As foundations have become more effective at seeding and developing social initiatives, the issue of scaling upward to sustain change on a more widespread basis has become a critical strategy. But scaling up is only one approach in a foundation’s strategy toolkit, reserved for those programs with significant transferable learning and a broader demand. This post is about something quite different – at the other end of the strategy continuum actually – the small, one-off grant for experimentation and innovation that may or may not lead to an on-going program, but will almost certainly result in important learning and ideally, changed systems and social perceptions.
I am not referring to the graduated grants we are used to, which start small but are intended to evolve into a larger grant, (a common capacity-building or risk management tool) or grants for small things such as conference attendance, or high-leverage grants such as micro-credit. But rather, small, focused curiosity-driven grants for the illusive ‘good idea’. For sure, almost all of us working in philanthropy have at one time or another developed an innovative grants stream. When Sheherazade and I were at Trillium we had a funding stream called ‘Really Good Ideas’. I would say we mostly got pretty good ideas, because it is hard for grant-seekers who are desperate for funding for their core programs to think about small experimental initiatives. And those with the really good ideas are often not connected to eligible organizations or don’t have the credentials to pass the review process. Also the solid, often iterative, review process that works for competitive grants can be death for the experimental grant requiring timely support and a great deal of trust and empowerment of the grant recipient. And yet foundations, particularly private foundations, with their capacity for flexibility and somewhat less requirement for public accountability are best placed to encourage and fund the experimental grant.
Continue reading ‘The power of curiousity’
I just finished reading Jeff Rubin’s new book, “Why Your World is About To Get a Whole Lot Smaller”. His message that the way we currently live in a global economy is not sustainable is not new to the grantmaking community. But it is a good reminder that we all need to revisit everything we take for granted from the bananas on our breakfast table to the weekend jet-away trips or visits to family in different corners of the planet.
His thesis that we will turn back to local from global got me wondering about what this means for grantmakers. I thought of at least three themes out of his analysis:
- Local communities will become a stronger anchor than ever before for ensuring there is a vibrant local economy that replaces the imported global economy we currently rely on. And local will need strengthened human connectivity as our ability to jet to far-away places to build community connections becomes more difficult and expensive. The quality of life in neighbourhoods will be a dominant factor in the more closely-knit communities we are going to experience. Funders who are working on neighbourhood development strategies are ahead of the coming curve as more and more of us come to realize the value of maintaining and building strong, vibrant and safe local communities. But it also raises the spectre of increasing neighbourhood striations related to income and class with the potential to increase protectionism and decrease broader integration and tolerance for diversity.
Continue reading ‘Philanthropy in a Brave New (but smaller) World’
Years ago when Sheherazade and I were working as executives at the same organization, on days when it felt like the walls were closing in on us we would take a walk over to the Royal Ontario Museum to get some perspective. Yes, there is nothing like thousands of years of beauty, drama and brilliance to get a sense of one’s place (one’s teeny, tiny little place) in the universe. We would get refreshed, and more often than not, inspired. Sometimes the only way to deal effectively with an issue or problem is to get outside the situation – the farther the better – and let solutions come to you from anywhere and everywhere.
We still use the technique when we start a new project. First we satisfy ourselves that we understand the context and expectations of the new challenge, but then we give ourselves time for non-linear, chaotic and serendipitous reflection that inevitably informs our direction. So we are always delighted to find places of inspiration – TED is one – and now another called Ask Nature. Holycrow, this is cool! The idea behind this site is based on the notion of biomimicry, that natural genius is all around, with so much to teach us. The site draws on “3.8 billion years of design brilliance… to connect innovative minds with life’s best ideas, and in the process, inspire technologies that create conditions conducive to life”. You can find answers in nature to your most compelling questions. Try it out. Go into the site and complete the question: How would nature….. and see what comes up.
And speaking of TED, according to the Globe and Mail this morning, a TED-like conference is being planned in Toronto on September 10th.
Sheherazade and I were in the middle of the first meeting with a potential client recently, discussing an innovative idea that he wanted us to assess. We asked if he had a strategic plan for the organization as a whole to provide context for this project, and he said, “Oh yes, I’m one of those people who need a roadmap.” Two thoughts collided at the same time. First, we wouldn’t have described him as someone who needs a detailed roadmap, he’s a pretty dynamic and accomplished guy; and second (as new GPS converts) we wondered if the notion of GPS wasn’t a better metaphor for planning than roadmap – more fluid, adaptive and end-focused. We three had a little fun with that for a while, but later Sheherazade and I gave it a more thought because we are always looking for new ways think and talk about strategy.
So what would be different if we thought ‘GPS’ rather than ‘roadmap’? Well, the most obvious difference is that with a roadmap the journey is integrated with the arrival: it’s generally plotted out in advance, leaving not much room for chance: the assumption being that success requires compliance. With GPS you have to know where you want to end up, but the route itself can vary depending on traffic, detours or whether you decide to take a little side trip on your way. Or, of course, miss your turn because you are busy looking at the view, sipping on your low fat, half-caf latte (does the voice that says ‘recalculating’ for the third time sound a bit slower and louder each time, or is that just me?). The point is that you can look around, maybe even follow the sign to an unexpected museum, farmer’s market or scenic view where you can peer into the distance with a telescope for just a quarter. And then still have a route that will get you to where you are going, wiser and fresher.
So it is with good planning.
Continue reading ‘Roadmap vs. GPS: Thoughts on planning’
I am excited to report that Sheherazade received the North York Women’s Shelter 25th Anniversary Hope Award at its annual Mother’s Day Hope Gala. The Hope Award recognizes extraordinary women who have led the way in inspiring others to take action. Sheherazade was presented with the award for her outstanding commitment to advancing the cause of women and girls, a cause that runs deep in her family as this excerpt from her acceptance will attest: “My grandmothers were pioneers who, in their 20’s, left India in the early 1900’s to follow their entrepreneurial husbands who had settled in Africa. They broke every known assumption or stereotype I have ever heard about the role of Muslim women. They adapted to their new environment with energy, fought snakes and lions, helped to establish new settlements, lived their lives out loud, and advocated vigorously for their daughters and for those less fortunate in their communities so their families could have a better quality of life in their new homes. They understood the very fundamental truth of the interdependence of individual, families and communities.”
Anyone who knows Sheherazade knows she lives the truth of this interdependence. As Executive Director of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation she helped transform the company’s charitable impulse into a national community investment strategy in support of shelters serving women and children fleeing violence. As well, Sheherazade is a long-time volunteer and board member of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, supporting their work to end violence against women, move low-income women out of poverty and empower girls with confidence. She is also a member of the National Committee of the Aga Khan Foundation Canada that seeks to address the root causes of poverty through gender equity.
Congratulations, Sheherazade.
