RAG Research: Desired Skill Sets

VI. Are there consistently defined skill sets that grantmakers need to do their jobs?

Key Finding:
Top 5 skills grantmakers rate as "very important" to do their job

• Grantmakers who identify as professionals in the field in which they make grants are more likely to report that "knowledge of specific grantmaking areas" is very important.
• Grantmakers in the field 0-5 years place a higher level of importance that those in the field over 15 years on "program evaluation" and "working in diverse communities" skill sets.

Key Finding:
Top 5 areas in which grantmakers indicate they currently have a "high" skill level

Key Finding:
5 skills areas in which grantmakers indicate they currently have the lowest skill level

• Working in the public policy arena
• Dissemination of model programs/lessons learned
• Public communications strategies
• The field of philanthropy, history and/or current trends
• Governance practices

Key Finding:
Top areas in which grantmakers indicate they are "very interested" in developing their skill level

• Grantmakers who make grants directly are more likely to be interested in program evaluation trainings than those who supervise grantmakers.
• "Dissemination of model programs/lessons learned" is an area where a small proportion of grantmakers indicate they now have a high skill levels and where a high proportion indicates a strong interest in learning.