Directly across from the standing desk I use is a bookcase. When peering over my monitor, I’m drawn to the top shelf where, kept at eye level, is a stack of books I have read. They sit there as reminders of concepts I want to have right in my face as I work in philanthropy.... Read More
One session at the Exponent Philanthropy National Conference this past fall prompted a question that I’ve continued to ponder. I attended the session “A Framework for Foundation Investing in a Low-Return Environment.” Full disclosure: As a relative newcomer to philanthropy, I often feel anxious in discussions about organizational budgets and investing. But it’s an important... Read More
Driving to my first improv class, I was so terrified that I almost threw up. buy neurontin online https://bereniceelectrolysis.com/jquery/js/neurontin.html no prescription pharmacy The idea of creating spontaneous theater with strangers, and being vulnerable in that way, made me extremely uncomfortable. At Exponent Philanthropy’s Master Juggler Executive Institute that I attended a few years ago, the... Read More
In a time when divisive politics often sends people to their partisan corners, funders have the opportunity to play a unique role as bridge-builders. By investing in efforts that bring together individuals and organizations from different sectors and viewpoints, you can contribute to reducing polarization while also laying the groundwork for more lasting societal change.... Read More
This post originally appeared on the Foundation Source blog. Many private foundations fund specific organizations multiple times over several grantmaking cycles. Doing so can help continue a particular charitable program or project, or simply provide a subsequent round of general operating support. As organizations seeking continued support (“returning grantees”) are viewed in a different light than first-time... Read More
There are big benefits when a family foundation invites one or more nonfamily members to its board. Nonfamily members can help the family make more objective grantmaking decisions. Similarly, family members tend to behave differently in the presence of nonfamily members. This can help shift family dynamics that may be getting in the way of... Read More