How flexible funding can help communities and people thrive

Amid policy volatility, philanthropies need to be responsive in their approach.

There is a common misperception that philanthropy is inherently rigid, with funding and grant agreements tied to narrowly defined activities. Thankfully, this viewpoint is rapidly changing. Modern philanthropy is increasingly recognizing the importance of flexible funding and transferring agency to grantees to make smart, sound decisions on how best to serve their target populations. Without question, if philanthropy is serious about delivering lasting impact, then funders must embrace and establish flexible funding models that enable nonprofits to address evolving needs as policies shift.