Session Level: Advanced

This session provides an introduction to the concept, basic elements, and development of logic models from the grantmaker’s perspective. It will explore ways in which this vital tool can assist your organization in everything from program planning and evaluation to fundraising and strategic management for greater alignment, accountability, and impact toward your mission.

You have learned about the seven lifecycle stages of nonprofits, but what does this information mean for your day-to-day work? How can you adapt your grantmaking practices to better support the nonprofits you fund? Building on the knowledge gained about nonprofit lifecycles in Part 1, Dr. Susan Kenny Stevens will guide participants through ways to operationalize the concepts learned. This working session is a great opportunity to receive personalized assistance from Dr. Stevens to develop a plan to improve your grantmaking processes.

Scanning the landscape is taking time to venture into the community or to research your field to find out how to make the most impact. Scanning can help you develop your mission by bringing knowledge of priority needs into your discussions. Scanning can also help you design your grantmaking strategy by identifying barriers to progress, promising approaches, effective agencies, and public funding streams. Learn about the benefits of landscape scanning, ways to get started, information sources, and tips for greatest success.

Grants are great, but what are all of the other ways that grantmakers are providing financial support for nonprofits, and which are effective in what situations? Explore PRIs, Social Impact Bonds, refundable grants, equity investments, and mission-related investing.