12 Tools to Achieve Impact in a Nonprofit

“Often in the world of philanthropy, the problems we wish to address seem overwhelmingly large and complex. And if you’re a small foundation, the scant assets you have to wage against the world of need can seem almost pointless. But as with any complex problem, the key is to break it down and examine its parts to discover that pivotal point where your action can begin to fuel a solution.

One way to achieve big impact is by engaging in research and development (R&D) philanthropy. R&D philanthropy is planned, creative work aimed at discovering new knowledge or developing new and significantly improved goods and services to address an identified need. The ways in which foundations can engage in R&D philanthropy are limitless, but here are a dozen of the most common practices. Note that many of them overlap or complement one another, which is indeed the nature of ongoing research and development in any field.

1. Fund research. This is R&D philanthropy at its most basic. By supporting research, you add to the available knowledge about a specific need or a potential solution. Research does not have to be conducted nationally to be important.”

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