Foundation Communications: The Grantee Perspective (2006): The challenge of communicating clearly is a difficult one for foundations, especially given the power differential between those who have money and those who seek it. Grantees are typically a foundation’s chosen agents of change, selected for their ability to create impact. The better a foundation can communicate its goals and strategy to grantees, the more effective these partnerships will be – and the more likely grantees will be to perform in ways that are consistent with a foundation’s goals.

The first step in improving communications is conducting an objective audit of existing communications resources and assessing whether additional resources need to be devoted to communications. Foundations should look closely at their staffing and grantmaking patterns, involving the board as appropriate, to ensure that staff have the resources to be able to interact with grantees in a consistent and responsive manner. Foundation staff and board should also recognize that high-quality interactions and communications may require additional investments of time or money.

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