An Interview with Elizabeth Warner
On the flip side: public foundations see both sides of fundraising.
Isn’t it nice to be meeting colleagues in person? There are connections that happen when you’re in the same room that just don’t happen on Zoom. That’s how I met Liz Warner. We’re both involved with Bay Area professional networks for fundraisers. (I serve on Development Executive’s Roundtable board, and Liz is past president of the Golden Gate Chapter of Association of Fundraising Professionals.) A chat at an AFP social event sparked a deeper conversation. As Executive Director of Ploughshares Fund, Liz has a really great perspective on how hard it can be to get – and give – grants.
What is your philanthropy role and how long have you done this work?
I’ve worked in nonprofits my whole career. After college, I sought organizations where I felt a connection to their meaningful missions, regardless of what the job was. I had studied international development – which included women’s and reproductive rights – and Planned Parenthood had a job in fundraising, so that’s what I did! I loved building relationships and getting to know donors: what inspires them, what lights them up, and what matters to them. Fundraising was a perfect fit. Years later when I returned to San Francisco, I found another organization with a mission that spoke to my heart – Ploughshares Fund. As a public foundation, we’re at the intersection of both fundraising and grantmaking. Over 12 years, I became the executive director. Now I work to strengthen the whole field to achieve collective impact and change, especially in a complex issue area like nuclear threats. I’ve developed a keen understanding of what it means to invest in organizations, yet I still get to enjoy relationships I’ve built with our top donors.
Tell us about something funny, crazy or unexpected that happened in your world of Doing Good.
Some of the craziest and most fun moments have been working with well-known actors, politicos and authors, who’ve been high profile board members and guest speakers. It is an incredible joy and privilege to get to know famous people – for what they are committed to, not just what they’re known for publicly. And it reminds me that we are all human, and we all care about leaving the world a better place.
If you could change one thing about the grantmaking process, what would it be?
I wish we could trust each other and talk more openly. Sometimes in the spirit of vetting investments, protecting philanthropists, and ensuring measurable impact, the “process” of philanthropy puts up walls and hurdles that prevent us from understanding one another – whether a donor’s interest or an organization’s full capabilities. The process becomes cumbersome, proposals are written in a vacuum, and we write what we think the other wants to hear. I think our projects and organizations might be stronger if we could be more collaborative and conversational.
Think of your favorite funder. What makes them great?
Well, aside from Ploughshares Fund, there are some funders who embrace a more collaborative approach. They are streamlining proposal and reporting requirements, and are seeking conversational (not written) updates. They’ve built relationships with organizations that bring a higher degree of trust. Fund for Nonviolence has done this, and there is a whole approach called trust-based philanthropy that we are just beginning to explore.
What is one thing you'd like grantees to know about grantmakers?
Grantmakers are also learning as we go. Like grantees, we’re uncovering challenges, experimenting with new ideas, and evaluating impact. This is especially true for public foundations that are accountable to our donors, as well as to our grantees. We are constantly learning how to balance risk with accountability, how to promote collaboration, and how to build healthy, sustainable networks and fields.
How do you keep inspiration and optimism? Any favorite reads, books, podcasts, groups, or other resources to share?
Inspiration for me comes from staying grounded, literally. I’m optimistic by nature, but can still face dark moments when the world feels overwhelming. What keeps me going is getting outside and on the trails. Multiple times a week you can find me out running, sometimes with my dog, sometimes solo, rain or shine. I leave the phone and ear pods at home and just get present in the world around me.
Learn more about Ploughshares Fund’s grantees or how to support their work.
And go hang out with some fundraisers! AFP Golden Gate is part of a national network, and DERSF is regional. Attend a program. Become a member.
Illuminating and inspiring interview! Thank you!