Board Members as Responsible Stewards This article originally appeared in Glenmede’s “Perspectives.” Good governance is at the core of an effective board, no matter the size or complexity of the grantmaking foundation. Sound governance practices help board members be responsible stewards of the assets they oversee and establish a strategic decision-making and administrative framework. Best... Read More
When funders give general operating support, they help sustain a nonprofit’s mission rather than specific projects. Nonprofits can use these funds to improve their organization in any way they choose, such as adjusting salaries, investing in technology, or improving fundraising efforts. Foundations with few or no staff are especially good at offering this support because... Read More
You are not alone if you feel stuck administering grants for your small-staffed foundation using sticky notes, whiteboards, or spreadsheets. For many lean foundations, the high costs of implementing and maintaining a purpose-built grant management system (GMS) can be prohibitive. However, by leveraging the nonprofit license donation programs from industry-leading technology providers, you can create... Read More
I am writing this on the train back from spending an exhilarating few days with nearly 50 Exponent Philanthropy members, partners, and supporters across Greater Boston. Our second Regional Gathering of 2024 was an incredible experience full of connecting, learning, and sharing. It also reminded me that being together in person—even as many of us... Read More
When foundations require detailed and specialized grant applications and reporting, it creates a lot of extra work for nonprofits. If a nonprofit secures funding from 20 to 30 foundations, it must manage applications to 40, 50, or 60 different foundations, each with unique requirements. Additionally, it must prepare grant reports for 20 to 30 foundations,... Read More
As a lean foundation with limited staff, the thought of dealing with cybersecurity threats can be daunting. However, the reality is that cyber-attacks pose a significant risk to organizations of all sizes, and lean foundations are no exception. In fact, your lean operations and limited resources may make your foundation an even more appealing target... Read More