Three Exponent Philanthropy members shared how their foundations were forging ahead during the Great Recession of 2008: Henry Berman, president and trustee, The Edith Glick Shoolman Children’s Foundation, New York and Massachusetts; Billie Hall, president and CEO, Sunflower Foundation, Kansas; and Mari Brennan Barrera, vice president, Eos Foundation, Massachusetts. Where do you find energy and... Read More
Documenting and sharing your story can guide those who lead the foundation now and in the future, articulate your goals to potential grantees and the public at large, and inspire all those who are touched by the foundation’s good work. How are Exponent Philanthropy members telling their stories? Keep it simple For Jane Leighty Justis,... Read More
By relying simply on stated fees, such as management fee or advisory fee, foundation trustees may be underestimating the full impact of the aggregate investment expenses because as there may be other components of investment costs that are not explicitly stated as fees. In the 1990s, when portfolio performance was beating the S&P 500, it... Read More
A forum for investors to shape the progression of national and global issues, socially responsible investing (SRI) traces as far back as the 1700s, when the Quaker Philadelphia Yearly Meeting prohibited members from buying or selling into the slave trade. John Wesley, a founder of Methodism, preached against engaging industries that harmed one’s neighbor. The... Read More
Whether a foundation is formed as a corporation or a trust, it must comply with its governing documents, which are legally binding. If your foundation is a corporation, its governing documents are its articles of incorporation—referred to by some states as articles of organization or certificate of incorporation—filed with the state’s secretary of state (or... Read More
The following checklist, designed for established foundations (not start-ups), offers recommended and legally required action items. We encourage you to make it your own. Governance Board meetings—Give notice, take care of business, hold elections, and set a meeting calendar (once per year at a minimum or more often, as appropriate). Meeting minutes—Take minutes and approve... Read More