Grantee Perception Report 

In 2005 and 2010, The Clowes Fund commissioned The Center for Effective Philanthropy to conduct an anonymous survey of grantees in order to evaluate perceptions of the foundation’s performance. The resulting Grantee Perception Reports (GPR) were generally positive, and provided comparative, candid feedback for the Fund’s consideration.

The Fund’s board seeks to build meaningful relationships with grantees while balancing staff capacity and maintaining low overhead. After reviewing the first report, the Fund invested in a second full-time Program Officer position to decrease the number of active grants per professional staff relative to other similarly sized foundations. Clear communications and quality interactions are valued over the frequency of interactions. New potential grantees and requests are given priority for site visits each year. Staff as well as directors and members also visit with current grantees on a periodic basis. The Fund’s capacity is supplemented through a contract with GMA Foundations whose staff members perform some site visits in New England on behalf of the foundation. In Indianapolis, staff is also active in the local nonprofit sector and community events, as are directors and members in their respective communities.

The 2010 GPR reflected steady improvement since the first report, and the Fund remains committed to continued self assessment. An internal audit of grantmaking practices was completed in 2008 and grantees are invited to provide candid feedback on yearly Grantee Self-Evaluation Reports.

View an excerpt from the Fund's 2010 GPR.