|
Grantmakers Must Lead With Their Hearts
As Well As Their Heads
Over the past decade, a technocratic approach to philanthropy has become more common and brought numerous benefits to the field. This model typically involves applying business principles to set goals clearly, devise focused strategies, measure results rigorously, and engage with grantees to increase impact. A debate and culture clash has arisen, however, as some have criticized such methods and advocated for more humanistic approaches that are values-based, intuitive, and responsive.
In The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Senior Partner Paul Connolly discusses how foundations can advantageously employ technocratic methods--and go too far with them, by holding grantees to unrealistic expectations, being too directive, and making evaluation a "report card." He also shares how philanthropy could benefit from tapping the creative tension found when blending the objective, proactive, and accountability-oriented technocratic model with the passion-driven, opportunistic, and learning-oriented humanistic approach.
|
