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Grantmaking in a Disorderly World: The Limits of Rationalism
Author(s) -
Leat Diana,
Williamson Alexandra,
Scaife Wendy
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
australian journal of public administration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 41
eISSN - 1467-8500
pISSN - 0313-6647
DOI - 10.1111/1467-8500.12249
Subject(s) - certainty , foundation (evidence) , unpacking , relevance (law) , rationalism , work (physics) , positive economics , epistemology , sociology , law and economics , political science , economics , law , philosophy , engineering , mechanical engineering , linguistics
This article reflects on the real world relevance of rational approaches to grantmaking. The characteristics and environment of foundation work are outlined, then both traditional and newer funding practices are analysed. Unpacking implicit assumptions of a rational approach, eight costs to foundations and their grantees are identified. The final sections of the paper consider what grantmaking for a complex and disorderly world might encompass. In conclusion, while rational approaches to grantmaking provide a comfortable aura of certainty, funders need to adapt to a little discomfort.