This first "Lessons Learned" guide highlights our conversations with GEO members AIDS United, REDF and Venture Philanthropy Partners, three of the grantmakers participating in the Social Innovation Fund's inaugural year. Read about their initial impressions of the experience of shifting from grantmaker to federal grantee — the benefits and the barriers. See how they have strengthened their own knowledge and what capacities they have had to develop to make the partnership with the federal government and other peers work, and consider the advice they have for grantmakers that might want to participate in future rounds of the fund or pursue other federal funding opportunities. + more

What does it take to bring a diverse group of local and regional grantmakers together to apply for a Social Innovation Fund grant and, on receiving the grant, to design and implement a consensus plan for moving forward on issues of shared concern?

Last year, a group of 15 grantmakers launched the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Social Innovation Fund to deliver coordinated funding and technical assistance to nonprofit organizations working to improve outcomes — from cradle to career — for young people in the region. But how does this partnership really work? This guide explains Greater Cincinnati's story and offers takeaways that apply to any grantmaker that wants to join with others to amplify its impact and support nonprofits in more collaborative ways. + more

While most grantmakers are familiar with running competitive grantmaking processes, the level of openness and inclusivity can vary widely. In this guide, we explore how several grantmakers, including GEO members Missouri Foundation for Health, New Profit Inc. and REDF, met the federal government's mandate to design and manage open grantmaking processes as a condition for receiving Social Innovation Fund grants.

Read how these grantmakers grappled with issues like broadening the applicant pool, conducting open and timely communication and outreach, providing fair and consistent technical assistance to applicants, and instituting new application review procedures, often with partners. This guide offers advice for any grantmaker that aims to make their existing processes more open, inclusive and transparent. + more