Facilitation can and should be a key component of any grantmaker’s toolbox. According to Exponent Philanthropy members, a well-facilitated meeting: Sticks to an agenda Progresses smoothly Gets results Draws folks out Engages participants well Dissipates tense situations Increases participants’ buy-in Creates a space in which participants feel valued and important The ability to confidently and... Read More
Three years ago, Ann Murray and I were having lunch and discussing our favorite subjects: family, friends, and community. Ann and I are married to first cousins who are lawyers and partners in a family law firm in collaboration with brothers, cousins, sons, and a daughter—nine Murrays total. Collectively, we have 30 children and 17... Read More
For more than a century, philanthropists have debated whether a foundation should exist in perpetuity. Attitudes on this issue likewise vary among Exponent Philanthropy members. The following aims to provide a balanced summary of both arguments. Continue in perpetuity Donor intent—Many foundations were created to exist in perpetuity; spending now would go against the donor’s... Read More
Foundation trustees have many responsibilities, but fulfilling their legal duties probably tops the list. As such, it’s important that you know the rules and where trustees trip up most. Beyond the law, there are many things foundations can do, such as having a clear mission statement and healthy decision-making process, to help trustees stay out... Read More
A leadership succession plan expresses an organization’s commitment to continuity and stability. It is a written plan identifying the values and process by which leadership will be sought and assumed when a planned or unplanned departure by key board members or staff occurs. Who is prepared to assume responsibility in the absence of those responsible?... Read More
The most effective boards engage in a continual process of self-assessment, that is, an evaluation of their performance. The assessment focuses on how you function as a board, not how you operate as a foundation. For some, this may be familiar thinking; for others, a board assessment provides a framework to think about how the... Read More