Board recruitment is one of the most critical and often overlooked responsibilities of foundation leadership. Many lean funders struggle to find new board members who bring the right mix of skills, perspectives, and long-term commitment. In this blog, we share survey data on the current state of board pipelines and highlight the creative strategies funders... Read More
Classifying Staff for Tax Purposes When your foundation compensates someone for work, you must determine whether they are an employee or an independent contractor. The IRS provides guidance on this in Publication 15-A. One key factor is control: If your foundation controls how and when the work is done, the person is likely an employee.... Read More
From inflation and market volatility to shifting laws and public policies, lean funders are facing a complex and fast-changing environment. The 2025 Annual Conference offers sessions that address these realities head-on with practical strategies for sustaining payout rates, managing risk, and responding to legal and social change while staying grounded in your mission. Highlighted sessions... Read More
Equity is woven throughout the 2025 Annual Conference. You’ll find sessions on shifting power to communities, funding organizations led by and serving people of color, supporting rural equity, and making grantmaking more inclusive and accessible. Highlighted sessions include: Communities of Color Index: Measuring Impact and Advancing Equity Putting People First: Transparent, Equitable, and Relational Grantmaking... Read More
Strong governance is essential for impactful philanthropy, especially for lean foundations where board members often wear many hats. Several sessions at the 2025 Annual Conference offer tools and strategies to strengthen board leadership, clarify roles, and increase engagement. Whether you’re new to board service or looking to shift from oversight to strategy, there’s something for... Read More
When disaster strikes, board members often want to act quickly to support affected communities. A disaster response policy helps your foundation respond effectively—while staying aligned with its mission and capacity. The most useful policies are flexible and can be adapted to each unique situation. Key Elements to Consider in Your Policy Mission Alignment Will your... Read More