Reach Out to Foundation Program Officers

CHRONICLE OF PHILANTHROPY
By Tony Martignetti

Getting to know a foundation's program officer is the smartest step a grant seeker can take. Program officers often serve as advocates at their foundations for groups they think are doing good work. And they can often help proposal writers and nonprofit leaders understand what it takes t get a grant. "Program officers are people who share your own values," says Ted Smith, chairman of Electronics TakeBack Coalition, a national organization that promotes better environmental practices in the electronics industry. "They are people who have worked in other nonprofits, who understand the whole system." [link]