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On Relationships: Recalling the Heart & Mind of Philanthropy

African Proverb
When I started consulting a few years ago, I knew it could mean that taking on different projects would allow me to sometimes go deep on a variety of issues I care about and other times move on before getting to experience the ideal result. Often as funders (a former full-time role of mine) and consultants, we’re distant from the work on the ground and it seems easy for us to stand up, out and above to advise on what should be done, how it could be done,  whom should be involved, when, where, etc. 
Funder-Grantee Relationships: Getting to Impact Together
Over the last year, I’ve never been more inspired by what funders and nonprofits (many under the radar), holding up and lifting up our communities, are doing together. Specifically, I’ve been privileged to hear wonderful stories about how funders and nonprofits alike have grown and learned from each other by listening, showing up, partnering through shifting mindsets, embarking on new strategies, implementing innovative (and for some streamlining) processes to not only enhance their own efforts but collectively that of the other.
 
Check out this educational webinar I had the privilege of moderating> Funder-Grantee Relationships: Getting to Impact Together
 
In essence, I’ve been reminded of how much the heart and mind matter in our philanthropy. And it’s just what we need sometimes when we’re buried in the weeds of the work – to look up and see the light.
 
This past year, I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with the staff at Foundant Technologies, and their nonprofit and funder clients to explore how we can work better together to build the capacity of the philanthropic sector. Through discussions on implementing best practices in data collection and evaluating impact - intentional candid communications, aligning priorities, and developing positive long-lasting relationships came up repeatedly as critical elements, resonating throughout each and every interview and conversation.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years of working with and on behalf of nonprofits and foundations, it’s that successful programs, positive outcomes and ongoing support rely on the investment in and value of the relationships we nurture, especially through the often unpredictable shifts and challenges in the sector.

Experiencing both sides of this work as funder and nonprofit, and in my current supporting role, some key tenets stand out:
  • No matter where we are in our program planning or funding journey – just starting out or wanting to do it better or differently -- learning from and with each other is critical.
  • Aligning on purpose (mission/vision/values) of programming, funding, and impact and simplifying goals and processes is not only step 1 but step 5, 10, 15 … steps to continually revisit and repeat in our work.
  • A desire to do good isn’t enough. We have a responsibility to understand and assess capacity and resources, and then be clear about the role we’ll have. Making sure we’re not burdening another in the process is key. 
If you don't have it and need it - consider leading and funding it; you may have the resources to make it happen.
  • Thoughtful, early and often – that’s the kind of communication to model. Ask thoughtful questions before, during and after. Take a critical look, have the courage to ask if this is really working the way we thought, and make a change if it’s not.
  • Identifying best practices that match collective goals must be part of the process. I advise leaders looking to start a new initiative or new nonprofit that we should start with a needs assessment, field scan and landscape / “other players” analysis to avoid reinventing the wheel and duplicating successful efforts but also to help inform direction and priorities. Sometimes it may make sense to consider partnering or merging efforts before starting anew. Either way, we want to ensure we’re bringing in best practices from the start.
  • If we’re bold enough to take on doing the hard work, then we’re already taking risks. We also need to embrace flexibility and welcome failure. If something isn’t working, change it or get rid of it. Accepting, actually expecting(!), flaws, mistakes, and resets or do-overs and learning from them to enhance and improve can open us to new and different ways of doing things.
  • Prioritizing collaboration and learning together with a commitment to share results and lessons learned is a trait and strength that sets many apart. Valuing continuous improvement sends a message that we are ready for challenges along the path to success. This not only helps our immediate efforts, it benefits the whole sector. For some, this is a process plus culture shift.
Philanthropy is a deeply personal journey. It does not end, and we do not have all the answers when we start out. I’ve found this through my own development in leadership and in philanthropy. Thoughtful, caring, intentional, positive relationships are built on principles of respect, empathy, accountability, transparency, trust, flexibility, patience and empowerment.
 
Taking a moment to put yourself in another’s place often gleans unimaginable insight. We must keep the bond to each other strong and continually ensure we are aligning with our core values. Moving from the intuitive (doing what we are used to doing or think we know from learned habits) to the intentional (seeking new knowledge and being thoughtful about our impact on others and the work) can help us do more, better, together. And with leaders like I’ve encountered through this initiative, we’re headed in the right direction.
 

Sharmila provides nonprofit & philanthropic coaching, planning & communications services through her practice SRT Advising & Consulting. Contact her here

Explore more resources created in partnership with Sharmila and our other philanthropic partners by visiting the Foundant #PhilanthropyExperience.

This blog is an original work of the attributed author and is shared with permission via Foundant Technologies' website for informative purposes only as part of our educational content in the philanthropic sector. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this text belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect Foundant's stance on this topic. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to our team.

About the Author

Sharmila Rao Thakkar, MPH, MPA, is a philanthropy and nonprofit consultant at SRT Advising & Consulting based in New York City. Utilizing expertise in leadership development, program implementation, resource development, and communications, she advises clients on operations, strategy, board development, multigenerational engagement, grantmaking, and community outreach activities. She is also an affiliate consultant with the Support Center, an adjunct associate instructor in the nonprofit management master’s program in the School of Professional Studies at Columbia University in New York, a 21/64 certified trainer in multigenerational philanthropy, Exponent Philanthropy peer coach, and mentor for philanthropy/nonprofit leadership development programs. Prior, Sharmila was appointed the first non-family executive director of The Siragusa Family Foundation in Chicago. She has held leadership roles on several boards and committees involving issues of women and children, immigrant communities, education and public health, and building philanthropic leadership and the capacity of the nonprofit sector. Sharmila has been working and volunteering in the nonprofit sector for 20+ years. From her early days as a grade school hospital candy-striper to tutoring children as a teenager, building programs earlier in her career and now mentoring young professionals and guiding families & organizations, she holds a keen awareness and passion for nonprofit/philanthropy work. She believes in building community, leadership development and resourcing folks to help all access a better quality of life and peaceful balance while pursuing dreams and innovative ideas to create something positive for our future generations. Time, talent, treasure, ties... the possibility of philanthropy lies in everyone, everywhere. A native New Yorker, Sharmila recently relocated back to Staten Island, NY after spending the past 17 years in Chicago. She holds an MPH from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, an MPA from the Columbia University School of International & Public Affairs and a BA in International Relations from Brown University.

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