Folly #63: Funder Fiddle Camp

Can grantmakers create a no-judgement learning zone?

I just spent a week at Fiddle Camp. If you didn’t know that I play the fiddle, you’re forgiven. My first day playing was the first day of camp.

This must sound a bit crazy. A sleepaway camp for adults focused on an activity I know nothing about. But Fiddle Camp taught me more than just playing fiddle. I was surrounded by an encouraging group of string musicians – professionals and amateurs – who came together to play fiddle (aka violin fiddle-style), guitar, mandolin and banjo.

What made me do it? 

I googled “fiddle lessons” and the West Marin Fiddle Camp popped up. It was close by, in an area I know a bit and love. It felt safe and easy.

I had a desire to learn a new skill. An immersive experience to see if I could be good at it sounded like a pretty good idea. 

I mean, why drag it out? If I am really bad at fiddle, I’d rather learn that and get on with something else. No need to torture myself (or others within earshot).

Risk analysis

Worst case scenario? For a week, I listen to others play great music and meet nice folks.

So why not? I figured that I could count on one thing: a bunch of fiddlers camping in a rural area would be an unpretentious group of people.

What was Fiddle Camp like? Amazing. I spent a week surrounded by encouraging, humble, joyful, interesting people. They were all ages, from teens to 70s. Some had traveled far, lots lived in the region. They had all kinds of backgrounds and stories. They were curious. They were passionate. They didn’t take themselves too seriously.

The fiddlers (and mando, guitar and banjo players) reminded me of people I meet every day in the nonprofit world. People who bring every ounce of their best to their work.

Assessment

I can play a fiddle. Not well, yet, but I can do it.

Here’s how each day looked…

Breakout groups based on instrument and skill level met for 60-minute learning and practice sessions, interactive but led by a professional.

Breaks throughout the day encouraged conversation, walks or thinking time.

The afternoon invited “wild card” sessions that ranged from a music technique, to dance steps, to learning about cute fluffy animals on the farm.

Spontaneous small groups formed to “jam” together. These started with one person humming the chorus to a tune, and telling the group a starting note. Then others jumped in or strummed along to a beautiful melody.

It was a really terrific learning environment.

Funder Camp

What if foundations hosted a Funder Camp that was like Fiddle Camp? Imagine a setting where grantmakers and grantees gather that is casual. Instructional. Supportive. Unintimidating. Experts and participants acknowledge and accept a range of styles and different ways of doing things. A place where peer learning thrives, and attendees are both students and teachers. Beginners (and questions) are welcome and encouraged. All are there with the intent of learning to do their craft better.

It couldn’t be in an office (power dynamic). Or a conference hotel (boring). 

The program would be loose. Interactive. Grassroots ideas percolating up through a suggested format. The same daily schedule, but with multiple options and breaks.

It could look like this:

Breakout groups based on issue focus and skill level gather for 60-minute peer learning sessions, led by a foundation staff member.

Breaks throughout the day encourage conversation, walks or just space and time to think about big things in our philanthropic work.

Wild Card sessions span professional and personal interests, led by participants.

Spontaneous small groups brainstorm problems together. These could start with one person sharing a challenge in their work, and telling the group the things they’ve tried (programs, partnerships, grant applications, staffing). Then folks could jump in with other ideas to create something harmonious together.

Heck, there are even “glamping” places you can go that are (mostly) off the grid. Getting off my laptop and phone forged creative thinking, gave me time to practice, and encouraged me to ask others for tips. Getting away and staying a few days really forged friendships and trust.

Funder Camp doesn’t really sound that crazy.

There are too many power dynamics around money. Why not relax that hold on the wealth and the knowledge. I’m betting that funders would learn a lot from participants. And all would learn a lot about better grantmaking and grantwriting.

Maybe folks could bring their fiddles. Creativity comes in all shapes and sounds.