Examples of Successful Peer Connections RElationships
Since Peer Connections is a brand new program of AGF, we've put together two hypothetical examples of successful matches to help illustrate how the program can help our members become better grantmakers. In addition to the examples below, here are some sample learning goals:
--Introduction of two to three funder colleagues in the issue area
--Review of grant proposals
--Shadow funder on a site visit or receive guidance on meeting with grantees
--Direction to relevant research and contacts
--Referral to consultants
--Review of grantmaking guidelines or procedures
--Information about key conferences and affinity groups
--Exposure to different grantmaking strategies (e.g. public-related investments, capacity-building, operating support, etc.)
Foundation Management
The ABC Foundation is a private, family foundation that has a small Board of Directors (four, including two family members). Their Executive Director (Joe), who has been with the organization since its founding in 1992, has decided to retire within the next year. The organization decides that they would like to expand and diversify their Board of Directors as well as search for a new Executive Director in order to increase their effectiveness as a foundation. Joe signs up for AGF's Peer Connections, seeking a Peer Resource to give him some pointers in organizational management as they go through this transition.
XYZ Foundation has been giving large grants in Arizona for over 30 years, and their President/CEO (Sally) has years of experience managing a variety of organizations and Boards of Directors. She is enrolled as a Peer Resource, and AGF staff connect her with Joe at ABC Foundation. Joe and his Board President meet with Sally twice and discuss ABC's current situation while getting to know each other. Sally shares her experience of what makes a great Board member, and agrees to send Joe some helpful publications she has used regarding Board recruitment and management. She also connects him with a colleague who recently led a small organization through an Executive Director search. They agree to stay in touch by email as ABC continues to go through their transitions.
Grantmaking
The X Foundation is a small foundation with only a few staff members that does not accept unsolicited proposals, and until now has funded only a small number of grantees each year. Through an extensive strategic planning process, the Board has decided that they would like to open up their funding to a wider circle of recipients and increase their organization's publicity. The staff is unfamiliar with Arizona's nonprofit sector outside of their few grantees, and have little experience promoting an organization. Program Manager "Jane" realizes they have a big job ahead of them, and signs up for AGF's Peer Connections looking for a Peer Resource to guide them through the process.
John at Y Foundation enrolled in Peer Connections as a Peer Resource because he was hoping to use his years of expertise in managing grants programs to help others in the field have more effective grantmaking. AGF staff connect him with Jane, and the two meet to plan their goals. Jane outlines the specific areas where she feels she needs help, and John spends a few hours assisting her with a workplan for moving forward. He connects her with some helpful resources and media contacts. The two agree to meet bi-weekly for the next three months so that Jane can update John on her progress and get feedback.
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