Giving Compass' Take:

• Kris Putnam-Walkerly argues that philanthropists need to give up control in order to maximize their impact - and offers ways to do just that. 

• Are you ready to give up control? What partners are ready to take the lead? 

• Find out how to earn more respect in philanthropy. 

How do you give up (or at least share) control and still get results — better results than you’ll get by keeping a tight rein? Here are three key ways to cede control — and improve your funding results:

1. Let the community guide your learning. As a funder, you may have researched intensively. You may have read every paper and study published on a particular topic. Maybe you’ve met with some of the leading minds on your issue. Heck, perhaps you’ve even funded studies yourself. But when it comes to social issues, the people who are most affected can be your most valuable sounding board and your greatest source of insight.

2. Look for homegrown solutions. As funders with an eye toward solving problems, nothing excites us more than a good idea that has shown big impact. Many of us practically drool over an evidence-based practice that we think will work wonders in our own communities. But we should recognize that there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and even interventions that have a strong base of evidence for effectiveness in one community may completely miss the mark in another. Culture, trusting relationships and the ability to recognize and build on a community’s unique assets are all key components of success.

3. Invest beyond the usual suspects. Once you’ve given others the power to inform your understanding and name their own solutions, it’s time to make investments. You’ll likely want to turn to your trusted grantees and partners, excited to bring them into the mix as allies who will appreciate your newfound knowledge and new approach. While your long-term grantees may indeed play a valuable role, they may not be the best to implement a strategy or, at least, not best to take the lead.

Read the full article about giving up control by Kris Putnam-Walkerly at Putnam Consulting Group.