NNCG Knowledge Center

Inform Your Practice. Increase Your Impact.

Welcome to NNCG's Knowledge Center -- a searchable, online database of resources for and about grantmaking, produced by highly qualified and experienced philanthropy consultants. NNCG's Knowledge Center contains a wealth of reports, case studies, infographics, issue briefs, videos and more that offer ideas, research and helpful information about almost every aspect of philanthropy. Each item was authored or published by an NNCG member. NNCG constructed the Knowledge Center in partnership with Candid -- one of the most respected and trusted sources of information in the philanthropic field.

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Balancing Purpose, Payout, and Permanence: Strategy Guide

August 1, 2020

Private foundations are reexamining questions of why, when, and how to respond to short-term and long-term crises. They are finding new flexibility and creative solutions as they examine the soul of their institutions and their role as stewards. This strategy guide examines options for how private foundations can approach financial stewardship, especially in troubled times.

Drowning in Paperwork, Distracted from Purpose: Challenges and Opportunities in Grant Application and Reporting

April 1, 2008

Are nonprofits drowning in paperwork and distracted from purpose as a result of grantmakers' application and reporting requirements? Do the same practices that grantmakers use to increase effectiveness end up over-burdening both grantmakers and grantseekers—and diminishing their effectiveness? This research report commissioned by Project Streamline addresses these questions by examining current application and reporting practices and their impact on grantmakers and grantseekers alike. In short, we found that the current system creates significant burdens on the time, energy and ultimate effectiveness of nonprofit practitioners.

The Savvy CEO: Advice From Those Who Have Been There

December 1, 2007

Shares practical advice from among philanthropy's most experienced leaders and attempts to establish a set of critical skills for CEOs as well as recommendations for board members through a series of hypothetical case studies.

Principled Planning: A Guide for Corporate Grantmaker Retreats

June 1, 2006

Retreat guide for corporate grantmakers based on the Stewardship Principles of Effective Grantmaking. Includes advice, tips and steps for planning, facilitating and evaluating corporate funder retreats.

Donors of the Future: Scanning Project Report

March 1, 2006

The report is the result of a Donors of the Future scanning project with the goal to make the subject more accessible for leadership discussion, learn what resources and tools exist to help identify and engage future donors, identify data sources, create some initial resources for understanding and reaching donors of the future, and spell out the implications of the findings for regional associations and community foundations, and suggest possible next steps. The report outlines the definition of "donors of the future" used in the scan, describes the activities undertaken, and summarizes major focus areas and findings.

Funder's Little Shop of Horrors

September 1, 2005

Despite grantmakers' best intentions, many nonprofits have experienced misguided attempts of funders' support of capacity building. The article provides a series of very frank case studies drawn from many interviews and experiences of nonprofits that describe such efforts gone awry. Additionally, the article offers practical suggestions and alternative strategies that can lead to more productive partnerships with nonprofit organizations and deeper impact.

Achieving Impact Without Giving Cash

September 1, 2004

A nonprofit needs resources to support its work- an undeniable fact. But can grantmakers support nonprofits and achieve impact without donating dollars? Foundations and corporations may not consider their knowledge, networks, or information to be part of their available means, but to nonprofits, these can prove to be invaluable assets. This article explores the variety of non-cash supports that when granted to an organization, can build its capacity to serve its constituency.

The Philanthropy Afterlife

July 1, 2004

Grantmaking professionals possess an impressive skill set, but are they artificially limiting themselves to only fund development or consulting after an exit from the foundation sector? Profiling individuals who have successfully transitioned to careers in the broader public service arena, this article examines the valuable life lessons and perspectives of 17 former grantmakers who approached their career in philanthropy as an opportunity for professional development and cultivation of skills and talents to achieve greater impact in non-profit work.

When Capacity-Building Grants Flatline

May 1, 2003

No need to panic. Sometimes, it's the best thing that can happen to a nonprofit. But foundations have to know how to diagnose and then apply critical care to nurse the nonprofit back to a stronger, healthier organization.

100% Goes To Charity?

January 1, 2003

A practical and philosophical look at what it takes for a nonprofit to deliver services.

Get Out Of Your Rut

January 1, 2002

Got the winter blahs? Need some inspiration? Are you looking for ways to enhance your professional or personal development? This extensive article on burnout gives you various ways to renew yourself and your philanthropy, including developing learning circles, joining collaborations with similar philanthropic affinities, rewarding yourself with volunteer experiences, and taking a stab at teaching and mentoring.

The Seven Principles of Firmly Centered Grantmakers

September 1, 2001

Grantmakers can be swept away by the tide in the pool of "big money" they step into the first day on the job as grantmakers. Here are some ideas on how to remain centered and be respectful partners with grantees.

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