Insight
A funder’s reputation impacts the funder-grantee relationship.
In addition to providing an organization needed resources, a funding relationship establishes a public connection between the grantee and the funder, which can provide meaningful validation or, in some cases, bring up reputational challenges for grantees.
“Their stamp of approval means a lot.”
In regions where Omidyar Network (ON) is established, receiving funding can mark an organization as stable, competent, professional, and committed to measurable impact. In regions where ON is less established, the funding can label an organization as either a rising star or as one of the top players in the field. The ON stamp of approval has the potential to make organizations much more attractive to other funders. Participants were aware that other funding decisions appear to be and can be influenced by receiving ON funding. As this research was conducted prior to the launch of Luminate’s brand, it is important to note that the brand and reputation that is spoken of is tied strongly to the name “Omidyar” (ON).
In contrast, many participants expressed concerns that the optics of their organization publically accepting support from a “Silicon Valley” funder could be a liability, particularly in contexts hostile to capitalism or corporate donors (e.g., social projects that are critical of free-market liberalism, or media projects critical of big tech). These concerns have been heightened due to global tensions around philanthropy, influence and power.
Quotes
“Their funding shows that we’re one of the good guys.”
“Having the Omidyar name attached to us is tremendously important. It’s a wonderful asset that builds instant credibility in the space.”
“The Omidyar name is highly respected and has protected us during difficult times.”
“Our human-rights work has good overlap, but in terms of general values? They are too Libertarian.”
“[X] funding comes with some liability, but ON doesn’t have the name recognition [outside the US] for that to be a risk. Yet.”
Related Recommendations
All Recommendations arrow_forwardClearly communicate your identity, where the cultural roots of your funding approach lie, and how those inform your strategies and practices.
Find ways to publicly communicate about your funding approach and impact model. A section on “how we work” or “impact model” detailing the funding approach should be added to communications about mission and values.
Be transparent about your strategic priorities, and keep grantees informed as to how they may be changing.
Related Resources
A practical guide to outcome-focused philanthropy
A philanthropic framework that emphasizes rigor, results, learning, and adaptation. This guidebook and set of worksheets helps foundation staff integrate this approach across all stages of philanthropic work.
Knowledge Base
Source: Lori Grange, Hewlett FoundationOn Trust & Transparency: Full Report
Download the full report.
Report
Source: Simply SecureOn Trust & Transparency: Interview Guide
The interview guide used for the participant interviews during the Partner Perspectives project.
Report
Source: Simply SecureOn Trust & Transparency: Survey Guide
The survey guide used for the Partner Perspectives project. This was hosted in LimeSurvey an open-source survey tool that can be self-hosted or hosted via Limesurvey’s website.
Report
Source: Simply SecureOn Trust & Transparency: Funder Reputation
Download the insight section on funder reputation.
Report
Source: Simply Secure