Last year, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced bipartisan legislation that aims to reform private foundations, and ensure that charitable dollars held in donor advised funds (DAFs) are distributed to working charities in a reasonable period of time. Earlier this month, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) introduced a... Read More
Collecting demographic data is a simple yet powerful tool for pursuing equity and inclusion in philanthropy. PEAK’s More Than Numbers: A Guide Towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Data Collection helps funders better understand who it is they serve. The guide includes: Considerations for deciding what data to collect; and how to approach data privacy... Read More
Program-related investments (PRIs) are loans or other investments made by a foundation to support its charitable purpose. PRIs count toward a foundation’s distribution requirement as long as they meet a few basic requirements. And the best part is that the funds are generally returned to the foundation to be used for other PRIs or grants. How... Read More
Creating a supportive work environment is sure to help your foundation achieve its goals. Use this checklist to review your foundation’s HR policies and be well on your way to managing staff legally and ethically. Read More
Including clear procedures for monitoring, evaluating, and changing your investment advisors in your investment policy statement (IPS) is essential to fulfilling fiduciary responsibilities. Investment advisors can include external consultants, an outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO), and/or investment managers, each playing a crucial role in supporting the foundation’s financial goals. Establishing Accountability and Best Practices To... Read More
Ways to let the public know you give grants Here are some ideas for foundations—new or well-established—looking to expand program areas or grantseeker pools: Distribute your mission and guidelines on your website or at local nonprofit events. Talk with other foundations that have similar program interests. They can sometimes refer grantees to you. Ask if... Read More