AN AUDIT OF GRANT MODIFICATION PROCESSES

The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (Helmsley Trust) is dedicated to improving people's lives and building healthier futures for individuals and communities worldwide. Helmsley Trust invests in innovative ideas and research in six key program areas in collaboration with a range of individuals and organizations. The client engaged a Capstone team to: 1) research the evolution of the philanthropic sector and current best practices, 2) analyze the grant modifications made to the client’s funded grants during the past two fiscal years, and 3) make recommendations to improve and streamline Helmsley Trust’s grant modification policy and process to ensure they align with industry best practices and meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders. The team conducted interviews with Helmsley Trust staff and leaders of peer foundations, surveyed grantees who participated in the modification process, analyzed internal data and processes, and conducted external research. The team incorporated its analysis and findings into a white paper and presented it to the Helmsley Trust.