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With 30 years of experience behind us, Tides Foundation is uniquely equipped to provide donors with the in-depth information and research needed for a successful grantmaking program. Our staff has developed deep and long-lasting relationships with activists and experts from across the spectrum of the progressive movement. We offer access to leading-edge thinking on social change topics and updates on all aspects of grantmaking, enabling philanthropists to develop the most effective funding strategy.

Personalized Docket

Tides can provide donors with a docket of funding recommendations with in-depth research on specific issue areas and organizations. Docket services include:

  • Analysis of specific and immediate funding opportunities as well as organizations operating in the donor’s areas of interest
  • Development of funding guidelines and a grantmaking budget
  • Solicitation of letters of inquiry and/or proposals from potential grantees
  • Review of potential grantee proposals, recommendation of grantees and grant amounts
  • Creation of a formal report, including a summary of funding objectives, proposals, and analysis of researched organizations
  • Presentation and discussion of recommendations to Fund Advisor

Face-to-face Learning Opportunities

Tides Foundation is experienced in designing individualized and strategic grantmaking programs that help donors fulfill their philanthropic goals. Your Philanthropic Advisor can help you:

  • Clarify your philanthropic interests
  • Connect your specific interests and values with particular issue areas
  • Develop a mission statement
  • Periodic convenings with activists and other donors to present the latest in thinking and strategies on movement building

Values Planning Sessions

A values planning session can be a critical step for a donor who is new to philanthropy – or for a donor who wants to step back to gain insight into the values, interests and passions that motivate his or her philanthropy. Tides can develop and moderate a half-day values planning session that includes:

  • Discussion of “money issues” and “money values”
  • Clarification of philanthropic principles
  • Creation of a philanthropic mission statement, including a mission statement for the fund
  • Refinement of grantmaking strategies
  • Creation of a summary report of discussions

Landscape Research

Landscape research provides donors with a general overview of an issue area before starting a grantmaking program. The report and recommendations can form the basis for ongoing programmatic advice from Tides Foundation; they can also be used by donors who wish to advise grants directly. Landscape research can include:

  • In-depth exploration of an issue area
  • Discussion of trends and strategies  within particular issue areas
  • Identification of broad funding needs and opportunities within issue areas
  • Creation of a formal report on issue research
  • Recommendations for funding and ongoing strategic planning