Planning
We work with both new and established foundations to design, create, and refine grantmaking programs.
DCG has worked with individuals, families, corporations, and foundations to establish grantmaking entities, define mission statements and grantmaking priorities, resolve donor intent, and develop an organizational roadmap for the future. Whether you are a newly converted corporation seeking to establish a foundation, or a family seeking to formalize your philanthropic efforts, we bring the experience you need to get you started.
For existing funders, we understand the value of planning for your foundation’s future and ensuring you are attaining your mission and serving your grantees. We work with existing funders to refine and evaluate grantmaking programs, develop roadmaps for the future, and ensure your grantmaking programs are working to make your desired impact in the community. DCG can help you:
- Design or refine grantmaking programs, including developing application guidelines and procedures; methods of solicitations or Request for Proposals; and mechanisms for quantifying success and evaluating programs.
- Conceptualize and develop a new foundation including establishing grantmaking vision, guidelines, policies, and staffing structure.
- Facilitate strategic planning including defining mission, vision, values, goals, funding priorities, and desired impact.
- Explore alternative philanthropic structures (e.g. operating foundations, donor advised funds, giving circles).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your grantmaking program.
- Conduct feasibility studies, focus groups, telephone surveys, or questionnaires for new grantmaking initiatives.
- Survey peer foundations to learn from their experiences and identify best practices.
- Train staff and board members in proposal review methods including conducting site visits, what to look for in reading proposals, and understanding financial statements.
Family Philanthropy
DCG specializes in helping family foundations operate effectively and achieve maximum impact in their giving while taking into consideration family dynamics, involving younger generations, and honoring donor intent. DCG can help your family foundation:
- Support the board in defining mission, values, goals and priorities.
- Plan for the future and develop a unified focus for your family philanthropy.
- Increase board effectiveness, clarify roles and expectations, create synergy and focus on shared goals.
- Actively and strategically engage the next generation in the foundation.
- Resolve donor intent.
- Develop staffing plans and job descriptions, and assist in recruiting qualified staff.
- Facilitate special retreats for family foundations that address unique themes such as finding common ground for grantmaking, understanding roles and responsibilities, consensus building and group dynamics, and involving the next generation in grantmaking.
Capacity Building for Grantees
DCG brings a history of working with both nonprofit organizations and grantmakers. This duality enables funders to benefit from our direct experience in the nonprofit sector, knowledge of inside trends, and deep understanding of the complex needs of our region’s diverse communities. DCG can help your foundation:
- Design innovative and relevant technical assistance programs that complement grants by increasing the capacity of grantees in nonprofit management, planning, leadership enhancement, and fund development.
- Train foundation staff on how to work closely with nonprofit leaders to strengthen management and leadership skills.
- Conceptualize and craft your foundation’s messaging and collateral materials to effectively communicate with nonprofit leaders.
- Lead one-on-one consulting sessions with grantee organizations, underwritten by your foundation, to provide high-touch and effective capacity building services in the areas where your grantees need it most.
Board and Staff Development
Building effective leadership and management systems are essential to achieving goals and delivering value through grantmaking. DCG can work with your foundation on recruitment, effective organization, and leadership development of both your board and your staff. DCG can help your foundation:
- Clarify board and staff roles and responsibilities.
- Provide counsel regarding foundation policies, procedures, systems, and best practices.
- Strengthen your board of directors by addressing issues such as: governance, board/staff roles, non-family member integration, discretionary funds, and building consensus.
- Provide ongoing professional development training to your staff in proposal review, conducting site visits, understanding financial statements, and understanding the landscape of nonprofit grantee applicants.
Retreats
Planning engaging retreats can enable your board and staff leadership to identify priorities, build consensus, and make strategic decisions about the foundation’s future. DCG brings a history of designing beyond business-as-usual working retreats for both boards and staff members on areas of importance for your foundation. DCG can help your foundation:
- Work with your staff and Board leadership to create a highly customized retreat agenda to work through your foundation’s biggest opportunities and challenges.
- Design planning retreats to focus on your foundation’s priorities, goals, and desired impact.
- Develop achievable plans, based on findings and decisions made during the retreat, for immediate implementation.
