A Call to Action for our Collective Future
Join a growing movement of foundations committed to transparency, equity, and sustainability in their grantmaking.
BENCHMARK ADVISORY GROUP:
Why the Sustainable Grantmaking Benchmark?
Philanthropy shapes the future. The Sustainable Grantmaking Benchmark equips foundations to measure, strengthen, and share grantmaking practices that advance equity, transparency, and long-term impact. Participation signals leadership—and creates shared accountability across the sector.
Measure
Assess current practices against a sector-informed framework.
Improve
Identify actionable opportunities for change.
Lead
Share progress and champion transparency.
How Benchmarking Works:
1. Sign Up
Participants complete a brief intake to understand a foundation’s profile.
2. Benchmarking
Practices are reviewed against the framework to generate a foundation score and insights.
3. Receiving Insights
The foundation receives a confidential report with strengths, gaps, and practical recommendations.
4. Sharing & Learning
The foundation decides whether to participate publicly and support peer learning.
What the Inaugural Benchmark Measured
The inaugural cohort’s Benchmark evaluated funders on three essential practices to build durable nonprofit support and partnerships.
Long-Term Support
Multiyear funding that gives nonprofits stability to plan and grow
Flexible Funding
Unrestricted grants that let organizations respond to what matters most
Innovative Tools
Endowments, PRIs, and advocacy support to build lasting impact
Who Can Benchmark?
- Private, family, and community foundations
- Philanthropy-serving organizations and collaboratives
- DAF sponsors and corporate giving programs
Whether a philanthropic entity is early in its journey or refining mature systems, the Benchmark meets a foundation where they are now.
Why Benchmark Now?
- You signal leadership in transparency—even if an entity’s score is still evolving.
- You accelerate learning with tailored insights and sector-aligned guidance.
- You join peers building a more equitable, accountable future in philanthropy.
Voices From the Sector
With Gratitude to Our Inaugural Cohort and Advisory Group
The Sustainable Grantmaking Benchmark was shaped by the leadership of our inaugural participants and Advisory Group. These organizations set a powerful example for transparency and equity in philanthropy—and inspire others to join the movement.
- Nicole Rodriguez Leach – Grantmakers for Education
- Susan Taylor Batten – ABFE, a Philanthropic Partnership for Black Communities
- Aaron Dorfman – National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy
- Nick Tedesco – National Center for Family Philanthropy
- Deborah Aubert Thomas – United Philanthropy Forum
- Marcus Walton – Grantmakers for Effective Organizations
- Winoka Yepa – Native Americans in Philanthropy
- Connie Chung Joe – Asian Americans in Philanthropy
- Darren Isom – Partner, Bridgespan Consulting
- Ana Marie Argilagos – Hispanics in Philanthropy
Interested in being benchmarked?
Let us know today.