Giving Compass' Take:

• Kris Putnam-Walkerly explains why impact philanthropists need to move more quickly in order to make a difference and how organizations can streamline their processes to achieve this. 

• What is slowing down your organizations grantmaking process? What can be removed or paired down? 

• Learn more about being a great grantmaker. 

When it comes to your philanthropy, do you feel a sense of urgency? Are you striving to be a responsive investor who makes a difference through true social change? Or do you still adhere to the old-school philanthropic style of sitting around fancy boardroom tables and talking politely while poring over mounds of documentation? If you find yourself falling into the latter category, it’s time to pick up the pace!

Why should you change your approach? Because every delay prevents our ability to have an impact — and impact in philanthropy is about people’s lives. When we’re talking about ensuring access to high-quality preschools, preventing drug overdoses or reforming immigration policies, we are talking about changing people’s lives. And if we believe that what we do matters, then we should seek to make dramatic improvements as quickly as we can.

If you’re ready for high-impact philanthropy, you can start speeding up your work as an organization by focusing on two things:

  1. Get started on change. Making an organizational shift can be daunting, whether you’re a small funder with minimal staff or a large foundation with an ever-growing organizational chart. Don’t try to change everything at once. Give yourself some quick wins by following three steps: keep it simple, focus on the low-hanging fruit and make it fun and rewarding.
  2. Reassess your goals and how you achieve them. When it comes to speeding up the larger work of your organization, there are several possible approaches. The most important thing is to give yourself the space to think deeply about your work. This is not about quick fixes. Instead, it’s about redefining the way you accomplish your mission.

Read the full article about impact philanthropy by Kris Putnam-Walkerly at Forbes.