Giving Compass' Take:

· This report from the Marguerite Casey Foundation focuses on general operating and funding of organizations in the field of philanthropy.

· How can nonprofits focus on building relationships and networks to further their impact? 

· Check out these few suggestions for social justice funders. 

One of the goals of the Marguerite Casey Foundation is to educate the field of philanthropy in how general operating support is the most strategic and effective form of funding to provide to organizations. With the belief that case studies are an effective way to tell the story of the transformational change that can occur when funders commit to building strong partnerships with organizations and providing long-term general operating support, the foundation studied the impact of its funding approach on three organizations. It sought to explore how the foundation’s support influenced the organizations, the communities they serve and the movements these groups are building.

Brief Learnings from this 2019 Case Study include:

  • Multi-year unrestricted funding allows an organization the flexibility to stay true to its mission without compromising values and long-term goals.
  • Network building support has strengthened grantees efforts to work across issues and advance long-term policy efforts.
  • Unrestricted support allows grantees to staff their organizing efforts for long-term, culturally responsive advocacy.
  • Long-term relationships with the funder provide endorsement value and instill confidence in the organization.

Read the full article about advancing social change at Marguerite Casey Foundation.