Giving Compass' Take:

• In this story from ReliefWeb, author Lindsay Stecher from Oxfam discusses a recent research project aimed at better understanding the relationships between NGOs, trusts, and foundations. It finds that most grantmakers prefer transparency over rose-tinted views of the projects they fund.

• Why might NGOs be disincentivized from being open with their funders? What institutional changes might foster a more honest relationship?

• To learn about the philanthropy power dynamic, click here.

[Oxfam] undertook a research project to better understand the trusts and foundations funding sector, conducting 25 in-depth interviews with Chief Executives, Trustees, and Grant Managers from across the UK and Europe. These privately-funded bodies told us that they want genuine and challenging partnerships with NGOs.

They know that endless grant financing is not a sustainable solution, and they understand their power to catalyse change in the right direction. Trusts and foundations have the freedom and purpose to implement innovative programmes and ask difficult questions. They employ technical experts with field experience, and are serious about learning, sharing failure and success, and measuring what works. As one interviewee said, the most important takeaway is often ‘why a project didn’t work out’.

These findings align with those of trusted bodies like the Association of Charitable Foundations in the UK, Grant Craft and Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors and the Harvard Kennedy School’s Hauser Institute for Civil Society in the US. The sector wants transparency, effectiveness, and innovative partnerships that drive real social change.

So, what’s standing in their way? Often it’s us. We heard repeatedly how trusts and foundations are frustrated with NGOs presenting a rose-tinted view of the projects they fund. In the words of one partner, “That just cannot be the reality. Nothing runs perfectly.”

Read the full article about partnerships by Lindsay Stecher at ReliefWeb