013 State of the Sector Survey, discussing how foundations can help nonprofits adapt to do more with less.
Lessons from a Risk Taken
Kevin Bolduc shares some lessons learned about our experiment in offering the Strategy Landscape tool and why it might not have been the right tool at the right time.
If a Former President Can’t Give Funder Feedback, Then Who Can?
Kevin Bolduc finds an unlikely reminder about the difficulty of collecting candid feedback from grantees, but urges funders to prioritize this effort.
This Revolution Will Be Improvised
Guest author Peter Sims calls for more courage and creativity from philanthropists in order to lead the way toward solving complex social problems.
Data Point: Why Conduct an Overall Foundation Assessment?
Ellie Buteau shares a data point on the reasons behind overall foundation performance assessment ahead of a presentation on the topic by Phil Buchanan at the Council on Foundations 2013 Annual Conference.
Foundations and Impact Investing: What Is Really Going On?
Phil Buchanan raises questions about what we know about foundations’ involvement in impact investing and calls for new research to explore the topic.
Diving Deeper into Nonprofit Performance Assessment
Addy Ashiru introduces the recording from a recent CEP panel discussion on the role funders can—but currently fail to—play in supporting nonprofit performance assessment.
Chasing Staff Satisfaction
Director of Talent Brian Hughes examines the fluid nature of staff satisfaction but emphasizes the importance of pursuing it for any organization that wishes to be effective.