We’ve interviewed dozens of lean funders at various points during their equity journeys over the years. Through those conversations, emails, and a review of documents, policies, and practices, we were able to create a rough map of the lean funder’s equity journey. This journey has four phases: Thinking about equity Making policy changes Building trust... Read More
You’ve Decided to Start a Foundation—Now What? You’ve taken the first step in launching a foundation—now it’s time to bring your vision to life. Beyond the legal and financial considerations, defining your philanthropic focus is key to making a lasting impact. This page will guide you through the essentials to help you get started. How... Read More
Building a Strong Foundation Board: A Guide A well-run foundation starts with a strong board, no matter its legal structure. As a board member, you shape policies, set expectations, and ensure good governance. This guide covers essential topics, including: Onboarding new members Understanding key legal responsibilities Differentiating between board and advisory committees Navigating leadership transitions... Read More
Navigating Legal and Financial Compliance Good governance goes beyond best practices—it ensures your foundation meets essential legal and financial requirements. This section outlines key regulations every private foundation must follow, starting with foundation law, IRS requirements, and the 990-PF tax form. You’ll also find guidance on budgeting and critical legal considerations, such as self-dealing restrictions,... Read More
Grantmaking Strategy: Maximizing Your Foundation’s Impact Grantmaking is the culmination of your foundation’s efforts and defines its impact. A strong grantmaking strategy starts with clear goals and well-structured requirements for grantees, making grant management smoother and funding more effective. However, successful grantmaking goes beyond just distributing funds—it involves deeper engagement. Understanding nonprofit financials helps assess... Read More
Investments: Managing Foundation Assets for Greater Impact Imagine a foundation with $10 million in assets. To meet the 5% distribution requirement, it must allocate $500,000 annually. While foundations carefully manage their grant distributions, what happens to the remaining $9.5 million? This section explores how foundations manage investments, including oversight responsibilities and key fiduciary principles. Smart... Read More