Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a mindset that helps lean funders move from grantmakers to changemakers. Grounded in humility, passion, curiosity, and patience, CLIP encourages funders to build deeper relationships, understand the systems they operate in, and leverage all their assets, not just grant dollars, to spark lasting change. In this final case study,... Read More
Peer learning is one of the best ways funders share ideas, improve their practice, and build strong professional connections. The Peer Circles Planning Guide is a practical toolkit that helps foundations and philanthropic professionals plan and host engaging Peer Circles—interactive discussions that support shared learning and collaboration. The guide walks you through each step of... Read More
Take Oprah’s visit to a slum in Mumbai. One can assume that Oprah had positive intentions in her visit, yet, when the piece aired, a palpable tone of judgment and comparison to her reality offended many. When she asked a family about its small home—“I don’t mean to be offensive, but does it feel crowded?... Read More
Philanthropy is changing for a host of reasons, but perhaps most of all because funders are demanding more from it. The expectation that funders will be able to achieve impact, and see that impact, changes everything. No longer are donors satisfied with the mere act of writing checks. They want to see results. Add to... Read More
Is your foundation board stuck or complacent? Have you been wanting board members to consider a new strategy or project, only to find they just aren’t willing to listen? Perhaps you need a new approach—a fresh one—to create the space where board members feel willing to consider change. I found a helpful idea in a... Read More
In many cases, combinations are much more powerful than individual circumstances. Think hot dogs and mustard, Abbott and Costello, peanut butter and jelly. Investing is not much different. When the power of two schools of investment management—passive and active—are combined in the Core-Satellite approach to portfolio management, the end result tends to be better. Many... Read More