Anil Patel

Over the past decade I have written, reviewed and/or reported on over 2,500 grant proposals. Being involved on both the grant-seeking and grant-making ledger has provided me with a unique perspective on how to re-imagine the flow of philanthropic information so people can solve problems.

It is the equivalent of someone who talks about the capital requirements of infrastructure updates: bridge repairs or water/wastewater main upgrades; unsexy but vital parts of communities, movements and countries. My colleagues have also reviewed and tested 150 different software applications; most of which did not exist 3 to 5 years ago. Technology that has the promise – but not always – to bring problem solving and collaboration to nonprofits involved in complex work.