Strategic Philanthropy Research Group
Advancing strategic philanthropy by:
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Helping foundations to be more responsive to the communities they serve, and
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Bringing more scientific rigor to philanthropy, with a specific interest in translating evidence into practice.
What We Do
Strategy Development and Theory of Philanthropy
Strategy Implementation
Research and Evaluation
What is Strategic Philanthropy?
Foundations are increasingly adopting a strategic orientation when considering how to invest their financial, human, reputational and social capital. The core aspect of being “strategic” is that the foundation makes clear and deliberate choices about what it is trying to accomplish and
intentionally conducts its business in a manner that can be expected to achieve those desired outcomes. (Link to Becoming Strategic)
Our perspective on strategic philanthropy incorporates community perspectives, is informed by evidence and values evalution and adaptation.
Incorporates Community Perspectives
We believe it is important to engage community stakeholders in the design and implementation of foundation strategy so that a) their interest are authentically represented, b) the strategy is more relevant to the true needs of the community, and c) there will be more ownership among the partners who are crucial to implementation.
Informed by Evidence
We are committed to the use of evidence (including existing scientific research) and strategic analysis in the development of foundation strategies.
Values Evaluation and Adaptation
Only when mechanisms are put in place to evaluate how well strategies have been implemented and the degree to which they are achieving their expectations can foundations draw on those findings to reach an informed assessment of where the strategies are and are not effective.
years in design, implementation and evaluation
Contracts and Grants since 2015
Thank you for putting so much thought into the potential opportunities for sharing our model with other foundations interested in evaluating their grants and with evaluators to expand their influence in philanthropy! Given your experience and keen involvement with so many of the related professional organizations, I imagine you [have many ideas for] how we can carry the message to these audiences.
Jan Yost, Ed.D., President & CEO
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts