Please join your peers for a regular conversation on grantmaking practice and the state of philanthropy. Each month we will choose a report or news article to read as a group and discuss. This month we will discuss data versus storytelling in effective grant requests and general communications.

July Readings

Goodman, Andy. "Stories or Data: Which Makes the Stronger Case?" free-range thinking (December 2009). http://www.agoodmanonline.com/pdf/free_range_2009_12.pdf

Goodman, Andy. "Stories or Data: The Rematch," free-range thinking (February 2010). http://www.agoodmanonline.com/pdf/free_range_2010_02.pdf (optional)

Funders reviewing a grant request might be persuaded by a nonprofit that provides measurable evidence of impact and an evaluation plan or persuaded by a compelling story about community need. Communications expert Andy Goodman suggests data is secondary and "if you truly want to persuade people, tell them a story." We will discuss the implications of the article for funding decisions, grantmaking for research, and communicating about your philanthropy.

Participants are encouraged to bring samples of data or stories from grant requests or foundation communications that provide new weaponry to the battle between data and storytelling.

Demanding schedules often erase time for deeper reflection on our role as philanthropists and reading about best practices in grantmaking. Let ABAG carve out time for you to bring questions to your peers and hear with what issues folks are wrestling. Peer-led conversation will integrate practical steps to be more effective grantmakers, theoretical deliberations on the role of philanthropy in our community, and ethical considerations. Open to all ABAG members (varying years of experience; fund holders; foundation trustees and staff; corporate members).

There will be no session held in August.

This program is for ABAG members only.

This program is co-sponsored by ABAG's Mental Health Funders Group and Education Affinity Group.

This program is for ABAG members only.