The winter holiday season is in full swing, and, at least for many of us, that means it is a time of giving. For many donors who give to or through community foundations and other public charities, though, giving isn’t necessarily tied to a specific time of year: it’s a continuous way of showing steadfast support to the causes that matter most to them, as well a means for reinforcing the values that fuel their philanthropy. Community foundations are key partners for these donors, and these foundations highly value donor feedback.

But whether donors lean into the Giving Season or choose to do their giving all year round, these quotes from donors who’ve offered their feedback to community foundations through CEP’s Donor Perception Report offer keen insight into what these organizations are doing well — and where they might improve. As such, the gift of donor feedback is highly valuable. Providing candid, thoughtful, and even (lovingly) critical feedback can be just as important as financial support.

NB: these donor feedback quotes have been edited for clarity and to maintain the confidentiality of donors who responded to CEP’s survey.

Donor feedback on foundations who live up to their values:

“The Foundation’s greatest strength lies in its deep-rooted connections across [the community] and its unwavering clarity of purpose. Its broad and diverse network allows it to build authentic partnerships, tap into local expertise, and stay attuned to community needs. Just as importantly, the Foundation consistently leads with its values — ensuring that every program, service, and message reflects its commitment to equity, access, and opportunity. This alignment between values and action builds trust and amplifies its impact.”

Donor feedback on the importance of sharing insight about a funder’s impact:

“To be honest, I don’t know what [the Foundation] has really done over the last 18-24 months except to conduct studies.  Alot of talk, talk, talk but are they really moving the needle? Only time will tell but some donors are getting disgruntled.”

Read the full article about donor feedback by Kara Doyle at The Center for Effective Philanthropy.