Results from 2024 grantee survey suggest strengths and opportunities
Every year, San Francisco Foundation conducts a grantee survey to get a pulse on grantees’ experience with SFF. In February 2024, we invited 433 organizations to take the survey; 121 completed it. The survey revealed many strengths as well as areas for improvement. Areas of strength included:
- SFF continues to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with grantee partners. This is evidenced by the high percentage of grantees who reported having regular contact with SFF staff (81%). Grantees appreciate that SFF staff are accessible, responsive, and supportive of their work.
- Every grantee knows who their point of contact is (99%), an increase from 2022 (88%). This increase reflects SFF’s commitment to hold regular grantee check-ins, site visits, and grantee convenings.
- Grantee partners feel supported with the application process. Nearly all respondents (95%) felt the grant terms and expectations, as well as the application steps, are clear.
- Grantees recognize SFF’s ongoing commitment to racial equity and economic inclusion. They feel SFF is prioritizing funding to BIPOC communities and addressing the Bay Area’s most pressing issues.
“Staff are amazing. They respond to questions quickly, they have answers, they help us figure out solutions. It is a partnership.”
“We appreciate that BIPOC voices are valued. SFF backs up what is preaches. We feel seen and appreciated. We feel supported from application through programming.”
However, some opportunities for improvement were identified as well:
- Providing greater transparency about how funding decisions are made.
- Providing clear explanations when funding is denied.
- Continuing to support grantees in using the grants management software system, Fluxx.
“The biggest obstacle for us receiving funding from SFF is not having access to ongoing communication with the foundation. SFF is situated well to communicate in response to applications, but we have found that regular communication provides both funder and grantee to consider the strategic goals of the other.”
The survey also highlighted several other key findings. For example:
- Grantees expressed a desire for regular communication with SFF staff. This could be achieved through site visits, virtual meetings, and regular email communication.
- Grantees indicated a desire for support “beyond the check”. This could include sponsoring convenings and offering networking opportunities with other organizations and funders.
- Key obstacles to accessing funding identified by grantees include a lack of understanding of SFF’s pathway structures and funding cycles, as well as a desire to learn more about Donor Advised Funds (DAFs).
We are proud of the progress we have made to strengthen our relationship with grantee partners. We are also committed to addressing areas for improvement. We will provide training to staff on supporting grantees throughout the application phase and developing trusting relationships. This includes training on effective communication about grant opportunities and denials.
We will continue to strengthen our internal grantmaking processes. This involves articulating clear timelines and training staff on using Fluxx so they can effectively support grantees. The survey results and subsequent actions planned by SFF — such as training staff on equitable grantmaking practices and improving internal processes — further reinforce our commitment to our values of being rooted in community, equity, and racial justice.
