Twelve commandments for exiting foundations

Exit is inevitably less inspiring than entrance. When a foundation opens a new field office, launches a new programme or enters a new country, it’s always a challenge and an opportunity. Conversely, when it closes the office, terminates the programme and leaves the country, it’s a sad reminder that everything comes to an end. Of course, exit might also mean that the challenge was (hopefully) met and the mission accomplished. However, exit is often much more difficult to justify than entrance – there is always some unfinished business, some pressing need not responded to, a number of grantees left out in the cold.

Exit is almost like a personal retirement: inevitable, natural and usually well deserved, but seldom a cause for joy or enthusiasm.