Principles

  • Go deep: Focused attention and funding for a small number of organizations allows for high standards, ambitious goals, stable and focused implementation, and strong, trusting relationships established over time.
  • Research, listen, and learn: Being informed about the problem, the philosophy of the work, and relevant research and developing relationships with experts are strategic imperatives.
  • Engage key stakeholders: By providing key stakeholders with the resource to jointly devise a plan, philanthropy can uniquely leverage strategic collaboration, resulting in a plan with a higher likelihood of success.
  • Identify and create tipping points that catalyze other positive change:  We value efficiency and seek opportunities that cause other desired changes --- we place a premium on interventions that help people help themselves.
  • Seek sustainable solutions: We devise plans for and garner accountability on long-term financial and organizational sustainability up front.
  • Work with excellent leaders: A good idea is impotent without strong, capable, and decisive leadership.
  • Provide dogged support with our pro bono consulting model including strategic planning, business planning and ongoing coaching to grantee organizations, in particular:
    • To clarify their theories of change and strengthen their business plans;
    • To communicate their work powerfully to others;
    • Provide “block & tackle” problem-solving and a safe haven for rigorous problem solving;
    • By advocating for them with other funders and decision-makers.