• We see our grantees as partners and believe in cultivating and fostering collaborations and networks to catalyze innovation and change.
• We are particularly interested in supporting faith-based partners, but remain open to a variety of partners who share our vision, mission and values.
• With education at the core, we are interested in supporting holistic approaches to change and empowerment.
• We prefer approaches to social change that are or can become evidence-based, quantitative and qualitative indicators reflected in measurable changes.
• We believe that cultivating strong leadership is essential for building capacity that leads to long-term sustainability and systemic change.
• We believe that the work generated by our partners should be shared with the broader community to help inform, educate and catalyze change.
• We are committed to good stewardship of our foundation’s resources. We expect the same commitment from our partners.
• We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons.

While Better Way’s vision and mission serve as a lasting touchstone, the foundation’s Board of Directors and Executive Director recognized the need for additional scaffolding to guide the organization over the next decade. These guiding pillars provide that structure — and may, in time, be codified as organizational values.

• Duty to serve & honor—Rooted in Catholic social teachings and the Rauenhorst legacy, Better Way is committed to serving those who are most marginalized, with humility, purpose, and dignity.

• Act with care—At the heart of Better Way’s work are principles that promote responsible partnership– especially when power dynamics around resource distribution are present. The foundation strives to act with care, awareness, and accountability.

• Trust & commitment—These are the hallmarks of a strong relationship. Through rigorous due diligence and a long-term commitment, Better Way provides partners with the flexibility and support to navigate changing economic, social, cultural, and political conditions.

• Authentic allyship—Better Way centers communities that have been divested and underestimated. Recognizing that experiences often differ, the foundation leads with continual learning, curiosity, reflection, empathy, and understanding. Knowing the influence and impact of funder-partner power dynamics, the foundation aims to engage with temperance and prudence.

• Build toward better—Better Way takes a clear-eyed, principled approach, blending proven high-impact philanthropic practices with a readiness to innovate, especially when traditional methods no longer serve their purpose or are a hindrance.

• Creative optimism—Inspired by the spirit of Gerry and Henrietta Rauenhorst, Better Way embraces problem-solving with creativity and optimism–leveraging financial and non-financial capital to surround grantee partners with a strong “sphere of support.”

• Honor the story—Traditional impact evaluation often emphasizes quantitative outcomes. While these metrics are valuable, focusing solely on them can miss the broader journey partners undertake. Better Way embraces a balanced approach rooted in Appreciative Inquiry,1 using storytelling to understand the deeper context behind partners’ progress and impact.