Bridgespan Monograph Says Ineffective Donor-Grantee Collaboration Undermines Philanthropic Results

Offers guide for nonprofit leaders, boards, donors to make philanthropy more effective

BOSTON, MA–November 4, 2011–In a paper unveiled at this year’s Independent Sector conference, “The Donor-Grantee Trap,” (www.bridgespan.org/the-donor-grantee-trap.aspx) authors Thomas Tierney and Richard Steele illustrate how ineffective collaboration between donors and their grantees prevent philanthropy from achieving its potential. Positioned as a guide for nonprofit leaders, their boards and donors, the paper is based on Tierney’s book with Joel Fleishman, Give Smart: Philanthropy that Gets Results and other Bridgespan research.

Asserting that especially in this economic climate, philanthropists and nonprofits must learn to get the most from every dollar they invest, the authors describe three “imperatives of effective collaboration” for which both parties share responsibility:

• Resource it right: Make sure that the grantee has what it takes to get the job done;
• Pursue partnership: Develop shared goals and a productive working relationship (which demands a certain level of strategic clarity and a reasonable “cost of capital” burden on the grantee);
• Get better together: Create the necessary conditions for learning and continuous improvement.

According to Tierney and Steele, “Though these imperatives appear simple; experience has shown, however, that following them almost always requires confronting, and overcoming, some deeply ingrained dynamics, assumptions and behaviors.”

About The Bridgespan Group

Founded in 2000 and incubated at Bain & Company, the Bridgespan Group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps nonprofit and philanthropic leaders to make strategic decisions and to build organizations that inspire and accelerate social change. At the heart of our mission is the belief that a strong and effective nonprofit sector can be a powerful force for change as well as a source of human inspiration.

We believe that results are driven by three levers: solid strategy; access to appropriately structured capital; and talent that begins with leaders and senior managers. We exist to apply the best relevant thinking and tools to strengthen these levers and to help organizations deliver on their missions. Our services include strategy consulting, executive search, and philanthropy advising.

The Bridgespan Group’s Bridgestar initiative seeks to help nonprofits attract, connect, and develop strong leadership teams to strengthen the overall performance of the sector.

For further information, please contact: Liz London, Director of Media and Conferences, 646-562-8906, liz.london@bridgespan.org.

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This release was published on openPR.