April 23, 2007 | Read Time: 1 minute
If you’re a grant maker, you’re not nearly as handsome, smart, or funny as people would have you believe. So says Trista Harris on her blog, New Voices of Philanthropy, as part of advice she offers to people interested in working at foundations.
Ms. Harris, who works as a program officer with a community fund in Minnesota, which she doesn’t name, writes, “False flattery is an unfortunate byproduct of being in a position where you can make decisions about large amounts of money.” Her advice: “Don’t believe the hype.”
Ms. Harris’s other lessons include:
- Treat grant seekers with respect.
- Solicit ideas from a broad range of people, including different racial groups.
- Bounce ideas off friends or other nonprofit officials.
- Constantly read about changes in the nonprofit world and the social problems you want to solve.
- Offer advice to others.
What do you think of Ms. Harris’s suggestions? What advice would you offer students or others interested in joining a foundation? Click on the comments link just below this posting to share your thoughts.
