The importance of focus may be the most overstated truism in the field of philanthropy. Our generosity and desire to say yes, however, work against our desire to narrow our goals and sharpen our strategy. The result is often a funding portfolio of many small grants, short-term grant cycles, and multiple program areas – hardly a recipe for effectiveness.
Three reasons to sharpen your foundation’s focus
There are three primary reasons that ‘focus’ is central to any framework for strategic philanthropy:
- Focus creates boundaries. Humans are easily distracted. Without clarity of vision, we risk dancing on the surface of issues rather than going deep. There is reason to explore and define a giving program’s vision, mission, outcomes, and impact. The framework corrals our attention to focus on our most important outcomes.
- Focus builds mastery. The Malcom Gladwell followers among us know that in the arts, sports, or sciences, the practice of being focused is regarded as the key to developing mastery. Mastery is important because it marshals deep knowledge, intuition, and insight to solve problems. Getting good at something builds our confidence and a sense of progress.
- Focus generates and supports curiosity. Curiosity is the engine for learning and discovery – the mobilization of an intrinsic desire to understand more. Think of your interests or hobbies where you spend the most time and energy. They have a deeply social and emotional quality that fuels engagement and connection with others.
Three questions to start a conversation
Finding focus is hard for a foundation board because deliberation takes time and patience – two resources always in short supply. The traditional tools for building focus in organizations — strategic planning, needs assessments, field mapping, mission statements — can feel overwhelming and rushed. It is best to start slowly.
Try asking one of these three simple questions at your next board meeting. The ensuing conversation will inform your next steps, and help shape a practice of strategic thinking.
- What funding interest can we let go of in one area to increase success in another?
- What is our foundation getting good at?
- What burning questions do we have about the social issues our foundation targets?
Go slow to go fast
Most boards think about strategy episodically. Making a practice of asking questions can help your board get comfortable with regular reflection on its approach. That type of rich conversation helps build a sense of curiosity and the connection needed for effective leadership and board satisfaction.
Additional reading online:
The Value of Focusing Your Giving, Exponent Philanthropy
Family Foundation Finds Focus in Grantee Relationship, National Center for Family Philanthropy
Prentice Zinn, a director and senior consultant at GMA, is known for start-up work with new donors, planning for multi-generational philanthropy, guiding boards in rethinking mission and focus, and identifying high impact funding opportunities. He can be reached at pzinn@gmafoundations.com