Running a charity is hard. I take my hat off to all those non-profit founders who bring their vision, energy and drive to create social change. However, when assessing charities and deciding which ones to fund, the term ‘founder’s syndrome’ often comes up.

In a previous blog, I wrote about the ‘what’ and the ‘why’. But when attending New Philanthropy Capital’s NPC Ignites conference last week (link below), I was really struck by the discussions that related to the importance of ‘how’.

More funders and philanthropists should willingly fund the photocopier service contract, the admin worker or the office cleaner.  Or be proud to fund the continuation of existing work that is needed and getting good outcomes. They might be a little less shiny but they are vital.

At this time of year, when I go out to gather blackberries, I am reminded of my mother giving me her wise advice on picking: Only pick blackberries above the height that the tallest dog can pee; No blackberry is worth dying for. As well as being sage advice for blackberry picking, it can also be applied when it comes to selecting the best charities to give money to.

Fundraisers have long understood that giving is often a social activity and have tapped into this with all kinds of dances, dinners and team events.  Increasingly funding is becoming more social too with crowdfunding and Giving Circles (see link) as well as small informal groupings.

Even better is having advice from someone who knows the sector who effectively acts as your own personal book reviewer: helping you navigate the choices by matching your preferences to the most effective charities out there.