Bruce Brooks, Microsoft
| Brief
Biography |
Paul Shoemaker, Social Venture Partners
| Brief
Biography |
Dean Hanks, Moderator
| Brief
Biography |
Paul - Social Venture Partners considers the following criteria when deciding to make a grant:
- The person in charge of the project or organization - Background, skills, references.
- The idea - Does it add value to the organization? Does it change the way assets are used? Does it serve the client?
- The capacity of the organization - Does it have the staff, time and systems to carry out the idea?
Paul - On the role of the funder:
- Funders need to stick to their core competencies. Know where you can add value, but don't interfere with the mission of the organization.
- Demonstrate a capacity and willingness to learn.
- Look for ways to fill the gaps in an organization.
Bruce - On considerations when he makes a grant:
- Does the project meet its mission?
- Is the group thinking in business terms? Will the dollars invested result in a desired outcome?
- What are the risks and rewards?
Paul - Why do grantmakers care if a group practices entrepreneurialism?
- Writing a check isn't enough. People also want to give of themselves.
- Grantmakers, too, have needs to fulfill. They want to make a difference.
- They want a grant to provide leverage. If an organization generates funds as the result of a grant, that's good.
- They want a grant to help provide self-sufficiency.
Bruce-- What types of entrepreneurial projects has Microsoft funded?
- Npower - a group that helps other nonprofits meet technology needs. In addition to funding, Microsoft helped write the business plan for the group.
- The National Center for Social Entrepreneurs - Microsoft is a straight funder.
- The Technology Access Foundation - The grant was made because of the energy and commitment of the organization leader.
Bruce - On providing operational support:
- Microsoft will do this after analyzing the stability of the organization, the diversity of its funding, and the relationship between contributed and earned income.
Questions from audience:
Should you modify your language when seeking an entrepreneurial grant? Should you describe it as a social investment? (To both Bruce and Paul)
Language doesn't matter as much as the practices of the organization.
What is the difference between corporate and foundation grantmaking? (To Bruce)
There's very little difference. In both cases, we're trying to support programs that improve the quality of life for people. For Microsoft, it makes sense to be involved in technology projects. But that doesn't necessarily mean projects have to be hard driving and entrepreneurial. Often times we find other aspects in common like creativity.
Does Microsoft consider a balance between neighborhoods when it funds in Seattle? It seems very hard to get attention to a grant request unless you know someone at Microsoft. (To Bruce)
We look at the breadth of a project, not necessarily the community where it's housed. We fund projects that help in a wide range of neighborhoods.
As far as knowing someone within the company, that's not a criterion. However, building relationships within the company is an important asset when seeking funding.
How can you get a grant if you don't have a track record as an organization? (To Paul)
As I mentioned earlier, we will consider the person, the idea and the capacity of the organization. We also are willing to consider if we can help with our own skills. Bring us some good documentation to show how you will develop your idea.
How do environmental groups get funding for advocacy?
Bruce - Generally we don't do that kind of grant making. I'm not sure what would encourage me to consider it.
Paul - We fund in education. Environmental organizations are outside our scope of grant making.
What are the board meetings like for Social Venture Partners? (To Paul)
Board meetings are designed to oversee the budget and approve grants. The Partners set the strategy for the grant making. This is a bottom up organization.
