Understanding Funders’ Blindspots - with Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette, The Center for Effective Philanthropy

This episode focuses on why investing in nonprofit staff is part of effective giving and grantmaking, and why funders too often remain blind to this important dimension of philanthropic practice. Rusty sits down with the Center for Effective Philanthropy’s Phil Buchanan and Grace Nicolette to talk about the challenge of giving feedback and discussing staffing issues between grantmakers and grantees. The discussion also explores the tools offered by the Center for Effective Philanthropy for creating feedback loops in the sector; improving philanthropic practice; and addressing equity through investing in nonprofit leaders.

Tune in to hear more about: 

• Grace & Phil’s journey in philanthropy and the non-profit workforce
• How CEP is different than other philanthropic organizations out there  
• The benefits and challenges of creating feedback loops between philanthropic organizations, funders, and non-profits
• Funders blindspots around investing and supporting non-profit workforce staff and grantees
• A look at Grace & Phil’s “Giving Done Right” Book & their new Podcast under the same name
  

Resources discussed during the episode:

• Giving Done Right Podcast
  
• Giving Done Right Book (2019)
  
• “New Attitudes, Old Practices: The Provision of Multiyear General Operating Support” (2020 Research Report from The Center for Effective Philanthropy)
  
• A Call to Action: Philanthropy’s Pledge During COVID-19 (funder pledge hosted by Council on Foundations)
  
• Trust-Based Philanthropy Project
  
• Grantee Perception Reports (a service available from The Center for Effective Philanthropy)
  
• Foundation Staff Perception Reports (a service available from The Center for Effective Philanthropy)
  
• “Strengthening Grantees: Foundation and Nonprofit Perspectives” (2018 research report from The Center for Effective Philanthropy)
  
• “Nonprofit Challenges: What Foundations Can Do” (2013 research report from The Center for Effective Philanthropy)