We write reviews of restaurants, hotels, even doctors -- why not foundations?
When I landed my first job in philanthropy, a colleague told me to expect three things:
1. Your calls will always be answered.
2. Your jokes will always be funny.
3. People will tell you what they think you want to hear.
And you know what? They were right. But this isn't just a personal experience. It is the result of a system of wealth concentration, a lack of accountability for foundations and a power imbalance that cannot be denied.
So a group of very smart people decided to create a tool that would chip away at this dynamic: GrantAdvisor. At GrantAdvisor.org, grant seekers can anonymously write reviews about their experience with any foundation.
The information will ideally provide needed feedback to foundations (if they choose to read it and do something about what is learned). But it serves another purpose as well: grant seekers can give advice to each other regarding specific foundations.
I've added a button to the landing page of Conant Family Foundation's website, encouraging grant seekers to write a review on GrantAdvisor. Please do let us know how we are doing. The board and I will read all reviews, and we will use your feedback to improve. I promise.
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GrantAdvisor is an initiative of the California Association of Nonprofits, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, and GreatNonprofits. The project is in partnership with the Association of Fundraising Professionals and Social Media for Nonprofits. Advising Foundations include the Peery Foundation, GreenLight Fund Bay Area, Open Road Alliance, and Thomson Family Foundation.