In this groundbreaking book, Dennis McIlnay offers a unique andremarkable look inside foundations--exploring the complex workingsof the mysterious and often misunderstood organizations that sooften determine the success or failure of a nonprofit's fundraising ventures. Drawing on his extensive research and on insights from foundations,McIlnay gives the grantseeker an edge in the highly competitiveworld of foundation grants by both debunking many of the myths andmisconseptions surrounding foundations and including moreproductive strategies for dealing with them. Structured around six perceptions of foundations--judges, editors,citizens, activists, entrepreneurs, and partners--this bookprovides a thorough understanding of what makes foundations tickand how this affects their interations with nonprofits. "How Foundations Work will provide much-needed dialogue in thefoundation community. Anyone who has ever raised funds fromfoundations can easily relate to Mr. McIlnay's observations. Thisbook gives an insider's perspective to foundations that we haveheard about before but rarely seen in print until today." (K. ScottSheldon, CFRE, director of development and outreach, Arizona StateUniversity College of ExtAnded Education) "McIlnay's book is full of information. His arguments are cogentand well-supported. Common misunderstandings and unspoken truthsabout foundations are revealed in ways that nonprofit leaders willrespond to with warmth. The list of cockamamie ideas submitted asgrant proposals brought tears of laughter to my eyes and thedescription of medieval grant proposals is priceless. It is funny,well-observed and a good read." (David La Piana, principal, LaPiana Associates Management Consultants) "After a dozen years in the field, I was pleased to read this bookwhich helps to demystify philanthropy" (Ruth Shack, president, DadeCommununity Foundation) Grantseekers spAnd much of their time and energy preparing grant requests. But do they really know enough about the foundations they are approaching to succeed in getting grants? Foundations are some of the nation's most misunderstood and mysterious organizations. Dennis P. McIlnay offers a unique and remarkable look inside foundations, exploring the complex workings of the organizations that so often determine the success or failure of a nonprofit's fundraising ventures.Using case histories of grantseekers and 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 by both debunking many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding foundations and including more productive strategies for dealing with them.The book is structured around six perceptions of foundations?judges, editors, citizens, activists, entrepreneurs, and partners?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 that distinguish them from other organizations. Understanding these personalities is the key to grantseekers' success.Accessible and intriguing, this book provides a thorough understanding of what makes foundations tick and how this affects their interactions with nonprofits. Managers and fund raisers in nonprofits will also find a comprehensive bibliography that provides additional resources. Grantseekers spend much of their time and energy preparing grant requests. But do they really know enough about the foundations they are approaching to succeed in getting grants? Foundations are some of the nation?s most misunderstood and mysterious organizations. Dennis P. McIlnay offers a unique and remarkable look inside foundations, exploring the complex workings of the organizations that so often determine the success or failure of a nonprofit?s fundraising ventures. Using case histories of grantseekers and 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 by both debunking many of the myths and misconceptions surrounding foundations and including more productive strategies for dealing with them. The book is structured around six perceptions of foundations?judges, editors, citizens, activists, entrepreneurs, and partners?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 that distinguish them from other organizations. Understanding these personalities is the key to grantseekers? success. Accessible and intriguing, this book provides a thorough understanding of what makes foundations tick and how this affects their intera