We encourage funders to right-size their grant applications to reflect grant size, grant type, and any existing relationships with applicants. The article Right-Sizing Your Requirements includes sample grant applications provided by Exponent Philanthropy members. When designing your grant application, you may also find these articles helpful: Creating Grant Guidelines Communicating With Grantseekers The Advantages of Online... Read More
The self-dealing rules are very complicated and can be quite frustrating for private foundation managers, as self-dealing can arise in many seemingly innocuous situations. Because of the complexity of these rules, foundation managers should consult counsel any time they are contemplating a transaction with a disqualified person. Read on for some of the most common... Read More
By following a few simple steps to create an orientation that is both effective and engaging, you can give your new trustees the tools they need. Start with the article Orienting New Trustees, which includes sample board orientation handbooks and handouts. For even more detail, download the publication Bringing on the Board: Practical Steps for... Read More
There are many advantages to your role as a family staff person. Family members are more likely to be aware of family values, history, and the foundation’s goals—and to have a long-term commitment to the foundation. This may enable you to be more confident in expressing the foundation’s identity to potential grantees and the public.... Read More
Our publication Policymaking Made Clear: Eleven Foundation Policies Your Board Should Consider walks you through 11 common policies to empower your board as it works to fulfill the foundation’s mission. The policies include: Attending fundraisers Board membership and meetings Conflict of interest Discretionary grants Investment strategy and policy Personnel Records retention Spending Travel and expense reimbursement... Read More
For incorporated foundations, different states have different legal requirements for: Notice—States regulate how much notice needs to be given of meetings, and in what format. Typically this information is included in the bylaws. Be sure your foundation gives sufficient notice to ensure that decisions made by the board at that meeting cannot be challenged. Quorum—A... Read More