Throughout the years, Dr. Draper has written extensively about and been featured in articles about philanthropy and the nonprofit sector. Below is a sample of Dr. Draper’s work as well as articles that reference DCG:
CONNECT Partnership for Nonprofit Solutions NewsletterSeptember 2008
Successful Strategies to Diversify Your Board (PDF)
by Lee Draper
The Chronicle of PhilanthropyNovember 29, 2007
A California Grant Maker Offers Local Charities Free Consulting Help (PDF)
by Darlene M. Siska featuring Belinda Madrid Teitel, DCG’s former Vice President.
Town & Country June 2007
Guide to Intelligent Giving: How to turn your charitable instincts into philanthropy that truly works for change – in the world and in yourself. (PDF)
by Joanna L. Krotz featuring Lee Draper, DCG’s President, about the role that philanthropic consultants play in helping donors shape effective giving programs that can have lasting importance and leverage philanthropic dollars.
Family Philanthropist Summer 2004
Innovative Grantmaking: Curbside Consulting Program (PDF)
by Lee Draper
Featuring the Flintridge Foundation’s Curbside Consulting Program (on page 4).
Philanthropy in Action
From 2000 to 2006, Dr. Draper contributed to the Council of Foundation’s publication, Foundation News & Commentary, the premier national journal for grantmakers, in the feature column called “Philanthropy in Action.” Dr. Draper’s work focused on thought provoking issues and described how foundations responded to the challenges of the day, including changes in grantmaking due to endowment losses, the importance of funding indirect costs, how to handle capacity building grants that go awry, and creating a board leadership succession plan.
Funder’s Little Shop of Horrors September/October 2005
by Lee Draper
Here are numerous testimonies about misguided attempts at nonprofit capacity building.
When Capacity-Building Grants FlatlineMay/June 2003
by Lee Draper
Capacity building grants can be a wonderful tool for assisting a nonprofit organization in creating the internal infrastructure needed to provide effective and efficient services. Yet, usually due to unforeseen internal or external forces, these grants can take more time and money than originally planned. The fact is that capacity building grants often do bring to the surface unexpected challenges and needs.
How to “DO” Capacity Building September/October 2000
by Lee Draper
Lee Draper’s article “How to ‘Do’ Capacity Building” provides insight into how foundations can help strengthen the internal operation of nonprofit organizations. The range of ways to provide assistance, real world examples, and tips for grantmakers are discussed.
Thinking About a Board Retreat?January/February 2001
by Lee Draper
Lee Draper’s article, Don’t Make a Hasty Retreat, provides an inside look at the power of board retreats to help foundation boards determine how they will operate, now and in the future. The article provides clear insight on how to go about planning for a retreat, who to involve in the planning, and how to maximize its success and impact.
Using DiscretionJanuary/February 2004
by Lee Draper
What is a discretionary grant? Who gives them? How are they used? Dr. Draper answers these questions as she explores the potential benefits of using discretionary grants, including engaging and connecting board members, recognizing volunteer service, responding to urgent needs, and providing a tension release valve. She also identifies their disadvantages, including diluting the foundation’s mission and donor intent, decreasing accountability and joint decision making, deterring personal giving, and confusing the public. The article “Using Discretion” offers best practices and effective methods of convening a foundation from discretionary grantmaking.
Deconstructing the Compensation MythMarch/April 2001
by Lee Draper
Lee Draper wrote an editorial article on trustee compensation in response to Kent Allen’s Conflicted Over Compensation (January/February issue). The article opines that trustee compensation is in conflict with the spirit of philanthropy. It addresses the following questions: Is it possible for foundations to remain dedicated to public benefit and charitable purposes while financially compensating their governing board members for their service? How fundamental is board volunteerism to the nonprofit sector? For answers and to find out more about the current compensation trends and statistics, read Trustee Compensation: A Dubious Legacy.
Bearing the Bear MarketNovember/December 2002
by Lee Draper
This article describes how foundations are responding to economic circumstances and reduced endowments. Dr. Draper’s focused and practical approach provides real strategies for foundation executives to address reductions in their funding capacity and create plans to endure future market fluctuations.
Achieving Impact Without Giving CashSeptember/October 2004
by Lee Draper
Grantmakers have less money to give away, but they have other assets just as valuable to grantees.
100% Goes to Charity? January/February 2003
by Lee Draper
What does it mean to say, “100% Goes to Charity”? Does restricted to charitable programs create unrealistic expectations for service delivery? How can both funders and grantees promote the need for providing overhead costs while ensuring that their funding helps to meet the most urgent needs? Overhead, or indirect costs, are very real and have a direct impact on the ability of an organization to provide effective and efficient programs. This article explores the practical and philosophical realities of nonprofit service delivery and the reasons for funding administration, fundraising, and other infrastructure expenses.
Where the Money is: Tapping Overlooked Sources of Support for NonprofitsJanuary/February 2005
by Lee Draper
Individual giving is a support sector with enormous growth potential that grantmakers can help stimulate.
The Seven Principles of Firmly Centered GrantmakersSeptember/October 2001
by Lee Draper
From their first day on the job, grantmakers can be pulled by the privileges of their position to become aloof or patronizing to grantseekers. Experienced grantmakers say this can best be avoided by having strong personal values that are sustained by formal programs in the foundation. Here are seven ways.
Managing the WorkloadJanuary/February 2006
by Lee Draper
Many grantmakers are doing more work with fewer staff members. Here are some tips for balancing an increased workload with a life outside the office.
Get Out of Your RutJanuary/February 2002
by Lee Draper
Has your professional learning curve flattened? Are you feeling burned out or isolated as a grantmaker? Find out ways to renew yourself and your grantmaking.
Managing Expectations, Coping With RealitiesMarch/April 2005
by Lee Draper
Newcomers to philanthropy often find acclimation difficult. Here, ten interviewees discuss their beginnings and recommendations from lessons learned.
The Philanthropy Afterlife: What Does A Career in Philanthropy Prepare You For?July/August 2004
by Lee Draper
Grantmaking should form only part of a career, say some former philanthropoids.
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