Giving Compass' Take:

• Sharmila Rao Thakkar explores three trends that have changed in philanthropy in the last decade: impact, technology, and relationships. 

• How can funders continue to drive improvements in these trends? What other areas of philanthropy need to be updated? 

• Read Giving Compass' predictions for philanthropy in 2019.

Ten years ago we were seeing the start of the global financial crisis and impending recession to come, prompting a downshift in resources available for grantseekers and grantmakers alike. The first smartphone was introduced, changing the way people communicate, search for information, and eventually how they would give back—enabling on-the-go learning, responding, and giving.

Since then, technology has expanded beyond imagination, impacting everything from operations and administration of charitable organizations, to their efforts to both raise funds on the one hand and make grants on the other. Natural disasters, as well as social, political, and economic issues over the past decade have changed the way communities organize and donors respond to needs, shedding light on new ways to give and in some cases shifting support in major ways.

  • A focus on impact: Over the last decade, grantmakers have focused on a more strategic approach to their giving, guided by a desire to see the direct impact of their support.
  • The role of technology: Education and sharing information rank high on the list of issues both grantmakers and grantseekers hope technology will help improve. Enhanced grants management systems, online grant applications, and common grant forms and reports have reduced errors, eased communication, saved time and enriched the quality of relationships.
  • Changing nature of relationships: In general, there is a more collaborative atmosphere between grantmakers and grantseekers.

Read the full article about changes in philanthropy by Sharmila Rao Thakkar of Foundant Technologies at Exponent Philanthropy.