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Simplifying Grant Applications and Reporting for Nonprofits
Complex and specialized grant applications and reports place a heavy administrative burden on nonprofit partners. If a nonprofit secures funding from 20 to 30 foundations, it must manage applications to 40, 50, or 60 different foundations, each with unique requirements. Additionally, it must prepare diverse grant reports for 20 to 30 foundations, each with different... Read More
Protecting Your Lean Foundation from Cyber Threats: A Vital Investment
As a lean foundation with limited staff, the thought of dealing with cybersecurity threats can be daunting. However, the reality is that cyber-attacks pose a significant risk to organizations of all sizes, and lean foundations are no exception. In fact, your lean operations and limited resources may make your foundation an even more appealing target... Read More
How Can Lean Funders Proactively Advance Racial Equity? Don’t Go It Alone
In recent years, efforts to incorporate antiracism into philanthropic work have surged. But what does this mean for lean funders who may not have the capacity to launch major initiatives? At Brady Education Foundation, we focus on addressing disparities in educational opportunities associated with race, ethnicity, and family income. Our mission is clearly aligned with... Read More
Equitable Grantmaking: Essential, Fundamental Practices
To make an outsized and lasting impact in their communities and issue areas, grantmakers must be intentional about equity and inclusion within their boards, governance, and funding efforts. The journey towards equitable grantmaking is not merely about ticking boxes; it’s a transformative process that demands introspection, learning, and action. While adopting equitable grantmaking practices serves... Read More
Grantmaking Due Diligence: Organizational Budget Size
This post originally appeared on GMA Foundations’ blog. Organizational budget size is a favorite proxy indicator in philanthropy. Donors use rules of thumb to streamline grantmaking due diligence, but generalizations are imperfect. Using organizational budget size as a proxy indicator can reinforce funding inequities and lead to lost opportunity. Here are a few ways to... Read More
How Lean Funders Responded to Recent Historic Inflation
In 2022, the United States experienced historically high inflation rates. This took a toll on communities, nonprofits, and foundations alike. Inflation significantly impacted funders and altered the ways they approached grantmaking, grantees, and staff compensation. Some foundations even considered modifying their investment strategies to keep pace with rampant inflation. We compiled this information in our... Read More