Foundations interested in getting rid of all (or some) of their file cabinets and much of the paper that fills them have many options. There are some simple ways to cut back on paper—and many benefits. It’s not all or nothing, of course. Some offices aim to go completely paperless by receiving and distributing information... 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
How do foundation trustees become a vibrant, unified team with members who are moving in the same direction? How do they become a team that respects one another’s values while passionately sharing a clear and common vision? Developing a mission statement can help trustees focus. It’s a challenge to know one’s own values and to... Read More
Depending on your foundation’s needs and budget, annual reports can be a short, typed document listing the year’s grants or an elaborately designed and printed publication. Some foundations hire communications consultants to write their annual reports; others do it in-house, typed as a simple one- or two-page letter. Annual reports don’t have to be lavish... Read More
Board committees and advisory committees are common structures that boards establish to better manage the foundation. Board committees comprise board members and can make certain decisions on behalf of the full board. Advisory committees often include non-board members, although at least one board member should be involved too. Advisory committees exist to provide recommendations; they... Read More