As we move towards a “real-time web,” I’m wondering whether similar results could be achieved through a fast-track system of venture philanthropy.

It might be a concentric system with a “microgrant” layer on the outer circle. This layer would offer expedited review and grant-giving, much as Charles River Associates has done with early stage, small venture capital applicants. Recipients who put the seed funds to good use (as shown by digitally recording and sharing milestones of progress) could earn “karma points” that would enable them to enter the next level of larger grant-seeking opportunities. And then those who do well with these grants can cross the threshold of the next level of funding opportunities, where they can compete for more substantial grants.

Creating layered opportunities to earn karma points (convertible to attention/visibility on the radar of donors in future funding rounds) might also improve ecosystems of cooperation among grant applicants, as hoped for in the Grantsfire summary.

For example, donors could offer paths for unsuccessful grant applicants to earn reputation points applicable to future fundraising rounds. The unsuccessful applicants could earn these points by volunteering in-kind services to help the funded projects. In cases where the offers were accepted (and useful services delivered), the funded project receiving the help could award reputation points to providers. This teaming approach could lead to relationships of value in future grant-seeking and full-scale implementation of initiatives.

Does this approach sound reasonable? It could also fit into challenge offer scenarios for awakening human capital and dormant land values in economically depressed areas, as outlined at http://www.openworld.com .

Best,

Mark Frazier
@openworld @buildership

More here –
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XBRL

If the foundations were to offer hosted, XBRL-compliant administration solutions for grant recipients (with dashboards for easy administration), it would be possible to extend financial transparency and accountability farther still.

Best,

Mark Frazier
@openworld @buildership