Narrow the Power Gap

Grantmaking achieves its broadest impact through partnerships based on trust and respect, ascribing equal value to the experiences, resources, and needs of each partner.

Grantmakers that respect the grantee experience employ excellent customer services and two-way feedback. They “rightsize” the grantmaking process for each grantee’s type, size, and experience, deploying flexible practices that account for their unique resource profile.

Grants management professionals can implement practices and policies that build trust and redefine the power balance.

Board members and senior leaders should commit to building power and capacity within your nonprofit partners, and make space for solutions that come from grantseekers and grantees.

Key Questions:

• How can your grantmaking practices build respectful and trusting relationships with your grantees?
• What could it look like in your organization to rightsize the grantmaking process or implement more flexible policies and practices?
• How does the structure of grant awards help – or hinder – your grantees?
• How can you use feedback from your community and grantees to improve your grantmaking process?