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Better Questions, Better Insights

In an age of unprecedented information abundance, how can funders surface the insights they need to do their work more effectively? In this White Paper, the Siegel Family Endowment (SFE) presents an introductory framework for inquiry-driven grantmaking: a question-centered approach to philanthropy that moves beyond linear solutions toward deeper systems change.

Crafted by over a decade of SFE’s own grantmaking practice, the paper offers background on the emerging “science of questions,” case studies on the efficacy of inquiry-driven philanthropy, a roadmap for how to use this approach across all areas of grantmaking, and specific implementation tips for different types of staff roles. The Science of Questions treats questions as more than a way to gather information—they’re tools for setting priorities, making sense of complexity and seeing problems in a new light. This approach is guided by four principles: inclusivity, ethical grounding, technical feasibility and iterative development. Together, these principles are supported by a six-step, participatory methodology.

The steps include:

  1. Topic mapping to identify critical domains
  2. The formation of interdisciplinary panels
  3. The generation of a wide set of questions
  4. Clustering and categorization of questions
  5. Prioritization through participatory ranking processes
  6. Broader public engagement to validate and refine the final question set

The next step is activating the science of questions in grantmaking practices. The paper identifies six areas where implementing a question-driven strategy can transform philanthropy:

  1. Questions can access breakthrough solutions
  2. Questions offer adaptability in the face of complex, rapidly-changing systems
  3. Questions can provide closer alignment with community priorities
  4. Questions can create knowledge sharing for the larger system
  5. Questions are built-in mechanism for continuous improvement
  6. Questions can play a role in balancing power dynamics

The paper is careful to frame this approach as an expansion of philanthropy’s toolkit—not a replacement for what already works. It also names five real risks of taking this approach: this strategy forces a need to redefine success, takes capacity and time, requires a willingness from the grantees you work with, and the results lack standardized metrics, and “weak” questions can cause adverse effects.

To help funders navigate this process, the Siegel Family Endowment shares a candid case study of how inquiry-driven philanthropy has developed across their grantmaking and learning. The paper also offers step-by-step prompts, entry points, and identifies opportunities for advocacy in the philanthropic field.

Use This Resource To:

  1. Understand the new “Science of Questions” and learn how to craft more effective, results-driven questions.
  2. Ideate and trail inquiry-driven philanthropy at your own organization with clear and specific prompts and instructions.
  3. Explore how this new strategy can unlock new partnerships with grantees, other funders and field experts to further knowledge sharing and improve key results.

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Source: Siegel Family Endowment

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