How Charities want to be evaluated.

I recently asked charity leaders a question that’s often overlooked: What do you wish philanthropists would ask as they make funding decisions?

The responses were phenomenal, with hundreds of thoughtful answers. Summarizing them didn’t quite do it justice but it’s a start. If we are ever going to build a healthier fundraising ecosystem we need to begin by design processes that work for each other.

Key Questions Charities Wish Philanthropists Would Ask:

Feasible Timeframe for Impact:

• Charities want philanthropists to understand the realistic timeframe required to see sustainable outcomes beyond project implementation, emphasizing the complexity of their work and the patience needed for lasting change.

Efficiency and ROI:

• Charities seem to want to convey their efficiency and effectiveness but in different ways than traditional ratios would indicate. Things like low turn over, well-paid staff as indicators of their efficiency.

Unique Positioning:

• Charities want to explain why they are uniquely qualified to accomplish the project, showcasing their distinctive capabilities.

Importance of Their Work:

• Charities want to communicate the significance of their mission and the value of their impact.

Achievements and Impact:

• Charities are eager to share evidence of their achievements, demonstrating the tangible results of their work.

Operational Soundness:

• Charities want to assure donors of their sound management and financial practices, indicating transparency and accountability in their operations. They’re very proud of how they operate.

Alignment with Donors’ Goals:

• Charities want donors to consider how their missions and values align with the donors’ charitable goals, emphasizing the importance of shared values in funding decisions.

Leadership and Team Expertise:

• Charities want to highlight the expertise of their leadership and team, underscoring their capability to drive project success.

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These insights are just the beginning. We can indeed make things better by building better things.

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