Giving Compass' Take:

• Vu Le shares how these funders are being awesome partners to nonprofits, therefore enabling nonprofits to maximize impact. 

• Are your practices in line with these examples? How can your organization shift funding practices to increase impact? 

• Read more from Vu Le about what funders should avoid. 

A while ago I mentioned the Open Road Alliance’s research report, which pointed out that the biggest barrier to nonprofits’ effectiveness funders. However, there are also many funders who are doing awesome things and being incredible partners.

I co-authored a book with Jessamyn Shams-Lau of the Peery Foundation and Jane Leu of Smarter Good, called “Unicorns Unite: How nonprofits and Foundations Can Build EPIC Partnershipers.” Since the book’s launch in April, we’ve been collecting inspiring stories of foundations being thoughtful partners. These funders reflect, change practices, advocate for nonprofits, and generally make our jobs easier and the sector better. Below are a few examples. This list is not exhaustive.

Sobrato Family Foundation had two non-family board members join their board. Diversifying family foundation boards has been a huge hurdle in our sector, so it is great to see this. Sobrato also openly shared their CEP Grantee Perception Report, transparently highlighting their finding that nonprofit leaders of color ranked their relationships with SFF significantly lower than their white peers. This is a brave step towards acknowledging and owning shortcomings, which allows everyone in our sector to learn.

Montpelier Foundation had a grantee ED approach them during a due diligence process honestly sharing how they were struggling with a combination of personal and professional challenges. Being honest and vulnerable can be hard due to the power imbalance. Montpelier listened empathetically and continued to fund the org through this period rather than having a “wait and see” approach or choosing not to provide funds. The ED was really impressed by the support she felt in a tough time.

Read the full article about funders being awesome partners to nonprofits by Vu Le at Nonprofit AF.