When donors and grant makers provide financial support are they considering how their gift may assist in larger systematic change or are they primarily looking at the ‘here and now’?
In other words, are they looking to bail water out of the boat, or also at how to plug the hole?
Collaboration between organisations can help, but it also means that not all collaborators pick up buckets. Some need to plug the hole; others may concentrate on paddling quickly to shore. Collaborators also need to identify their strengths and weaknesses to maximise efficiencies. This is best achieved with coordination and leadership.
Strategic giving should consider the role of collaborators, if the strategy includes ‘plugging the hole’ (e.g. pilot programs, evidence gathering) and what and how data may be collected to inform policy and support systematic change when warranted. The problem with many organisations independently collecting data without collaboration is that the data may be less robust and ineffective.
Data is more meaningful when multicentre co-ordinated studies are conducted, where the data can be compared and more so when quality systems (a story for another time) are in place.
Even in situations where case studies best demonstrate the promise of an intervention, the expansion of the methodology remains best supported where comparisons can be made.
Whilst philanthropic organisations and donors may wish to support causes and interventions close to their heart, there is a need and opportunity to collaborate and value-add to maximise impact on a bigger scale.
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