Grassroots Philanthropy

Field Notes of a Maverick Grantmaker

By: Bill Somerville, Fred Setterberg

Narrated by: Bill Somerville

Bill Somerville believes that foundations can do a better job—and Grassroots Philanthropy explains how. Endless paperwork, bureaucracy, and beleaguered foundation heads bog down many bold new ventures. The “cowboy approach”, advocated by Bill Somerville, encourages philanthropists to actively engage with the community, meet people who are doing extraordinary things, and fund those in need quickly—with a minimum of process and paperwork.

This is an illuminating book for those in the foundation and nonprofit worlds alike. With an unprecedented transfer of generational wealth expected over the next half-century, it is also a call to the upcoming generation of philanthropists to step up and use their wealth to ensure that real change happens quickly and creatively.

©2008 Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (P)2010 Philanthropic Ventures Foundation