1 person found this review helpful
Foundation Center
Invite reviews
Invite friends and colleagues to share their experiences with this nonprofit
July 22, 2009
1 person found this review helpful
I have been attending Foundation Center presentations and workshops since 2001, and I have been impressed with their professionalism, adaptability and impact over the years. The content of the Foundation Center workshops and panels shift to respond to current trends and nonprofit community needs, from exploring the use of social media to surviving in a time of economic crisis. They also offer workshops on the essentials to building and running effective organizations and programs including board development, development planning and communications, among other key topics. Frequently, I receive inquires from nonprofits from all over the U.S. about how to seek a grant, and I oftentimes refer them to the Foundation Center if they are just getting started. In addition to being a great resource for nonprofits, the Center's programs are a valuable outreach arm for the philanthropic community. Foundations want grantseekers to understand giving priorities and the grantseeking process so that they can focus their giving to meet their goals, attract ready applicants and create the greatest impact. The Center's director Janet Camarena hosts many of the "Meet the Grantmaker" panels, which bring together insightful and smart program officers from small and large foundation leaders. As the moderator, Janet asks thought-provoking questions that bring transparency, highlight best practices and bridge a greater understanding between foundations and nonprofits. While providing a valuable service to the local philanthropic and grantseeking community, the Foundation Center has also worked hard to make their free programs and resources accessible to individuals and organizations outside of the San Francisco area through their blogs and video archives. This is an especially important asset for historically under-resourced communities.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
"Meet the Grantmaker" panels and other educational presentations.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Learning from experts in the field.
Ways to make it better...
The Foundation Center always follows up on events by emailing surveys to participants. These are good opportunities to suggest other topics for events and ways they can support the community.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
September 5, 2008
I don't know how I could have gotten my start as a fundraising professional without the Foundation Center. The resource library and training sessions in San Francisco provided me with the tools and information I needed to successfully approach foundation funders. Whether you're new to fundraising or a seasoned professional, the Foundation Center is always there to provide quality information and friendly service. I could not do my job without it.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
providing the quality information I need to develop competitive grant proposals to foundations.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
be open late more evenings of the week to meet the needs of grassroots folks who run programs by day and seek funding by night.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Quality information and friendly service.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
helpful and knowledgeable.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
help thousands of people and nonprofit organizations to get the funding they need to achieve their diverse missions.
Ways to make it better...
the library were open later more evenings.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
limitations regarding space and hours of operation.
One thing I'd also say is that...
the leadership at the Foundation Center is top notch! Janet Camarena knows how to run a smart and efficient organization.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
Previous |
Next
Filter by reviewer role:
Support This Nonprofit
Help this nonprofit get more reviews
5 tips for getting reviews