The Valentine Foundation actively recruits diverse trustees to serve on its board, make grants, and oversee all aspects of the foundation’s mission. When Phoebe Valentine’s father died in 1974, she inherited a fortune. In 1985 part of her inheritance was reborn as the Valentine Foundation, an organization whose mission is the empowerment of women and... Read More
In the 10-plus years I’ve been a consultant to foundations—and the 20-plus years I’ve been a family foundation trustee—I’ve noticed a phenomenon I’ve come to call the “trustee pendulum.” Trustees often start out very engaged in grantmaking, reviewing all grants (often to organizations they know well) and managing the grantmaking process, which is typically quite... Read More
In philanthropy, like in life, we have relatively little ability to control disruptions, internal or external, and the big changes they often portend. Although we may anticipate an influx of assets upon the sale of a business, or predict the arrival of the next generation, most of us can’t really manage the exact timing and... Read More
Our highly rated quarterly publication for members provides a wealth of information and inspiration in one easy read. In this issue: How to Motivate a Board? Start With One-on-One Questions Can Shorter Board Terms Actually Increase Engagement? Get Out and Kick the Tires, Together Disrupt Bullying Board Members Ramp Up for High-Impact Philanthropy Make Space... Read More
Is your foundation board stuck or complacent? Have you been wanting board members to consider a new strategy or project, only to find they just aren’t willing to listen? Perhaps you need a new approach—a fresh one—to create the space where board members feel willing to consider change. I found a helpful idea in a... Read More
Private foundation trustees and staff oversee countless activities, from setting direction and selecting grantees to reviewing policies and investing assets. Several foundation tasks—some mandatory, some voluntary—call for additional care. All are worth your careful consideration to help you be financially savvy and legally compliant, and to help you take full advantage of your foundation’s flexibility.... Read More