Publications
Strengthening the Safety Net: Bay Area Philanthropy’s Response and Early Lessons. Research report on the current scope and emerging best practices in safety net grantmaking in the San Francisco Bay Area, with an emphasis on grantmaking in response to the “Great Recession” that began in 2008, based on data gathered from 24 Bay Area foundations and corporate funders. Includes identification of innovative approaches as well as gaps and opportunities in safety net grantmaking. Written by Cassandra Benjamin and Sara Kimberlin for The Safety Net Funders Network (2010).
Putting the East Bay to Work: Sustainable Jobs for the Underemployed. Research report on sustainable jobs and recommendations for best practices in employment of three target populations in the East Bay: formerly incarcerated individuals, adults with limited English proficiency, and young adults who have aged out of foster care. Written by Cassandra Benjamin and Sara Kimberlin for the East Bay Community Foundation (2009).
The Shifting Gears Initiative: 2004 to 2007. Evaluation of a grantmaking initiative that Cassandra Benjamin designed and helped manage, showing significant long-term impacts among homeless services grantees including greater emphasis on rapid re-housing, shorter shelter stays, and avoidance of homelessness for many families. Published by LaFrance Associates for the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation and the National Alliance to End Homelessness (2009).
Ending Bay Area Homelessness: The Philanthropic Role. Written by Cassandra Benjamin with the National & Bay Area Foundation Advisory Groups to End Homelessness. Published by Neighborhood Funders Group & Bay Area Advisory Group (2004).
Homelessness: Key Findings and Grant Making Strategies. Written by Cassandra Benjamin with Putnam Investment Consultants. Published by the Charles and Helen Schwab Foundation (2002).
Broken Yardstick: Administrative Cost Rates as a Measure of Nonprofit Effectiveness. Written by Cassandra Benjamin. Published by CompassPoint Nonprofit Services (2000).