Your Essential Resource for Foundation Success
The Foundation Guidebook is a practical guide for leaders of foundations with few or no staff. Whether you’re launching a new foundation or taking on a key role in an existing one, this updated edition provides essential insights and step-by-step guidance for effective foundation management.
What’s Inside: Key Areas of Focus
Defining Purpose
Clarify your foundation’s mission and focus.
Effective Leadership
Build a strong and engaged board.
Financial Basics
Set up sound financial practices.
Streamlined Operations
Simplify day-to-day management.
Legal Essentials
Understand key compliance requirements.
The Foundation Guidebook: Designed for Flexibility
This guide is designed for flexibility. Jump to the chapters that meet your immediate needs, and revisit sections as your foundation evolves. You’ll also find links to additional resources and templates to support each topic, making it easy to apply best practices directly to your work.
Supporting Your Foundation’s Journey
Wherever you are in your foundation’s journey, the guidebook is here to support your work toward something significant and rewarding.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank the C.S. Mott Foundation for supporting the 2024 updates to this publication, and to our professional partners, Glenmede and Arnold & Porter, for their invaluable assistance in reviewing these updates.