Is your board covering all the bases of good governance this year? A comprehensive checklist of annual board tasks ensures your foundation remains up-to-date and on track. By including legal obligations and governance best practices, this checklist serves as a valuable guide for established foundations (not start-ups). While some tasks are legally required, others are... Read More
Did you know that one in four American adults has a disability? Ryan Easterly, Executive Director of the WITH Foundation and co-chair of the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, reminds us of the importance of this issue: “Whatever your mission is, you’re not doing it effectively if you’re not including a disability lens. Disability... Read More
Managing a private foundation with staff requires more than just focusing on its mission; it also demands careful attention to human resources. By addressing key HR questions, you can ensure your foundation is legally compliant, ethically sound, and a positive place to work. Below is a checklist to help guide your HR practices. Advisors and... Read More
It’s not always easy for grantseekers to understand how foundations operate, or how to access them. Grant guidelines are a valuable tool to communicate your interests and strategies, clarify what you fund, and explain how to apply. The clearer your guidelines, the more likely you’ll receive proposals that align with your goals. Clear guidelines also... Read More
As a leanly staffed foundation, you may feel like you’re operating on a tightrope when it comes to cybersecurity. With limited resources and a constant need to focus on your core mission, the thought of investing in robust cyber defenses can seem daunting. However, the reality is that cyber threats pose a significant risk to... Read More
When funders provide general operating support, they invest in a nonprofit’s mission—not just a specific project. This flexible funding allows nonprofits to decide how best to use resources, whether that means adjusting salaries, investing in technology, strengthening fundraising efforts, or covering operating costs. At its core, general operating support helps organizations stay strong, responsive, and... Read More