In this session, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) will share frameworks for thinking about change before two funders share how they are leading change, managing resistance and building relationships in their organizations.
In your first year of GEO membership, to help you stay informed of the emerging trends and promising practices from the field, I'll point you to GEO's publications, research and peer conversations. Below, find links to tools and resources on collaboration. I hope these are helpful as you explore how GEO can support your work.
How have you handled the initial communication of a new strategic direction, i.e., preferred modes of communication, timing and content of messaging to grantees and to the public, etc.?
As more grantmakers are considering how they can advance change through their grantmaking, many funders are also thinking the need to strengthen their organizational cultures in order to work more effectively and have greater impact. Intentional cultural change work can take many different forms. Our conversation with Margie Jo Eun Joo Andreason, diversity, equity and inclusion manager at Northwest Area Foundation, and Paul Luna, president & CEO of Helios Education Foundation, during a recent GEO webinar showed two different approaches to culture change.
Could you share information related to your overall performance management process, including examples of your performance review document and/or supporting tools, timing of the reviews, and any innovative approaches that you may be utilizing.?
We are looking at different project management software to coordinate our work among staff and are thinking of using Project 2010. Has anyone used this software, or have any suggestions for other programs they’ve used successfully?
We are looking to develop new language in our Grant Agreement forms/contracts that requires grantees to notify us of planned executive leadership change. Please share language and other approaches that your foundation uses.
GEO frequently hears that grantmakers, no matter their role, want to make meaningful changes in how they operate in order to make progress on the issues that matter most to them. The most recent GEO member surveys show that nearly two-thirds of members are involved in some kind of change effort, driven by a desire to better serve the nonprofits and the communities they support. Determining exactly how to lead, implement and sustain that change can be tricky. Grantmakers understand that thoughtful and intentional efforts — a process, a plan, a team-oriented approach — are necessary to make real change.