2011-12 Fundraising and Funds Dissemination process/Survey/Backdrop

Future of fundraising discussions - Index edit
Guiding Principles discussion Introduction Fundraising principles Funds distribution principles Fundraising models/future discussion Introduction, timeline & faq Goals Zack's observations on online fundraising How long will the Fundraiser keep growing? Wikimedia Foundation staff memo and analysis Recommendations Final recommendations from Sue Editable recommendations based on Sue's final recommendations Draft Recommendations from Sue Draft Recommendations discussion Draft Recommendations Q&A Brainstorming about Recommendation 4 Pros and cons Questions flowchart Fundraising options Alternative recommendations and philosophies Alternative recommendations (Open to all contributions) Recommendations by Tango Wikimedia Foundation resolutions Resolution: Wikimedia fundraising principles (10-9-2010) WMF Board of Trustees letter regarding fundraising accountability (8-5-2011) Resolution: Developing Scenarios for future of fundraising (1-18-2012) Draft Board resolution (2-9-12) Final Board resolutions (3-30-12) FAQ Discussion Wikimedia chapter statements Wikimedia’s culture of sharing (Wikimedia DE) Resolution on principles (Wikimedia UK) The importance of being a Wikimedia chapter (Wikimedia IT) Iberocoop joint statement Opinion French chapter Questions for the German chapter Wikimedia UK response to Sue Wikimedia CH response to Sue Wikimedia NL informal statement Overview of relevant data Sign up to participate Initial Thoughts Draft grantmaking survey Funds Dissemination Criteria мой Resource list (for survey preparation) Where the money comes from today Outcomes Final Board resolutions Creation of the Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC)

(This is just a scratch pad for me, at the moment. You can probably just ignore it.) Sue Gardner 22:07, 26 November 2011 (UTC)

Factors that play a role in grantee satisfaction with the funding experience Important factors include perceptions of .. fairness, responsiveness, approachability, clarity of communication around goals and strategy, and clarity of communication around guidelines and process. Less important factors include grant turnaround time and the weight of administrative burden required to receive funding.

Five resources most used by grantees to get information about the grantmaking organization

1. grantmaker website
2. grantmaker written funding guidelines
3. grantmaker annual report
4. group meetings with grantmaker staff
5. individual conversations with grantmaker staff

Most grantees use two or more resources. The core resource is normally the written funding guidelines, and it is deemed most helpful by most grantees. "Although foundation staff sometimes prefer keeping guidelines vague to allow themselves more flexibility, detailed guidelines are very useful to grantees and prospective applicants."

10 characteristics of highly rated funding guidelines, in order of their ratings by grantees

1. prominent mention of grantmakers mission, goals and strategies
2. individual program area descriptions and/or detailed descriptions of priorities
3. deadlines, or an explanation of how rolling review works
4. list of funded grantees
5. FAQs
6. list of additional suggested resources
7. staff contact information
8. downloadable applications
9. detailed descriptions of funded grantees and projects
10. examples of 'not funded' grantees and projects

14 types of non-monetary assistance often provided by grantmaking organizations to their grantees (unordered list)

1. General management advice
2. Strategic planning advice
3. Financial planning/accounting support
4. Development of performance measures
5. Encouraged/facilitated collaborations
6. Insight and advice on the field
7. Introduction to leaders in the field
8. Research or best practices
9. Seminars/forums/convenings
10. Board development/governance assistance
11. Information technology assistance
12. Communications/marketing/publicity assistance
13. Use of foundation facilities
14. Staff/management training

Key findings from the study More Than Money: Making a Difference with Assistance Beyond the Grant

• Foundation staff believe that non-monetary assistance is important for the success of grantee organizations, but they don't know much about the results of assistance they provide
• The majority of grantees do not receive assistance beyond the grant
• Providing just two or three types of non-monetary assistance to a grantee does not seem effective
• Providing assistance beyond the grant calls for a significant investment on the part of the foundation

Study recommends that "if you are going to provide assistance beyond the grant, use your foundation's limited resources wisely by concentrating efforts rather than providing assistance to many grantees." "Foundations should consider selecting particular grantees to receive more assistance beyond the grant, rather than providing small amounts of assistance to many grantees."

Five types of non-monetary assistance provided by grantmaking organizations: Management Assistance types, ranked by how helpful grantees rate each type as being

1. strategic planning advice
2. general management advice
3. development of performance measures
4. financial planning and accounting support
5. recruiting/succession planning assistance

Five types of non-monetary assistance provided by grantmaking organizations: Field-related Assistance types, ranked by how helpful grantees rate each type as being

1. insight and advice on grantees' fields
2. seminars/forums/convenings
3. introduction to leaders in the field
4. published research
5. dissemination of best practices

Seven ways that grantmakers assist grantees in finding other funding sources, ranked by frequency

1. suggesting funders grantees could contact
2. personal introductions to other funders
3. making phone calls on behalf of grantees
4. attending meetings with grantees
5. sending e-mails on behalf of grantees
6. sending letters of support on behalf of grantees
7. paying for fundraising staff for grantee

References: