The core work of institutional philanthropy is making grants. Accordingly, the framework is organized around the most common steps in the grant cycle:
- Strategy Development
- Outreach and Application
- Due Diligence
- Making the Case
- Award and Implementation
- Evaluation and Learning
We have identified a full catalog of practices for each of these steps, which rely on each of the six competencies. In the following pages, we share two illustrative practices for each step of the grant cycle: one that represents a transition or enhancement, and another that illustrates transformation or innovation.
We believe inquiry is at the heart of learning and strengthening for any practice. Thus, we pose sample questions to inspire thoughtful, effective, values-driven practice.
A simple description of the common understanding of each step in the cycle provides context for these sample practices and areas of inquiry.
