Sean Stannard-Stockton

More Foundations Need to Seek Feedback From Grantees

Because of power imbalances in philanthropy, it is hard to get candid criticism, but a few groups are trying to overcome such hurdles.

Is Underperformance Philanthropy’s 'Natural State’?

Two new books underscore why it's so hard to get donors and nonprofits to focus on results—but they also offer useful advice on overcoming that challenge, writes a...

Obama’s 'Pay for Success’ Plan Deserves a Try

People in philanthropy who care about spreading successful programs should endorse the idea, writes a Chronicle columnist.

Timely Data on Giving Could Help Charities

If nonprofits had more up-to-date giving information, perhaps they could become more efficient, writes Sean Stannard-Stockton, a Chronicle columnist.

Philanthropy’s Defining Moment

Donors and nonprofits should seize the opportunities offered by the new economy to become influential players on the world stage.

Don’t Ignore the Economic Value Nonprofits Provide

Creating jobs at nonprofits is every bit as important as creating jobs at for-profit businesses since both help society, writes a Chronicle columnist.

Opinion: 5 Questions to Ask Before Making a Big Gift

Donors should ask what steps a nonprofit is taking to ensure that it is producing results, writes Sean Stannard-Stockton, a Chronicle columnist.

Learning From the Social Innovation Fund

After a controversy over the fund's grant-making process, it's time to look at all the innovative ideas proposed by applicants for aid and see what's worth sharing...

Lessons in Social Innovation: a Call to Action

The Social Innovation Fund's swift response to criticism about lack of openness deserves praise, writes a Chronicle columnist. Now it's time for all of those who...

Gates and Buffett: Why Their Example Matters

If the giving challenge by Bill and Melinda Gates and their friend Warren Buffett extends beyond billionaires and increases giving by all Americans, that will be a meaningful...

Fiduciary Duty at Foundations Should Extend to Grantees

Grant makers should think about the beneficiaries of their philanthropy when they consider whether they are meeting their legal obligations to use assets well, writes Sean...

'Soft Power’ Could Be More Important Than a Foundation’s Cash

"Soft power" uses attraction rather than coercion, and foundations can use it to wield more influence than through grant making.

Rounding Up the Experts to Aid Donors

A new group seeks to make the expertise of foundations, charities, and universities available to donors who want to find the most-effective organizations.

Donors Need to Help Innovative Charities Track Their Results

The Obama administration's Social Innovation Fund — and many wealthy donors — have misdiagnosed the problem facing philanthropy. It's not that effective groups lack...

Appealing to Donors' Hearts and Heads

Emotion and reason should work together to guide giving.

How Charities Should Use Twitter

The Twitter social network offers new ways for charities and foundations to advance their causes and ideas.

Providing the Capital Organizations Need to Run and Grow

Why we must respect philanthropists who support problem solvers -- but do not themselves try to solve problems.

Charities Should Be Held to 'Philanthropic Equity' Standards

Data Don't Tell the Whole Story of Charities' Impact

Charities Should Nurture Donors' Passion for Giving