Adapted from the document "Principles and Practices for Effective Grantmaking"

Published by the Council on Foundations

(used by permission)

c 1) Grantmaking organizations should establish a set of basic policies that define the program interests and the fundamental objectives to be served through their grantmaking efforts.

c 2) Grantmaking organizations should establish a process for receiving, examining, and deciding on grant applications that is clear and logical. This review process should be followed in a manner consistent with the organization's policies and purposes.

c 3) Grantmaking organizations should recognize that accountability extends beyond the narrow requirements of the law. Responsive grantmakers establish and carry out policies that recognize and accommodate accountability on many different levels.

c 4) Grantmaking organizations should encourage and facilitate open communication with the public and with grantseekers about the policies and procedures that are generally followed during the grantmaking process. Open exchange of information about the grantmaking process will help to create an environment of trust in which grantmakers and grantseekers can conduct themselves in a responsible and effective manner.

c 5) Grantmakers should prepare documents that describe policies, program interests, grantmaking practices, geographic and policy restrictions, and preferred ways of receiving applications. These documents should be readily available to grantseekers and the public alike.

c 6) Grantmakers should promptly acknowledge the receipt of any serious application or inquiry made to the grantmaking organization.

c 7) Grantmakers should inform grantseekers as quickly as possible when their programs and proposals fall outside the interests of the grantmaking organization.

c 8) Grantmakers, insofar as possible, should endeavor to keep grantseekers informed of the steps, timing and processes that will take place in reaching a final decision with respect to requests and proposals.

c 9) Grantmakers should consider possible ways of informing the public concerning stewardship through publication and distribution of periodic reports. Reports can take the form of annual reports, newsletters, reports to The Foundation Center, and the use of other communication channels such as the Internet.

c 10) Grantmakers should keep in mind that the preservation and enhancement of an essential community of interest between the grantor and the grantee requires that their relationship be based on mutual respect, candor, and understanding, with each investing the necessary time and attention to define clearly the purposes of the grant, the expectations as to reports related to financial and other matters, and the provisions for evaluating and publicizing projects.

c 11) Grantmakers should consider going beyond just providing money for projects, to a place where they are able to help grantees, using appropriate means, to sharpen their objectives, monitor the performance of projects, evaluating the outcome of projects, and encourage early planning for future stages.

c 12) Grantmakers should be alert and responsive to changing conditions in society and to the changing needs and merits of particular grantseeking organizations. Responses to needs and social conditions may well be determined by independent inquiries, not merely by reactions to requests submitted by grantseekers.

c 13) In responding to new challenges, grantmakers are helped if they use the special knowledge, experience and insight of individuals beyond those persons, families, or corporations from which the funds originally came.

c 14) Some grantmakers find it useful to secure ideas and comments from a variety of consultants and advisory panels, as well as diversified staff and board members.

c 15) In view of the historic under-representation of minorities and women in supervisory and policy positions, particular attention should be given to finding ways to draw them into the decision-making processes.

c 16) From time to time, all grantmaking organizations should review their program interests, basic policies, board and staff composition, and assess the overall results of their grantmaking.

c 17) Staff and board members should disclose to the governing body the nature of their personal or family affiliation or involvement with any organization for which a grant is considered, even though such affiliation may not give rise to any pecuniary conflict of interest.

c 18) Grantmakers should maintain interaction with others in the field of philanthropy including such bodies as regional associations of grantmakers, The Foundation Center, the Council on Foundations, and various local, regional and national independent sector organizations. They should bear in mind that they share with others responsibility for strengthening the effectiveness of the many private initiatives to serve the needs and interests of the public and for enhancing general understanding and support of such private initiatives within the community and the nation.

 

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