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On this episode of the Philanthropisms podcast we speak to Philippa Charles OBE, Chief Executive of the DFN Foundation, about the role of foundations and what it means to be a good grantmaker. Including:
- What is required to make core cost funding work from the funder’s point of view?
- What challenges do current grant application processes present for charities? How can we minimise or overcome these challenges?
- The relationship between fundraisers and funders (or donors) is often portrayed as somewhat antagonistic. How do we reframe it as a partnership in which both sides are benefitting?
- How do you say no to funding requests in a constructive way?
- How can fundraisers build longer-term relationships with funders and donors?
- What else can donors/funders bring to the table beyond money?
- How useful is access to a donor/funder’s networks for grantees?
- Is there too much competition and not enough collaboration in the philanthropy sector? Why is this?
- It is often argued that a key part of the role of philanthropy is to drive society forward by taking risks and funding things that the state and market cannot – but has philanthropy become too risk-averse?
- Do we need a better narrative about what it means to “fail” and to “succeed” in philanthropy?
- Do foundations in general currently give enough each year as a percentage of their overall assets? Is there an argument for encouraging/pushing them to give more?
- Are their arguments in favour of at least some foundations existing for the long term (or in perpetuity)?
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