1. Among the most positive trends within global philanthropy in recent years has been the
increased commitment by foundations to seek performance and effectiveness feedback from
their most vital stakeholders: their grantees. Over the past decade, these grantee perception
protocols have been instrumental in improving foundation performance and effectiveness.
The Grantee Experience and Insight Report, or GEIR, was created to support this emergent
practice. GEIR recognizes that a grantmaker’s effectiveness is not just about what is funded—
great projects, programs, and people. It is also about how the work is funded—great policies,
procedures, and practices.
GEIR investigates foundation performance and effectiveness through two channels:
:: Through a practice component, grantees provide candid feedback on how
they experience the grantmaking process, including proposal and reporting
requirements, grantmaker/grantee contact, communication, and more.
:: Through a values component, grantees shine a spotlight on a grantmaker’s
values, checking them against the actual experience of grantees.
GEIR delivers evidence-based, actionable insights to improve foundation practice and boost
effectiveness and impact.
A Unique Tool for Grantmakers
Among grantee perception protocols, GEIR is
unique in notable ways. While others deploy
web-based surveying, GEIR gathers feedback
through in-person interviews, allowing for
spontaneous, organically gleaned insights that
on-line surveying doesn’t always enable. GEIR is
also unique in targeting a small set of grantees,
ranging from 5 to 20, favoring tailored, personalized
sampling over big data research. Additionally, along
with exploring the mechanics of grantmaking, GEIR
looks through the lens of values, helping to make
sure that a foundation walks the walk and truly
operates in the spirit in which it is grounded. All in
all, GEIR offers an innovative new approach to
bolstering foundation effectiveness, on its own or
as a complement to other grantee perception protocols.
The Grantee Experience and Insight Report
Delivering Evidence-based, Actionable Data for More Effective Grantmaking
“GEIR delivers
evidence-based,
actionable insights to
improve foundation
practice and boost
effectiveness and
impact.”

2. The GEIR Process
The GEIR process, tailored to a foundation’s unique identity, begins with the crafting of a roster of
interview questions suited to the needs and interests of a participating foundation. Questions cover
overall impressions as well as specific experiences in two main areas: Grantmaking Practice and
Values. Within the roster of questions is a set inviting grantees to share ideas on how the foundation
might improve its practice. Together, then, the roster of questions covers both the EXPERIENCE of
grantees as well as their INSIGHTS.
Interviews are conducted in-person and one-on-one with 5 to 20 grantees confidentially selected
from a longer list of potential informants. Interviews are carried out by individuals with a high degree
of cultural competence and sensitivity. Whenever possible they are conducted in a local language.
Following a draft review by participating grantees, a final narrative report is submitted to the
participating foundation, offering both qualitative and quantitative data on grantee experience
alongside specific, actionable grantee insights.
Participation in GEIR on the part of grantees is voluntary. Throughout the process, from start to finish,
GEIR takes measures to ensure the absolute confidentiality of participating grantees while allowing
them to be as frank and open as possible.
The cost of conducting a Grantee Experience and Insight Report ranges from $5,000 to $20,000,
depending on factors including the number of grantees involved and their location.
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For More Information on GEIR
The Grantee Experience and Insight Report was
developed and is led by John Harvey, Independent
Global Philanthropy Professional. For more
information, email JohnHarveyinAfrica@gmail.com
or phone (202) 701-3197.
PhotocourtesyofIDEX