Allocating Resources in a Time of Scarcity

Mark Kramer and John Kania

In response to declining investment returns, many foundations are implementing across-the-board cuts for grantees. This 2002 article argues, that there is a better approach.

Particularly in tough times foundations should concentrate their giving in those areas in which their expertise, relationships, and grantees create the greatest value.

It also makes the case that foundation-level, rather than grant-level, evaluation is the way to identify those areas with the greatest potential for social impact.

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