Insights
From the interviews and surveys, nine key insights emerged around the grantee experience. Alongside each insight are anonymized quotes from the interviews, a description, related recommendations and any relevant resources related to the methodology and the insight or recommendations themselves.
Grantees value deep and trusting relationships with funders, grounded in subject area expertise.
When funders wear multiple hats — as individual advocates as well as representatives of a funding organization — it can be unclear which role the funder is playing at any given time.
A funder’s reputation impacts the funder-grantee relationship.
Power dynamics, if not acknowledged, can affect the strength and quality of funder-grantee relationships.
A lack of transparency around how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is valued and integrated into a funder’s work can lead to questions about a funder’s commitment to DEI.
Multi-year flexible funding is extremely valued.
Grantees crave structure and clarity with regards to 1) the funding process and what to expect from the relationship once funded, and 2) shifting strategic priorities.
Grantees are interested in and looking for portfolio support, and would like more clarity, autonomy, and choice in how they access and receive that support.
Reporting and metrics are not always perceived as useful and valuable to grantees.