A Value-Added Philanthropic Model
In today’s age of shrinking resources and increasing need, foundations must find ways to support its grantees beyond the gift of money. Of course, most small non -profit organizations can find ways to thrive given the right price, but is that really the best use of the limited funds available? Or, rather, is it better to offer some funds and a combination of technical assistance, networking and exposure to opportunities that can help an organization run more effectively and efficiently?
At Variety the Children’s Charity of New York, we ascribe to the later and have implemented a philanthropic model that adds value for our grantees through four core strategies:
- We are a trusted conduit to find the best grantees.
- We build capacity of our grantees.
- We thoroughly evaluate all organizations and programs.
- We build long-term partnerships to support the field.
Primarily, we implement this model through a series of value-added sessions that grantees attend monthly as well as through the establishment of collective infrastructure for necessary, high capacity functions such as evaluation and technology. For additional information on Variety New York’s model please click here.
This is a model that works to ensure grantees use funds most effectively, find new ways to collaborate in the field, and, most importantly, do not feel set up to fail by power structures that hold financial resources. Variety New York’s grantees continue to express the benefit of this approach. As Adam Jacobs, Executive Director of Kids Creative states “The value-added programming provided by Variety New York has given new perspectives and opportunities to the Kids Creative staff, allowing for growth within the organization and in our programs. The sessions on resource sharing, evaluation and social media were particularly helpful in framing the Kids Creative mission and vision within evolving funding streams and program demands.”
There is no doubt that a value-added approach takes additional time and care on the part of the foundation; however, the benefits far outweigh the costs. Variety New York is but one, small foundation focused on the Tri-State area, but can serve as a model for other foundations interested in having a deeper impact. The philanthropic sector, especially the part of the sector that operates in geographic or industry niches, must complement its monetary support with additional resources that build the capacity of its grantees and approach the success of this work as a partner, not merely a piggy bank.