Rockefeller Foundation Upheaval
As of March 2005 the Rockefeller Foundation has been undergoing a major staff restructuring, eliminating or replacing over 25% of its' employees. They have also been evaluating their grant programs, and have already cut out a culture and arts granting program. The president of the foundation, Judith Rodin, says these changes are overdue and will help the organization reenergize itself, and reinvigorate its' employees. In its' 2005 annual report the foundation tried to warn grantees that 2005's grants were not an indicator of what would be awarded in 2006. The biggest issue for organizations that have been receiving awards from the Rockefeller Foundation, is that they are not saying what programs will be affected. Many organizations that had relied on the foundation for their funding are sitting in limbo waiting to see what will happen with their programs. This is causing great worry for them. Two problems emerge from this scenario:
1. Why is the Foundation being so secretive on its' reorganization? Is it right for them to keep so many institutions in limbo?
2. Most institutions are told that granting is not gauranteed every year by most foundations and grantors. So why do they not make provisions for the "lean" years, or have a backup plan in case funding is not awarded? Is it irresponsible for an organization to put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, when it comes to their funding?
If you want more information on the Rockefeller Foundation upheaval please read: Big Changes at the Rockefeller Foundation by Ian Wilhelm.
1. Why is the Foundation being so secretive on its' reorganization? Is it right for them to keep so many institutions in limbo?
2. Most institutions are told that granting is not gauranteed every year by most foundations and grantors. So why do they not make provisions for the "lean" years, or have a backup plan in case funding is not awarded? Is it irresponsible for an organization to put all their eggs in one basket, so to speak, when it comes to their funding?
If you want more information on the Rockefeller Foundation upheaval please read: Big Changes at the Rockefeller Foundation by Ian Wilhelm.
posted by Anonymous @ 10:54 PM
1 Comments:
At 10:36 PM, September 10, 2006,
Richard said…
Keep in mind the readings from the first week that showed the national trend that foundations were producing fewer annual reports that told about their giving programs despite the outcries from the nonprofit sector saying that they wanted to hear more from foundations so they weren't wasting time and resources in sending in proposals that were not appropriate.
Locally, think of the Koch Foundation, who made it clear that they did not want to come talk to a group of students about their programs and how they pick their grant recipients.
Yes, it's bad, and doesn't really represent the ideal public relations program.
But, I would argue that any organization that views foundation funding as a "sure thing" is the worst party in the relationship because that seems to demonstrate a bit of arrogance on the organization's part, not to mention a lack of preparing for the future.
Post a Comment
<< Home