Reclaiming the Purpose of Grants: A Conversation on Collaboration and Impact

By Musa Kamara and Jordan Tobias

Grants play a vital role in fueling social good. For many nonprofits, grants are more than funding—they represent the opportunity to grow, serve, and sustain life-changing work in their communities. Yet in an ever-evolving landscape, both grantmakers and nonprofits are reexamining how they approach grantmaking: How can we build stronger partnerships that support long-term impact?

In my work as a nonprofit consultant (Musa), I’ve seen the ripple effects when grant funding is lost or unexpectedly interrupted. These challenges remind us that grantmaking is about more than dollars; it’s about mutual trust, shared goals, and a deep investment in mission-driven work.

This blog is an invitation to reflect on how we can make grantmaking more collaborative and impactful, beyond the funding itself. To explore this, I’ve partnered with Jordan Tobias Grant, Manager of Grants & Programs at the Foundation for Financial Planning (FFP), to offer a dual perspective. I wanted to work with Jordan since FFP is a funder that has made collaboration and long-term support core to its approach.

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Jordan’s Perspective: The Power of Partnership

At the Foundation for Financial Planning, we understand that meaningful support goes beyond writing a check. Our grantmaking model is designed to help nonprofits create or expand pro bono financial planning programs that connect CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals with people who otherwise wouldn’t have access to trusted financial guidance.

But funding is just one part of what we offer.

We work closely with our nonprofit partners throughout the grant lifecycle—providing technical assistance, access to a national volunteer platform (ProBonoPlannerMatch.Org), and a suite of free tools and resources to help support their volunteers and clients. We also invite grantees to speak at panels, join us at conferences, and contribute to thought leadership, often giving them more visibility and opportunities for long-term growth.

Importantly, these resources aren’t just for grantees. Because we can’t fund every organization doing meaningful work, we extend our resources and volunteer platform to other nonprofits seeking to bring financial guidance to their communities. Whether it’s a women’s center offering support to domestic violence survivors or a nonprofit program supporting cancer patients through financial toxicity, we see our role as a true partner, helping organizations strengthen their programming in sustainable, strategic ways.

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Musa’s Perspective: What Nonprofits Need Most

From a nonprofit’s perspective, one of the most valuable things a grantmaker can offer is clarity and meaningful communication—not just during the application process, but in setting goals, outlining expectations, and helping organizations navigate challenges along the way.

When nonprofits understand what success looks like from the funder’s point of view, they can plan more effectively and make smarter use of their resources. Equally important is creating space for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

One standout example is FFP’s encouragement of pre-application conversations. They actively invite first-time applicants to reach out, introduce themselves, and ask questions—helping organizations approach the process with more alignment and confidence.

Once onboard, grantees are supported through quarterly sessions where they can share challenges, celebrate successes, and learn from one another. These gatherings include practical presentations, skills-building discussions, and opportunities to brainstorm in community, fostering collaboration and continuous growth.

Even for nonprofits that are not current grantees, FFP offers support. Organizations can reach out to brainstorm programming ideas, receive feedback, and explore ways to strengthen their pro bono financial planning efforts.

This level of openness and partnership builds trust, and it’s that trust that lays the foundation for long-term, sustainable impact.

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A Shared Vision for Grantmaking

If we want grants to fuel lasting change, we must approach them as more than financial exchanges. They are tools for partnership, for strengthening impact in communities, and for building networks of support that can weather uncertainty.

That requires commitment on both sides: funders who listen, guide, and empower, and nonprofits who are clear in their mission, intentional in their planning, and ready to lead in their communities.

By sharing our perspectives, we hope this piece sparks a broader conversation. Let’s continue working together—grantmakers and grantees alike—to reclaim the purpose of grants and move toward models of collaboration that help us all thrive.