By following a few simple steps to create an orientation that is both effective and engaging, you can give your new trustees the tools they need. Here’s how. See also the publication Bringing on the Board: Practical Steps for Orienting Foundation Board Members >> Set your goals If you define your goals before designing the... Read More
Exponent Philanthropy members tell us multiyear grants offer important benefits: Less grantee time and labor to apply and report on grants Less funder time and labor to review applications and reports Greater security for grantees that allows them to look ahead to longer-term goals and plan accordingly A powerful seal of approval that helps grantees... Read More
Right-sizing means tailoring what you require of grantseekers and grantees to apply for and report on grants so that the requirements are proportionate to the size of grant, appropriate to the type of grant, and reflective of any existing relationship with the grantee. In short, right-sizing considers the notion of net grants, that is, the... Read More
The Needmor Fund believes that foundations express their values through more than just where they give their money. How they behave as organizations and use their assets also reflects those values. The fund first became aware of conflict between its mission and its investments in the 1980s. Here’s their story. As stockholders, we are the... Read More
Tailoring to Your Needs and Budget Annual reports can take many forms depending on your foundation’s resources and goals: A short, typed document listing the year’s grants. An elaborately designed and printed publication. A simple one- or two-page letter, either created in-house or with the help of communications consultants. Importantly, annual reports don’t need to... Read More
Whistleblower or antifraud policy regulations now apply to foundations and nonprofits by virtue of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002. Although the act does not specifically require nonprofits (including private foundations) to develop a written internal policy or procedure, board members and employees must be sure to follow the new law. The new law states there... Read More