If I could change one thing about how private foundations operate, it would be their approach to transparency and collaboration. Too often, foundations function in silos—guarding data, operating with limited public accountability, and working independently even when others in the same space are tackling similar issues. That lack of openness can limit their overall impact. At Zapiy, we've built our growth around transparency, agility, and feedback loops, and I believe the same mindset could significantly enhance how foundations fulfill their missions. When foundations are more open—about what's working, what's not, how they allocate funds, and who they partner with—it creates room for stronger alliances, reduces duplication of effort, and drives smarter solutions. Imagine if foundations shared not just their success stories, but also the initiatives that didn't pan out as expected. That kind of shared learning would accelerate innovation across sectors. It would also encourage grantees to take meaningful risks rather than playing it safe to secure funding. Transparency fosters trust. It builds bridges between funders, nonprofits, and communities. It helps everyone involved focus more clearly on outcomes rather than optics. If foundations operated with more of a startup mentality—testing, iterating, and openly sharing their process—I believe their effectiveness would grow exponentially. It would also shift the perception of philanthropy from being top-down to something far more collaborative and dynamic. In the end, it's not just about writing checks. It's about making change. And change happens faster when we stop working in isolation and start building something bigger, together.
I'd change the obsession with overhead. Too many private foundations still treat low admin costs as a badge of honor, when in reality, it starves nonprofits of the talent and infrastructure they need to deliver impact. If foundations shifted from "How lean is your org?" to "How strong is your strategy and execution?", we'd see fewer burnout cycles and more sustainable change. Fund outcomes, not optics.
If I could change one thing about how private foundations operate, it would be to increase transparency around how funds are allocated and impact is measured. In my experience working with several foundations, I noticed that the lack of clear, accessible reporting can make it difficult for stakeholders—and even the public—to understand the real difference being made. By adopting more transparent practices, including regular, detailed impact reports and open communication about decision-making, foundations could build greater trust and attract more support. This change would also encourage more strategic giving, as clearer data would highlight which initiatives deliver the most value. Ultimately, increasing transparency would improve accountability, focus resources on high-impact projects, and help foundations drive more meaningful, measurable change.
If I could change one thing about private foundations, I’d encourage them to work more directly with local leaders and community members when deciding where to allocate funds. In real estate and on mission trips, I’ve seen firsthand how solutions are most effective when they actually come from those living in the community—whether it’s tackling blight or building a church. Giving locals a bigger role in decision-making would make foundation projects more practical and impactful, because they know the real needs and priorities on the ground.
If I could change one aspect of how private foundations operate, it would be to implement greater transparency in their funding processes and decision-making criteria. Many foundations operate behind closed doors, making it hard for potential grantees to align their proposals with the foundation's goals. Adopting a more transparent approach, foundations could publish detailed guidelines on funding priorities and evaluation metrics. This change would not only empower nonprofits to tailor their initiatives more effectively but also foster a culture of accountability and trust within the philanthropic community. Increased transparency would lead to more informed partnerships, enabling foundations to identify and support innovative projects that align with their mission. Ultimately, this shift would enhance the overall effectiveness of private foundations, ensuring that their resources are directed toward initiatives that create meaningful, lasting change in the communities they serve.