In this series, I have considered the logic flaws in the argument that organizations should be holding themselves primarily accountable to their donors. So far, I have considered the following questions: 1) Are fully funded / endowed organizations with no donors accountable to no one? 2) Should different levels of giving receive different levels of … Read more
The notion that organizations are primarily accountable to their donors is a dangerous one indeed – dangerous because it misdirects organizational focus, thereby preventing organizations from creating an amazing future for their communities. It is also a notion fraught with logic-leaps. And so, here is Post #3, as I continue to debunk the illogical constructs … Read more
In my first post on Donor Rights / Donor Accountability, here is what I said: The notion that organizations are primarily accountable to their donors is a dangerous sidetrack from where organizations must aim their primary accountability if we are to create an amazing future for our communities. And so here is Post #2, as … Read more
Nothing gets my teeth gnashing like the discussion of Donor Rights and Donor Accountability. It is such a dangerous sidetrack from where organizations must aim their primary accountability if we are to create an amazing future for our communities. And yet, the notion that organizations are primarily accountable to their donors prevails, and it is … Read more
This week’s Stop Sign on the Road to Changing the World was about Funding without Competition. Here are some easy ways funders can provide support without forcing their grantees to compete. 1- Fund Everyone: Focus on an end result for the community, and invite all organizations who want to help create that end result to … Read more
If this is the sector that was supposed to change the world, how come the world has not changed? Part 1 of this Stop Sign addressed the first of these related questions: How can we develop a community-wide spirit of cooperation, rather than merely the window dressing of collaboration? And to encourage real cooperation, how … Read more
If competition is stopping us from achieving amazing things for our communities, how can we encourage cooperation? Here are some easy (and cheap!) ways funders can inspire and nurture a community-wide collaborative spirit. 1- Food and Friends: Host a monthly lunch. Invite organizations regardless of specialty – invite arts AND human services AND historic preservation … Read more
If this is the sector that was supposed to change the world, how come the world has not changed? This week’s Stop Sign on the Road to Changing the World is the one we all blame: Money. Or more to the point, not enough money. Or even more to the point, having to compete for … Read more