Tactics in Philanthropy: The Case of the Moving Spotlight

Martin examines how foundations shift their attention and funding over time, likening the phenomenon to a "moving spotlight." He explores the strategic and tactical motivations behind these funding shifts, along with their impacts on grantees and broader implications for philanthropic learning and sustainability. The article emphasizes that tactical decisions—such as the timing of grants, staffing levels, and evaluations—are crucial for achieving philanthropic objectives. It argues that while strategy is much discussed, the tactical aspects often receive insufficient attention, leading to potentially lower returns on philanthropic investments.