Weekly Reads—October 10, 2024

Enjoy PEAK’s weekly roundup of timely insights from the grantmaking community and beyond.

“We fervently believe that one of the best predictors of success in philanthropy is the strength of the relationships a foundation has with its grantees. After all, philanthropy exists to enable, empower, and invest in the leaders and organizations doing vital work in communities, putting their aspirations, needs, and impact at the center.” [more]
Jim Canales, Barr Foundation

“As funders, we want to be in the field—meeting potential grantees, observing programs, and engaging with leadership development. When we’re stuck at our desks buried in proposals and attachments, we lose that connection.” [more]
Lisa Pilar Cowan, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, for Exponent Philanthropy

“By focusing on clear, measurable outcomes and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can tackle even the most entrenched problems. Investment in resilience and risk reduction alongside innovative approaches would protect vulnerable communities and build a safer, more sustainable future.” [more]
Patricia McIlreavy, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, for The Center for Effective Philanthropy

“[A 2021 report by the Center for Effective Philanthropy] found that grant makers had a poor understanding of the challenges facing Native American communities and little interest in learning about them. Native American leaders told the researchers that foundations denied proposals because they failed to understand the issues… Funding was often not renewed and leaders felt that the knowledge and strength of Native American leaders was not understood.” [more]
Jim Rendon, The Chronicle of Philanthropy