Summary
A practical discussion with Blackbaud and ACF on what stronger grant-making means in today's landscape.
What does stronger grant-making look like in practice today?
Foundations are operating in an increasingly complex environment - facing growing demand, rising expectations from applicants, greater scrutiny around impact, and increasing pressure on time and resources. At the same time, many organisations are exploring how better processes, data, and technology can help them deliver more effective and equitable funding.
Join the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) and Blackbaud for a practical discussion on what stronger grant-making means in today's landscape. Drawing on insights from ACF's Stronger Foundations framework and the experiences of grant-makers across the sector, we'll explore the characteristics of modern funders and the common barriers that can prevent progress.
Together, we'll discuss:
- What stronger grant-making looks like in practice
- The challenges foundations are facing today, from capacity pressures to governance, data and applicant experience
- Practical steps organisations can take to improve processes, generate better insights, and create capacity for higher-value work
- How technology can support stronger grant-making without losing the human element
Laura Scott is a grant-making and funding specialist who has worked on both sides of the funding table. Before joining Blackbaud, she managed and developed grant programmes for organisations including The National Lottery Community Fund and SCVO. Today, she works with grant-makers across the UK to help them modernise their processes, improve applicant experience, and maximise the impact of their funding programmes.
Jim Cooke is Head of practice and learning at the Association of Charitable Foundations.
