Essentially, a program related investment (PRI) is a loan or investment that counts toward a foundation’s 5% distribution requirement. Rather than funds permanently leaving the corpus of the foundation, the funds go out, do good, and come back to be used again. One relatively easy way to make PRIs is to invest in community development... Read More
Given the tremendous and rapid changes in resources and community needs during the Great Recession, foundations reevaluated their work and responded to this new and complex environment. For guidance, some foundations turned to other organizations and experts for recommendations. Others looked inward and used their own missions, values, and histories to respond. What does it... Read More
A start-up is, simply put, an organization that is relatively new. Typical characteristics of a start-up include a strong commitment to the organization’s mission and to delivering services, a vision driven by the organization’s founder, an informal management infrastructure, a small and homogenous board with many members often performing day-to-day tasks for the organization, and... Read More
Program related investments (PRIs) are loans or other investments made by a foundation to support its charitable purpose. PRIs count toward a foundation’s distribution requirement as long as they meet a few basic requirements, and the best part is that the funds generally are returned to the foundation to be used for other PRIs or... Read More
Here are ideas for foundations—new or well-established—looking to expand program areas or grantseeker pools: Distribute your mission and guidelines on your website or at local nonprofit events. Talk with other foundations that have similar program interests. They sometimes can refer grantees to you. Ask if your regional association of grantmakers publishes a directory of funders.... Read More
For most foundations, the daily mail brings the usual requests for money and reports on how our money has been spent—and also a steady stream of publications, reports, books, and even videos that are relevant to their program areas. We fund many organizations with limited financial resources and small staffs. Over the years, we’ve learned... Read More