Pam Velo is  associate vice president for donor services at CICF.  Pam can be reached at pamv@cicf.org.

In the past year, virtually every philanthropist has seen the asset size of their fund or foundation decline, leaving fewer resources for supporting charitable organizations.  During challenging economic times, however, there are some strategies for maximizing your grant dollars and making a real difference.   

Focus on values and passions
Many donors give grants to organizations each year because a friend or acquaintance asked them, or they make several grants that are considered “honored obligations” (such as an alma mater).  You can narrow the focus of your giving and make grant dollars really count by making values-based gifts only.  That is, gifts that reflect your values, passions and personal interests.  These gifts often result in more satisfaction because they will be used in ways that are personally important to you, and they allow you to make a difference even with less to give.  If you would like to align your values and interests with the organizations you support, your CICF staff contact can help.

Concentrate on impact
Often, donors respond to decreased assets by giving the same number of gifts but at a lesser amount.  Once you have identified your values-based interest areas, consider making fewer but larger grants to the organizations in those areas.  These gifts often have more impact. 

Also, within your areas of interest, consider small organizations.  Reduced grant amounts to these organizations will make more of a difference than the same amount to a very large organization.

Keep the lights on
If you typically support programs or special projects with your charitable dollars, consider a gift of general operating support.  Institutional funders often prefer to fund programs and projects, which leaves charitable organizations scrambling for dollars to pay utility bills, rent and staff salaries.  A gift that can be used for operating support is highly valued by every not-for-profit.

Surprise an organization
Traditionally, the holidays are a time for sharing and giving, and a majority of donors make their charitable contributions at the end of the year.  However, many not-for-profits are finding it tough to survive right now.  They are seeing increased need in the populations they serve, and others have found that gifts were so much smaller at the end of the year that it is tough to make ends meet now.  Consider making your end-of-the-year gift now instead of waiting.  The organizations will appreciate your efforts to help them when their need is greatest.

For more information on effective grantmaking, contact your CICF staff contact at 317.634.2423.