How do grantees perceive us?
Throughout more than eight decades, the Benedum Foundation has strived to continually take stock of our grantmaking and improve how we are meeting the needs of our region. One of the ways we gage our work is through a periodic survey. In 2005, 2017, and again last year, we contracted with the independent Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP), a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, that provides data, feedback, programs, and insights to help individual and institutional donors improve their effectiveness. CEP conducted a confidential survey for the Benedum Foundation with grantees and declined applicants across our region.
Confidential surveys give us clear and honest feedback. After each survey, we focus on ways to address issues that surfaced in the responses. For example, after the 2017 survey, we took steps to streamline the application process and to make the process feel less stressful and time consuming. We are pleased to see those measures we took made a positive difference according to the 2025 responses. This year, we have carefully reviewed our newest findings and spent time understanding how these findings should shape our practices.
We want to share results of the survey, and to thank those who provided feedback for us to improve. Among peers the Benedum Foundation ranked in the Top 15% of Foundations Nationally based on extraordinarily positive grantee scores in 26 of the 34 measures. We are gratified to hear this, but we know we can do better. And now we also know where and are working to improve further. Here are a few highlights from the survey.
Benedum Ranked in the top 10% of foundations nationally in CEP’s data on the following:
- Comfort approaching the Foundation if a problem arises
- Responsiveness of Foundation staff
- Clearly communicated goals and strategy
- Helpfulness of the selection process to strengthen efforts funded by the grant
We were also pleased that the Survey Data showed Benedum received:
- Top Quartile on Performance for grantee relationships, and responsiveness—consistent with our 2017 performance.
- Improved Impact Ratings compared to 2017 impact on grantee fields and communities significantly higher (88 to 95%).
- High Ranking on Process and Efficiency for application and reporting. The Foundation was seen as streamlined and respectful, placing Benedum in the top third nationally.
- And, Benedum’s Help with Non-Monetary Support remains an area in which grantees would value even greater opportunities for touch points such as convenings, peer learning, or capacity building gatherings.
Opportunities Coming from the CEP Survey Include:
- More Clarity: Ratings for clarity of our strategic priorities declined slightly from 2017, with grantees and applicants expressing a desire for alignment guidance.
- Expanded Communication and Feedback Loops: Guidance during the application process, declinations, and throughout grant cycle may further boost experience.
We have the most work ahead with declined applicants. The Benedum staff encourages applicants to have an initial conversation with a program officer to assess the fit on grants prior to applying. This helps us understand the work and ensures applicants can quickly see whether their project aligns with our mission.
Survey Data from Declined Applicants Included:
- Applicant Experience showed appreciation for professionalism; however, applicants sought more feedback and guidance on funding decisions.
- Declined applicants provided lower rankings on impact, communication feedback, and clarity on grantmaking decisions. Declined applicants asked for clearer and more specific reasons for being declined, otherwise they tend to feel the decision was unfair.
We are committed to using this feedback for continuous improvement, expanding our efforts in the areas where respondents would like to see more from us while maintaining our high impact practices that underscore Benedum’s relationship-based, field-activated culture. Grantees are at the heart of all we do, and we truly appreciate everyone who took the time to complete the survey. We are grateful to do this important work in the company of extraordinary people.