Big Grants Are Easier, but They Aren’t Better

To the Editor:

As some foundations look to increase the amount of money that they grant without increasing the number of employees who review proposals and manage the process (“Foundations’ Asset Growth Brings Staff Expansion,” February 26), I hope they will keep in mind a lesson that the World Bank and the U.S. Agency for International Development have demonstrated, if not fully learned: Big isn’t necessarily beautiful.

Yes, it’s easier for one person to administer a program that gives mega-sums to dam projects than it is for many people to oversee a micro-enterprise development program, but better results may be obtained from the latter.

The objective is not to shovel money out the door, but to effect meaningful change.

Cheryl E. Bartz
Director of Development
Michigan Wildlife Habitat Foundation
Lansing, Mich.