For funders already working in a region or interest area, a landscape scan allows them to step back and gain perspective on how their philanthropic endeavors fit into the greater fabric of charitable efforts. A scan allows funders to answer the questions of: what’s working, what’s not, who else is working in this area, what have we learned, and going forward how can we make the greatest impact towards solving this issue or supporting this region?
This landscape analysis of Haiti and the role of philanthropy in its development was commissioned by an anonymous family foundation. The foundation board and its staff wanted to be very thoughtful in its deliberations about expanding its current grantmaking to a new geography, and what the challenges and opportunities are with working as a funder in Haiti. Many thanks to the anonymous family foundation for generously contributing this research to the field and supporting increased knowledge of Haiti.