There are many reasons why foundations set up a website. A website can be used to: Communicate your mission and guidelines to potential grantees quickly, widely, and cheaply. Outline your grantmaking process and time line. Make your grant application and reporting forms available to grantees to download or with an online grant application process. Highlight... Read More
You’ll be more successful in choosing an appropriate giving vehicle if you start with your vision for your philanthropy and let the structure follow. Begin by identifying your philanthropic goals, the activities you want to engage in, and your tax priorities. We strongly recommend that you work with a professional advisor to decide which giving... Read More
The following guidelines, adapted from the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers’ Giving Circles Knowledge Center, can be a useful checklist for decision making when creating and running a giving circle. It is unnecessary to follow these guidelines in order; for example, some newly launched giving circles already may have a focus or a host... Read More
Giving circles have often been called do-it-yourself philanthropy because of their flexible and customizable structures. They are part of a long tradition of collective giving, which, over time, has included mutual aid societies in many immigrant communities and voluntary groups, such as fraternities and sororities, the Rotary Club, and Lions Clubs. Giving circles also have... Read More
Although your grants speak volumes about your identity, your foundation may play other roles that do just as much good—maybe even more. Maybe it’s speaking out about education issues or offering expertise in neighborhood development. How do you find your foundation’s voice? What is your identity? Some large foundations hire consultants at five- and six-figure... Read More
Not yet convinced of the value of a foundation website? Consider this: People are looking for you online—Basic information about your foundation is available online at sites like GuideStar, but without a website of your own, you miss the opportunity to share more about your foundation—and to do it quickly, clearly, and at little expense.... Read More