It’s a myth that intermediary grantmakers are just a “pass-through” or “regranters.” Learn how partnering with an intermediary grantmaker might help your corporate grant program.
In my role as an intermediary grantmaker for GlobalGiving’s corporate partners, I provide support beyond disbursing money. Partnering with an intermediary presents a range of grantmaking opportunities and benefits. Here are 10:
Intermediaries guide your grantmaking program design and grants management. The best intermediaries keep both the donor and grantee in mind. They provide program design support that fits your company’s budget while advocating for grantees to have what they need to succeed.
Intermediaries keep up with the ever-evolving grantmaking landscape, incorporating current learnings into grantmaking processes. By working with multiple donors, intermediaries gain knowledge to apply across programs.
Intermediaries support organization intake and validation, which confirms that your funds are going to a trusted partner. Intermediaries can easily support compliance measures, such as collecting and reviewing grant reports and connecting directly with grantees on their progress.
Intermediaries don’t just disburse grant funds—they support the entire grant cycle from application to closeout. They already have the infrastructure to do that, so the process is more efficient.
Intermediaries are made up of people. The staff members act as an extension of your team and provide specialized support to grantees and donors through personal interactions.
Intermediaries take the hassle out of impact measurement by facilitating reports on grant outcomes. That will help you understand the impact of your funding.
Intermediaries have strong connections with community leaders, which creates opportunities for you to learn more about and from local leaders.
Intermediaries have experience in disbursing funds outside of the United States. Some, like GlobalGiving, have special registration that makes it possible to grant as a foreign funder in places like China.
If your intermediary is registered as a charity in the country where your giving budget originates, you may receive tax benefits. For example, if your US foundation gives via an intermediary that is registered as a charity in the US, you may qualify for a tax deduction.
Intermediaries are agile and typically have the potential for flexibility in their funding approach. They are creative in supporting donors and grantees through the challenges and opportunities of grant programming.
Featured Photo: Empower South African children with reading skills by Shine Literacy
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