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
Exponent Philanthropy members tell us multiyear grants offer important benefits: Less grantee time and labor to apply and report on grants Less funder time and labor to review applications and reports Greater security for grantees that allows them to look ahead to longer-term goals and plan accordingly A powerful seal of approval that helps grantees... Read More
Through funds received from individual contributors, foundations, and other sponsors, the Washington Square Community Health Foundation made a $180,000 loan at a below-market rate of interest to be repaid in full by the Lake County Council Against Sexual Assault (LaCASA). Howard Nochumson, the foundation’s executive director, also worked closely with LaCASA’s executive director and board,... Read More