On this episode of The Future of Teamwork, Elizabeth Wong of Foundation Source speaks with host and Huddl3 Group CEO Dane Groeneveld about her work in the philanthropy business guiding organizations and foundations toward their giving goals. She also discusses how the industry has changed in her three decade career, as well as trends occurring and how it will affect the future of philanthropic giving.
Conversation highlights:
- [00:11 - 02:16] Introduction to Elizabeth Wong
- [02:20 - 03:19] Working with professional grant makers and a leadership team unrelated to family members for large foundations
- [03:21 - 06:07] Elizabeth's approach to working with foundations and driving outcomes
- [06:09 - 07:59] A shift in donor expectations throughout Elizabeth's three decades in the field
- [08:07 - 09:44] How individual philanthropy can be, and how employees can be part of the story of success
- [09:47 - 11:31] The importance of company purpose - becoming a part of a community
- [11:32 - 15:03] Youth wellness development and patterns emerging to address immediate needs and providing a compelling workplace
- [15:27 - 17:16] Future opportunities in the philanthropy world and serving audiences
- [17:18 - 19:30] How the national discourse frames and affects philanthropic giving's challenges
- [19:32 - 20:17] The best questions are the hardest to answer
- [20:17 - 26:52] On finding projects that are going to move the needle forward today
- [27:11 - 28:38] Themes in philanthropy Elizabeth finds exciting
- [28:44 - 30:32] Forming a board, and why you may not need a mission statement
- [30:37 - 33:59] The importance of reflecting back on the grants you gave
- [32:08 - 34:37] First dollars in and Dane's experience in rural Italy
- [34:40 - 36:51] Government and Foundation partnerships
- [39:14 - 40:44] The power imbalance between fund seekers and funders
- [40:58 - 42:54] How to get your employees involved outside dollars
- [43:14 - 44:38] The nature of foundation folks and being stretched thin
