Value Clarification

This accelerator engages funder staff in an exercise to clarify their theory of change and the values that flow from it, and to root all grantmaking practice in those values. These values typically include words like trust, humility, inclusiveness, responsiveness, and auger for practices that create deep partnership with grantees, who do the work. Grantees say the best way to foster such partnerships is to fund them over time periods that map to the pace of change and with the flexibility to strengthen their organizations for the challenge.

Data Highlight

Funders rated board values as the number one most influential factor in shifting toward more flexible funding and more unrestricted funding (Accelerating Equitable Grantmaking Survey, MilwayPLUS, November 2021, n=30).

Additional Resources

  • “Time to Reboot Grantmaking,” SSIR article by Ford and Bridgespan on how the Ford Foundation shifted its funding to better support grantee needs 

Getting Started

  • Discuss the values and goals that guide your foundation’s grantmaking. How can you structure your grantmaking to best embody those values and support those goals? Read the Axis of Ideology and discuss the approaches used and how effective they were.

  • If your foundation already has a set of core values, suggest that the board discuss them in the next board meeting. If you do not already have a set of core values, begin a process to develop them.

  • When preparing grant paperwork for CEO and board review, use core values to make the case for more unrestricted funding and longer-term funding.

  • Ask about the funder’s values in your earliest conversations with them.