You can make a difference before and after disasters in a variety of ways: Grants for relief—These grants can meet critical needs in the aftermath of disasters. Victims may need rescue, food, shelter, or clothing just to survive. This phase requires intensive activity but usually ends quickly—within a few days. Grants for recovery—Such grants can... Read More
A program related investment (PRI) is a loan, loan guarantee, or other type of investment made by a foundation to support a charitable purpose, and is a powerful and flexible tool to add to your foundation’s toolkit. A PRI can be counted toward a foundation’s distribution requirement as long as it meets the following federal... Read More
An investment policy statement (IPS) should be the starting point and bedrock of an institution’s investment strategy. It constitutes a road map of how the institution plans to achieve and support its stated mission through its investment strategy. Including applicable IPS components Here is a list of common IPS components. Include only those items that... Read More
Consultants allow your foundation to gain expertise on a part-time basis without the cost and office space for full-time staff. Moreover, the board doesn’t need to supervise the consultant as they would a staff person. Consultants are skilled professionals who can help you move your program forward. Depending on the task at hand, they can... Read More
A conflict of interest can occur any time a board member or staff’s outside involvements (e.g., business interests, family relationships, political affiliations, other charitable activities) intersect with those of the foundation. The benefit, or potential benefit by board or staff, can lead to biased decisions and unethical behavior, or the appearance of such. In instances... Read More
In the aftermath of major disasters, individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies—often from all over the world—give vast sums in response to compelling situations. What impact can small grants make when regions are devastated by disaster? “While we live in an age of large organizations and institutions, there are still many circumstances where small is... Read More