Beyond the check: Lessons in showing up for our Impact Partners

Dec 17

At Greenbridge, we’ve always believed that philanthropy is about more than financial transactions—it’s about building meaningful partnerships and showing up in ways that truly matter. Over the years, our Impact Partners have shown us the power of going beyond funding. From offering strategic advice to making timely introductions, we’ve learned what it means to truly support the organizations we care about.

Here, we share some lessons from our journey—alongside reflections from the incredible leaders we’ve been privileged to work with—about how funders can add value beyond the check.

Lesson 1: Be thoughtful about how, when, and if to show up

The first rule is to “Do No Harm.” Many investors or donors believe that since they are writing the checks, they know more than the leaders of the organizations they are supporting. They forget about the inherent power dynamic at play and instead of posing good questions, they provide strong opinions and advice, sometimes without appropriate background or context. The leader is then forced to either reject those ideas, biting the hand that feeds them, or spend time focusing on responding to issues distracting them from other more pressing matters. We choose a different approach: ask more good questions and have fewer opinions.

One of our guiding principles is creating “memorable moments of impact.” The best way to show up can look very different for each organization. Sometimes, it makes sense to join a board, providing continuity and steady guidance and support. Other times, it’s about staying out of the way in the wings but offering a lifeline when it’s needed most. We learned a lot about how to work with extraordinary talents in the entrepreneurial world and have applied many of those lessons to working with extraordinary social entrepreneurs.

We’ve learned the value of flexibility in these relationships. For some Impact Partners, this has meant offering the opportunity for a senior leader to call us when they’re facing a tough challenge or need a thought partner. Whether it’s a single call or a series of conversations over a set period, we aim to show up in the way that matters most to them.

"During the valleys, Jason [Green] is with us 100%. Whether volunteering time on the weekends to help us think through a particular challenge or simply letting us know we’re not alone, Jason shows up when it matters most." Jason Wang, Founder and CEO of FreeWorld

Idea to Try:
Ask your grantees how they’d like you to show up—whether joining their board, providing connections, being available for a series of strategy calls during a challenging period, or simply being a safe place to share a vulnerable moment and talk through options. Let their needs guide your level of involvement.

We have also experienced when non-profit leaders make promises to funders and do not hold themselves accountable for those commitments or even bother to provide updates on their results. Instead of trying to impose your will on an organization in frustration, maybe it’s time to find another organization or leader to support.

We have chosen to join boards carefully given the level of time commitment involved and look for opportunities to create moments of impact outside of board commitments where we can have an outsized impact. We are also curating a group of advisors that can be helpful to our partners and look to make those matches when we see an opportunity where it can be meaningful.

Lesson 2: Be a connector, not just a funder

When charities ask funders to open doors, it’s often to other funders—a natural ask given the need to secure additional support. While these connections can be valuable, we’ve learned that some of the most impactful introductions we can make aren’t just to other funders. Instead, they might be a subject-matter expert in an area of need, a strategic advisor, or even a peer who has navigated similar challenges.

These introductions can address critical pain points, unlock new opportunities, and sometimes provide value far beyond what another grant might achieve. For example, we’ve connected leaders to marketing experts who helped refine their messaging, customer-service gurus who solved operational challenges, and industry specialists who offered deep insights—all of which had lasting ripple effects for their organizations.

"The experts Jason introduces us to solve critical challenges for us—often pro bono—because Jason has already shared our mission and gotten them on board. These introductions are priceless, addressing gaps we couldn’t fill on our own." Josh Ross, Co-founder of Humanitix

Idea to Try:
When your partners ask for connections, consider broadening the conversation. Ask: “Beyond funding, what type of expertise or support would be most helpful to you right now?” You might discover an introduction that’s equally, if not more, valuable than additional funding. Don’t underestimate the power of connecting them with peers in a trusted environment where they can share their issues and get feedback. Some of the most impactful input our Impact Partners have received has been from other leaders we have backed and brought together.

Lesson 3: Ask questions that prompt trust and transparency

We’ve found that the most meaningful conversations with our Impact Partners happen when we create a safe space for honesty. Achieving meaningful impact is hard, and roadblocks—both foreseen and unforeseen—are inevitable. By focusing on conversations instead of in-depth reporting, we foster transparency, helping partners feel comfortable sharing both their wins and their struggles.

This approach allows us to learn more about what it truly takes to achieve impact, while also giving our partners confidence in their work—even when things don’t go as planned. For example, we might ask: “What’s one challenge where you could use additional support?” or “Are there areas where you feel you’ve fallen short, and how can we help?”

"Greenbridge doesn’t ask for burdensome reports. Instead, they ask a few hard questions to make sure we’re on track and give us room to execute. That balance of curiosity and trust makes them a true partner." Ben Adida, Executive Director of VotingWorks

By focusing on open and reflective conversations, we’re able to better understand the complexities of the work and support our partners more effectively.

Idea to Try:
One tactical request we make is for our Impact Partners to record a 10-15 minute video with a general update that can be reviewed before having a conversation. We like to hear about highlights and lowlights since we last connected, and then cover the areas they are most excited about and most worried about. By getting the general update out of the way, we can immediately use our time together to have more of a strategic conversation digging into areas of opportunity and challenges. Before your next check-in, ask for a recorded update in advance and give them some questions that will illicit transparency and trust. For example: “What’s something that hasn’t gone as planned, and what have you learned from it?” or “How can we better support you in overcoming challenges?”

Lesson 4: Trust and believe in the experts you’re funding

We’ve learned that trust is at the heart of impactful partnerships. While we may have insights and resources to offer, the real magic happens when we empower leaders to make decisions and execute their vision. By giving our partners the space to lead and respecting their expertise, we foster collaboration rather than control.

At Greenbridge, we invest considerable time identifying and supporting the best and brightest leaders—those who are uniquely positioned to create change in their fields. Our role is to find them, support them, and then get out of their way so they can focus on the hard work of driving meaningful impact.

"Ann [Green]’s keen insights and willingness to share resources have been instrumental as we navigate challenges. But more importantly, her belief in our mission reminds us of the importance of balance and joy in our work." Sara Hawkinson, Executive Director of The Avalon Academy

Idea to Try:
Acknowledge the expertise of nonprofit leaders and focus on amplifying their efforts rather than dictating them. Ask yourself: “How can we clear the path for their success without getting in the way?” or “How might we help motivate and empower our Impact Partners leadership teams to be bolder and more ambitious?”

A shared journey

These lessons have shaped how we approach our relationships with our Impact Partners. Their voices remind us that philanthropy is about more than writing checks—it’s about showing up with intention, building trust, and creating moments that truly matter.

We hope these insights inspire others to think about how they can support organizations in ways that extend beyond financial support. The greatest moments of impact come when we all show up in the right way, at the right time.

Greenbridge Foundation team