title: Some reflections on a few of the pitfalls in the world of foundation grant making.
abstract: This paper offers some reflections on the grant-making process from a former foundation executive. Some of the opportunities, challenges, and pitfalls inherent in the foundation world are described, and one approach to grant making, the "call for proposals," is examined as an example of the need for greater attention to and investment in the science of grant making itself, to maximize the potential return from philanthropy.
authors.affiliation: New York University's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, in New York City, USA. john.billings@nyu.edu
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Billings
mesh_terms: D000288:Administrative Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D005381:Financing, Organized; D005582:Foundations / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005653:Fund Raising; D006801:Humans; D007449:Investments; D012306:Risk; D014481:United States