For the vast majority of folks who seek philanthropic dollars – be they nonprofit staffers, board members, or your average Jane with a great idea for making the world better – the world of funders is a seemingly impenetrable mystery.  Even for those who have worked in or closely with foundations, the ways of funders are often hard to understand.

While myriad books, websites, panels, seminars, certifications, undergraduate and even graduate programs have emerged to guide grantseekers through an increasingly competitive environment, few and far between are opportunities to hear directly from grantmakers themselves.

That’s why PhilanthroMedia will be launching a new video web series in January 2009 that will feature interviews with program officers from leading foundations. Stay tuned, as we will soon be announcing an exclusive sponsor and an exciting new format for the series.

This interview with Ben Cameron, program officer for the arts at Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, was one of our first attempts to go “inside the giving side” with web video. Ben has clearly thought a great deal about innovation in the arts and his insights set a high bar for organizations wanting to tap funds from foundations like Doris Duke.