Open for Good: Knowledge Sharing to Strengthen Grantmaking

Abstract

Actionable insight resulting from information combined with experience and learning Sharing Connecting knowledge with people who can act on it Influence Broader learning and informed decisionmaking resulting from shared knowledge Change Knowledge-influenced adjustments to actions that in turn generate new output

Evaluators as Conduits and Supports for Foundation Learning

“…IssueLab and the Foundation Center by Candid's #OpenforGood campaign were identified as key players in raising awareness and influencing norms related to transparency in the social sector. The Foundation Center by Candid, in partnership with Engage R+D, also released a GrantCraft guide to knowledge sharing that provides resources and tools (Nolan, 2018).…”

“…Important to these foundations were small steps toward broader dissemination, such as sharing brief reports highlighting selected evaluation findings, providing memos to peer foundations working on similar issues, and synthesizing insights for internal program staff. The recent GrantCraft guide makes a strong case to foundations that sharing their knowledge is an integral, strategic aspect of philanthropy (Nolan, 2018).…”