I had an interesting experience in late December. After years of sitting on this side of the fence I crossed over, just for a day, to be a member of UnLtd India’s investee selection panel. UnLtd India (http://www.unltdindia.org) were offering seed financing and incubation support to help develop leaders and launch new social ventures in Bombay and we, as a panel of four, were to decide if they were in need, worthy and indeed, ready, for the support being offered.

Being a grant-maker for a day meant asking all the right questions and asking them in such a way that encouraged the best from the applicants. I found myself asking those questions that I had always tried to cover when writing proposals and also discovering how damn difficult it is not to choose to see the best in every worthy cause and potentially brilliant leader.

It was interesting and, I wouldn’t say no to having a peak over the fence again. But, I did learn that contrary to my long held belief that we, as fundraisers, have a difficult job and its the grant-makers who have the easy task of dolling out cash and support, that things are definitely not that cut and dry. Which ever side you stand on, things are certainly not a breeze!