Insights for nonprofits from MacKenzie Scott's philanthropy with Michael Randel

Mission: Impact

In episode 101 of Mission: Impact, Carol Hamilton and Michael Randel discuss

• Michael’s research into nonprofit organizations that received significant funding from Mackenzie Scott’s trust-based philanthropy initiative.

• The impact of these transformative gifts on nonprofits,

• Six key areas of organizational preparedness and grant readiness

• Good practices for handling substantial donations.

Episode highlights:

[00:09:30] Mackenzie Scott's Trust-Based Philanthropy

Philanthropy Approach

- Mackenzie Scott’s “quiet giving” process.

- Discussion on how Scott’s approach differs from traditional philanthropy with no application process and minimal reporting requirements.

- The concept of trust-based philanthropy and its implications for recipient organizations.

[00:13:30] Research on organization’s receiving Scott gifts

- Michael’s initial hypothesis and surprising positive research findings

- Insights from interviewing CEOs of recipient organizations about managing large gifts.

[00:15:30] Patterns in Recipient Organizations

- the characteristics and sectors of organizations that received funding.

- The importance of organizational preparedness and strategic clarity.

[00:18:30] Organizational Preparedness

- Key elements that made organizations ready for large donations:

- Clarity of purpose and identity.

- Strategic priorities.

- Proven approaches and evidence-based strategies.

- Aligned leadership and governance.

- Strengthened capacity and systems.

- Learning and adaptation capabilities.

[00:27:30] Organizational Development Lessons

- Michael’s observations on the sustainability of organizations not centered around a charismatic leader.

- Importance of multiple levels of system attention within an organization.

[00:30:30] Holistic Organizational Approach

- Carol and Michael discuss the benefits of a holistic view in organizational development.

- The shift in the consulting field towards addressing multiple aspects of organizational life.

[00:32:30] Taking a comprehensive approach

- Emphasizing a comprehensive look at all organizational components, not just programmatic aspects.

- The role of communication and visibility in securing funding.

[00:35:30] Practical Advice for Handling Large Gifts

Five good practices for organizations receiving large donations:

- Advisor for the CEO.

- Thoughtful sharing of news about the gift.

- Strategic investment planning.

- Establishing a working group for decision-making.

- Effective communication with stakeholders.

Guest Bio: Michael Randel

Michael Randel helps leaders and their teams move through Change and Growth with Calm and Confidence. He developed the RCA Seasons of GrowthTM framework to help people understand and move through the three common phases of change. This allows leaders to navigate the challenges of change and bring about transformational results.

With 30 years of experience, Michael works with philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, corporations, and public sector agencies to help them navigate change with success and poise with his expertise in organizational change. The influence and impact of Michael’s work has been recognized with multiple global awards, and his clients include Amnesty International, AstraZeneca, NASA, United Nations, and the World Bank.

Important Links and Resources:

Yield Giving: https://yieldgiving.com/

Michael Randel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelrandel/

https://rcachangeadvisors.com/

Gestalt approach to organization development

https://www.gestaltosd.org/

Related Episodes:

Episode 15 The Nonprofit executive director-board chair relationship

Episode 17 Program evaluation

Episode 67: Get that money honey

Episode 69: Designing for strategy

Episode 70: Values based strategic planning

Episode 76: You don’t have to go it alone

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