"Based on his extensive research and on insights from foundations themselves, Dennis P. McIlnay reveals the underlying principles and philosophies that guide grantmaking. He gives the grantseeker an edge in the highly competitive world of foundation grants both by debunking many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding foundations and by including more productive strategies for dealing with them." "The book is structured around six common perceptions of foundations - those of judge, editor, citizen, activist, entrepreneur and partner - and reveals the complex and often contradictory nature of foundations. How Foundations Work suggests that foundations have unique organizational personalities with unique values, languages, cultures, rituals, and behaviors. Understanding these personalities is the key to grantseekers' success."--BOOK JACKET.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 175-192) and indexes.

1. Foundations at the Crossroads 2. Foundations as Judges: The Art of Deciding Who Gets a Grant 3. Foundations as Editors: How the Quality of Writing Affects Grant Proposals 4. Foundations as Citizens: How Accessible and Accountable Are Foundations?

5. Foundations as Activists: How Political Ideology and Influence Affect Grant Decisions 6. Foundations as Entrepreneurs: How Program Officers View Risk Taking 7. Foundations as Partners: Problems in Building Trust Between Grantmakers and Grantseekers 8. Conclusion: Faces of Foundations in the Future.