Ellie Buteau presents a data point on how discussions about performance assessment can be a valuable source of non-monetary support for grantees.
Data Point: Nonprofits Want More Discussion about Assessment with Funders
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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.
Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask First
Guest author Susan McConnell advocates for funders to focus on developing the skills of program officers as a way to lead to more effective working relationships with grantees.
On Peter Buffett’s Op-Ed
Phil Buchanan reacts to Peter Buffett’s take on the philanthropic sector, offering both criticisms of some of Buffett’s arguments and thoughtful relections on areas where he may not be totally off-base.
Data Point: More Transparency Needed About What Foundations Are Learning
Andrea Brock shares a data point from our “Foundation Transparency” report about nonprofits’ desire for funders to be more open about their experiences with what hasn’t worked in their grantmaking.
Six Tips for Improving Staff Performance Reviews
Brian Hughes offers foundations advice on how to make the most of the performance review process.
D5 at the Midpoint
Guest author Kelly Brown of the D5 Coalition discusses the progress to date of philanthropy’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, while highlighting how much remains to be done for the field to reach its full potential.
Set Your Relationship Up for Success
Guest author Caroline Altman Smith of The Kresge Foundation offers advice for setting expectations to get funder/grantee relationships off on the right foot.
Studying Philanthropy for Its Own Sake
Phil Buchanan makes a case for philanthropy as an independent academic pursuit and lauds Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen for aiding that cause.
Announcing the Chinese Version of CEP’s “Essentials of Foundation Strategy” Report
Grace Nicolette announces the translation of CEP’s “Essentials of Foundation Strategy” report into simplified and complex Chinese.
Share the Power
Guest author Carol Ting advises funders to recognize that relationships with their grantees are symbiotic and suggests making an effort to rebalance the inherent power dynamics to make those partnerships more effective.
We Listen, Too: Collecting Feedback from our Donor Perception Report Subscribers
Manager Grace Nicolette reports out on the lessons learned from a recent survey of our Donor Perecption Report subscribers.
Working Well with Grantees: A Guide for Foundation Program Staff
Ellie Buteau and Phil Buchanan introduce CEP’s newest research report that lays out practical advice for foundation program staff to strengthen relationships with their grantees.
Getting Clear About Overhead, Part 2: Questionable Fundraising Costs
Phil Buchanan continues his exposition on the nonprofit overhead debate, warning that a failure to acknowledge our worst offenders blurs our ability to make a cogent argument.
Getting Clear About Overhead, Part 1
Phil Buchanan weighs in on the issue of overemphasis on overhead as a measure of nonprofit effectiveness.
Is It Time for RISKY Goals, Not Just SMART Ones?
Guest author Caitlin Stanton voices concern about how progress toward complex goals is measured and proposes a new model for setting strategic goals.
‘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.”