How Do Foundations Design Grantmaking Programs?
• A strategic plan can provide a good framework for the design of grantmaking programs. Strategic plans are prepared with the participation of the Board and staff and involve discussions with other donors, government, partners and potential partners. They allow the translation of broad vision and mission statements into specific goals objectives, strategies and activities. In many fields the lack of reliable baseline data and indicators pose challenges in measuring progress towards achieving targets. Strategic Plans need to be periodically reviewed and adjusted. FPE prepares annual work plans and reviews progress every six months. • Program effectiveness depends on the careful integration of different types and levels of grants. A foundation program will often incorporate support for grassroots projects, research and work at the policy level. All these elements need to be carefully coordinated if maximum impact is to be achieved. for example the program can include pilot projects that
