Documenting and following donor intent is of concern not only to family foundations but to independent foundations, corporate foundations, community foundations, and operating foundations. Some donors have specific criteria they wish the foundation follow for its lifetime, whereas other donors want the foundation to be flexible in responding to future needs. As a result, understanding... Read More
By following a few simple steps to create an orientation that is both effective and engaging, you can give your new trustees the tools they need. Here’s how. See also the publication Bringing on the Board: Practical Steps for Orienting Foundation Board Members >> Set your goals If you define your goals before designing the... Read More
It is always a good policy to have a grant agreement with grant recipients—not for when the grant goes well but, rather, for when it does not. With a grant agreement in place, it is easier to monitor a grant for performance according to the application, to see if anticipated outcomes are achieved, and to... Read More
With just a bit of time and effort to review nonprofits’ financials, you will get to know organizations better and choose those best equipped to create the changes you seek. Terms to know Assets represent what the nonprofit owns—Current assets are the sum of all assets that could be converted to cash in less than... 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
There are many reasons why foundations set up a website. A website can be used to: Communicate your mission and guidelines to potential grantees quickly, widely, and cheaply. Outline your grantmaking process and time line. Make your grant application and reporting forms available to grantees to download or with an online grant application process. Highlight... Read More