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February 2014
Foundation Strategies for Policy Reform
As part of the evaluation of a national initiative for the Rockefeller Foundation, TCC Group's latest research examines the strategies foundations use for policy reform. We found that foundations with the most effective approaches consider a variety of tactics in order to identify those that will best align with their intended audiences and projected outcomes.

 

Still, there are a number of practices common to all foundations working in the policy arena. These foundations first identify clear goals and assess the resources available to meet them. They also look for non-finance resources, such as knowledge, access, or partnerships that can advance support for an issue. They ensure that the targeted issue is framed clearly, consider opportunities to collaborate with others in the field, support capacity building around advocacy, and continue to monitor new policies as they are implemented. Read "Advocacy Strategies for Policy Change" for more information about how foundations can create the right strategies for policy reform.   Read the report.
Leveraging the Strengths of Nonprofit Networks   Nonprofit Network

For more than 10 years, TCC Group has worked on the front lines of the nonprofit capacity-building movement, designing, implementing, and evaluating numerous initiatives, including many projects for associations and networks. Recently, TCC helped Feeding America design a Capacity Self Assessment Tool, to use with their national network of more than 200 food banks. After analyzing Feeding America's existing capacity-building resources, TCC Group designed a framework that enabled its members to enhance their organizational performance. Using data from the assessment, we were able to pinpoint helpful capacity-building resources to those members who were most ready for growth and innovation. Read more about our work with nonprofit networks and associations.

Join TCC Group at the #WomenLeading Philanthropy Symposium and Advisors in Philanthropy

Ashley Blanchard

 

Women's leadership in philanthropy today is more visible and widespread than ever before, building on a long history of women as philanthropic leaders and activists for social and philanthropic causes.

 

Understanding the roles and the impact of women in philanthropy and elevating conversation about their leadership is the focus of the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy's 2014 national symposium, entitled #WomenLeading Philanthropy. TCC Group Associate Director Ashley Blanchard will participate in a panel discussion about "Leading in Families" at the Chicago Symposium on April 2.Register here.

 

Ashley will also moderate a session on "Successful Transitions in Family Philanthropy" at the Advisors in Philanthropy (AiP) conference, in Chicago on April 25. Learn more.

Designing Effective ProgramsFoundation Program Strategy 

 

The questions foundations face can seem overwhelming. How do we determine which issue is most pressing? Are we achieving our mission in the most effective way possible? How do we make an impact? TCC has developed a five-step program design process for foundations that helps answer these questions. Although many funders already engage in aspects of these steps, they do not always apply the structure and rigor that will ensure all the pieces fit together logically. Whether creating new initiatives or reshaping current programs, we have seen this five-step process help funders develop strategies that reflect their values and balance internal capacities with the external environment. Read Designing Effective Foundation Program Strategy.

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