How can lean funders assess their board?
Download our Sample Board Profile Grid to assess your current board’s talents, identify any gaps, and evaluate board candidates. Read More
Q&A Archive
What are the elements of an executive director succession plan when there are no internal candidates?
See our Sample Document Emergency Succession Plan. This is a plan for contingencies due to the disability, death or departure of the Executive Director. Read More
How do you start leadership succession planning?
Good succession plans come out of thinking, planning, and conversations to clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Here are some sample conversation-starters: Are we structured with the future in mind? Do we attend to future needs for leadership, growth, and opportunity? Do we have term limits for staff or board? What are the benefits and costs... Read More
What advice do you have on adding staff?
New staff members can offer your foundation an opportunity to deepen its capacity, broaden its perspective, and increase its impact. In this Hiring Great Staff primer, you’ll find an overview of the issues a foundation should weigh at each step of the hiring process. These steps include: Recruiting Interviewing Setting compensation Hiring New employee orientation... Read More
Why should you consider making CDFIs a part of your portfolio?
These days, impact investing or mission-aligned investing are hot topics, but to many it’s not always clear how to get started. We suggest taking a look at mission-aligned investment opportunities in your own backyard: investing in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and supporting a local social enterprise. CDFIs are private financial institutions with a 100%... Read More
What are some best practices resources that have made a major difference in the success of member organizations?
Members named the following as great resources for foundations to have an impact with grantmaking: Twenty Ways to Make a Difference: Stories from Small Foundations Beyond dollars, small foundations hold unique assets that benefit your mission, program focus, or community. These include: Deep knowledge of community needs Ability to focus over time Ability to act... Read More