Foundation Wisdom to Government, and others

In Governing: Managing Insights, Peter Hutchinson, president of the Bush Foundation in Saint Paul , MN offered some words of advice particularly directed to gvoernment entities but helpful, I believe, to the nonprofit sector as well.

According to Mr. Hutchinson:

1. Foundations don't fill gaps saying: "if something is not a priority for you, why should it be a priority for us?"

2. Foundations don't fund government: Foundations "don't see government as trustworthy or effective.  They don't want to waste their limited resources with organizations that can't or won't get the job done."

3. Foundations can help: Foundations "are independent and can say and do things that others cannot.  Our independence gives us flexibility."

4. Foundations can be demanding: "Most foundations are committed to improving outcomes for the people we serve.  We are always on the lookout for opportunities to use limited resources to get much bigger things done.  If you want to partner with us, help find those points of leverage.  We want results."

Thanks Peter.  Helpful insights for those who just think of Foundations as pocketbooks.