Knowing what “change” you want to see in the world, and how you can encourage it, are important steps in the journey of philanthropy. Then comes execution—what will it really take to get the job done?

G. Ananthapadmanabhan, head of the Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives (APPI), says that answering this question led the Premji family and APPI leadership to broaden the organization’s approach.

To lay the groundwork for execution, philanthropists can reflect on the following:

First, consider whether you are structured for success. As a philanthropist, you have choices on how to build capacity. Decide whether to outsource capabilities or hire staff.

Second, think about what the non-profits you fund require in order to be successful. Non-profits need more than just checks.

Third, find out what investments in capacity or “overhead costs” your grantees need to thrive. Focusing on the true costs of achieving outcomes is key to philanthropic success.

Indeed, sustainability is one of the strongest measures of “getting the job done” that any philanthropist could hold himself to.

Read the source article at The Bridgespan Group