Any private foundation can make scholarship grants directly to individuals if it receives advance approval from the Internal Revenue Service; the foundation can file. the Schedule H form to request this approval. If the recipient is chosen by an independent entity (e.g., college or community foundation), advance approval is not needed. George and Mary Josephine... Read More
When it works, collaboration in any form is a powerful tool for enhancing organizational capacity. It can keep lone organizations strong and sustainable over time. In a sector in which services often are duplicated, collaboration can streamline efforts and produce better results. In his report Real Collaboration: A Guide for Grantmakers, David La Piana lists... Read More
When initiated from the ground up—from the nonprofits themselves—collaborations can serve communities effectively and efficiently. Strong collaborations maximize nonprofits’ impact by providing administrative stability; decreasing duplication, competition, and overlap of services; and bringing more diverse approaches to complex social and environmental problems. Funders are uniquely positioned to cultivate and support nonprofit collaborations, and to do... Read More
A leadership succession plan is a written document—approved by the board and easily available to board members—that identifies the process by which leadership will be assumed when key organizational leaders depart, whether the departure is planned or unplanned, permanent or temporary. A succession plan is an essential and critical source of guidance, and an expression... Read More
Investing your foundation assets effectively can increase investment returns and thereby provide additional assets to help fulfill your charitable goals. Over the longer term, good investment decisions lead to the potential for more grants and greater impact. Poor investment decisions typically lead to fewer grants and lessen a foundation’s impact. In addition, state law requires... Read More
Don’t spend your days dreaming of more engaged members. Here are some ideas to get your trustees’ attention and breathe some life into your board: Communicate with your trustees–Ask them (either individually or as a group) what they want out of board service. Are they satisfied with the way things are? What would they like... Read More