The legal and practical aspects of international grantmaking may seem burdensome. Yet, small foundations can and do make grants to foreign organizations in legal and trusted ways. Let’s correct seven misconceptions and provide examples of how Exponent Philanthropy members fund effectively around the world. Myth 1: Because our bylaws limit our giving to U.S.-based 501(c)(3)... Read More
Whether joining together to voice your support for a cause or to make grants as a pooled fund, funding partnerships have many benefits: They allow you to work on a larger scale—either in dollars, visibility, or other resources—to risk-share, and to leverage your dollars. Funding partnerships also make for deepened relationships with other funders, which,... Read More
Nongrant work has several major impacts: Providing consulting to a small nonprofit on how to develop its management structure, for example, or enhancing its fundraising or technology systems can add tremendous value to grants that build capacity. Embarking on a more intentional process of learning, scanning, or research accelerates and deepens a funder’s understanding of... Read More
When it works, collaboration in any form is a powerful tool for enhancing organizational capacity. It can keep lone organizations strong and sustainable over time. In a sector in which services often are duplicated, collaboration can streamline efforts and produce better results. In his report Real Collaboration: A Guide for Grantmakers, David La Piana lists... Read More
General operating support is valuable for many reasons. It: Allows grantee organizations to focus on fulfilling their missions and building infrastructure, rather than on tackling peripheral projects and additional fundraising Serves as a vote of confidence for nonprofit leaders, helping to decrease burnout Lessens the inherent power imbalance between grantor and grantee, and shifts the... Read More
Can I hire my daughter to staff our family’s foundation? First, determine whether your foundation’s governing documents permit the payment of compensation to a child. As a board member, you should read these documents (i.e., articles of incorporation, bylaws, trust agreement, declaration of trust) first. Also, it is possible that the state law governing your... Read More