Beyond the veneer of strategic philanthropy

This article examines "strategic philanthropy" and why many foundations, despite developing strategic plans, fail to implement them effectively. It identifies four key challenges: strategies developed in isolation from grantees, and misaligned internal structures, processes, and cultures. The authors argue that foundations must clearly define their role in creating change, develop strategic capacities, and continuously refine their approach based on experience. The piece emphasizes that true strategic philanthropy requires deep institutional changes beyond mere planning documents, acknowledging that implementation rarely goes as planned and requires ongoing adaptation and learning for impact.