A Hands-on Approach to Grantmaking

With 40 years of experience as a foundation executive, Bill Somerville knows what it takes to improve foundation effectiveness. The president and founder of the Philanthropic Ventures Foundation is author of the new book Grassroots Philanthropy: Field Notes of a Maverick Grantmaker (Heyday Books). What are some areas for change? Here are just a few of Somerville’s suggestions for grantmakers:

-Learn more about the community and nonprofits you serve. Spend at least 30 percent of your time in the field.

-Transition to a “paperless giving” model that takes makes more use of e-mail and phone calls.

-Reduce inefficiency by allowing the executive to approve certain types of grants without consulting the board.

-Consider making grants to individuals that will allow your foundation to make the most of innovative ideas.

Interested in learning more? You will find copies of Grassroots Philanthropy in our libraries soon, and stay tuned for a full book review later this year.