Foundations still tying grantees up in red tape

by Jim Abernathy

{Centered}: June 2013 (Vol. 6, No. 6)‏ - The Grantmanship Center

By requiring far more information than the size of a grant may justify and demanding data for which they have no need, foundations are continuing to place undue burdens on their grantees, according to Project Streamline, a collaborative effort that represents both grantmakers and fundraisers. In "Applying for Grants Is Still a Burden, say Fundraisers," (The Chronicle of Philanthropy, May 23, 2013), Caroline Preston summarizes the findings of Project Streamline's survey of 460 grantmakers and 300 grantseekers:

• Although most funders think they have made applications for small grants easier, 72% of grantseekers think what is required is inappropriate for the amounts granted.

• 80% of grantmakers say they ask only for necessary information, but 84% of grantseekers say very few funders accept common grant application forms and 62% don't allow charities to submit standard annual reports.

• 91% of the funders surveyed said they accept proposals electronically, but many grantseekers find the online systems difficult to use.

• Grantseekers object to having to submit financial information in the specific format required by a funder rather than being able to use the budgets and financial reports their organizations have already developed.

• Grantseekers say they have a hard time getting the clear guidance they want from foundations, but 91% of grantmakers think that their communication systems work well.

• 54% of grantmakers have no plans to seek advice from grantseekers, and 41% of grantees have never been asked for their advice.