Programmatic Services

TPI Programmatic Report

Spring 2007

TPI’s programmatic work continues to support donors in their efforts to make a difference on the social issues that concern them. Through planning, in-depth research, program design, and other services, TPI’s recent work has enabled our clients to have an impact on school improvement, youth aspirations, community and economic development, racial and ethnic disparities in health care, fostering employee involvement in the community, and a wide range of other social issues. This report will celebrate some of these efforts.

Many of TPI's clients care deeply about a particular social issue, community, or other need, and want to find ways to have a significant impact with their philanthropy. TPI's programmatic services include social issues research and analysis, community needs assessments, and design, implementation and evaluation of philanthropic strategies. The process is typically an iterative one that incorporates the donor's interests and analysis of needs and opportunities. The resulting strategies may involve a grants initiative, creation of a new organization or pilot program that could serve as a model for expansion, launch of a public awareness campaign, strategic partnership with a group of organizations working in the same field, or some other approach that aligns with the donor's goals. Philanthropy based on a combination of creative thinking, research and analysis, due diligence, and creative thinking can bring about significant long-term change.

Programmatic Research, Design, Implementation, and Evaluation

Research and analysis of social issues to identify critical needs, gaps, and philanthropic opportunities.

Community needs assessments.

Identification of practical, resource-appropriate models and approaches to help clients achieve their goals.

Design of creative strategies to achieve philanthropic goals. Depending on the goals and identified opportunities, such strategies might involve seeding new ideas, expanding exemplary models, leveraging other resources, or building capacity within an organization or community.

Program evaluation structured to track results, make mid-course corrections, and identify lessons and best practices.

Communications and dissemination strategies to increase impact and influence by sharing lessons learned.

Grant Management and Administration

Preparation of grant guidelines, reports, communications and other materials to support the grantmaking process

Screening and review of proposals

Site visits and other due diligence

Convening and facilitation of grantee meetings

Grant tracking

Program documentation and assessment

Training and coaching on all aspects of the grantmaking process