Philanthropy is a peculiar form of social investment.  Those of us who have spent many years in this form of human industry often wonder if there is not some better, more humane, more efficient, more hopeful, even more peaceful way to do it.  The following correlated notes to philanthropists, non-profit leaders, researchers, and myself come from what I have learned so far:

To Philanthropists, cc Non-Profit Leaders:

If you are reading a grant proposal written in a grant writer’s office, using language chosen solely by that writer, then stop reading it.

If you are having a proposal review meeting with only paid non-profit staff in the room, walk out.

If you are reading a grant report written by a grant manager, paid by the grantee, using language and metrics chosen solely by that manager, throw it away and make no further investments in that direction.

To Grant Prospect Researchers, cc Non-Profit Leaders:

When you are researching grant prospects, give the highest priority to a direct match in terms of community of intent; the same territory and the same priority for change or maintenance. Avoid those prospects that are not clear about this.  They are, at best, your second-tier prospects because people who really enjoy investing in people give to specific people for specific priorities.

Give third priority to prospects that would be willing to read a proposal, attend a follow-up meeting, and accept a report written solely by and with you and your paid staff, using only internally chosen language and metrics.  People who enjoy investing in people are more likely to give effectively and with great resilience over the long-term.  It is unlikely that investors and investments will build mutually enriching relationships without inclusive communication.

To Myself, cc Non-Profit Human Resource Leaders:

Never write a grant proposal for those who would presumably benefit from a grant; always write proposals with prospective beneficiaries.

Never write a proposal or report that is not part of an intentional and inclusively evolving system: primary constituency, non-profit administration, and the reader(s).

Never work for anybody; always work with prospective beneficiaries, project/program executives, and those who are responsible for wealth investments.  You are the translator across paradigms; not the fundraiser.

Never forget we are all in this together, however difficult it is to remember that some days.