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
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
A records retention policy is a simple written document—one or two pages—that summarizes your procedures for storing, organizing, purging, archiving, and protecting foundation documents and fulfilling public reporting requirements. A records retention policy typically includes the following information: What documents you store and how long you store them Where you store different types of documents:... Read More
To learn about impact investing as an option for philanthropists with few or no staff, Exponent Philanthropy spoke with Adam Seitchik and Bill Marvel of Arjuna Capital, Liz Michaels of Aperio Group, and Tim Coffin of Breckinridge Capital Advisors. What do they recommend for funders who are ready to consider impact investing? Exponent Philanthropy: Impact... Read More
Giving circles have often been called do-it-yourself philanthropy because of their flexible and customizable structures. They are part of a long tradition of collective giving, which, over time, has included mutual aid societies in many immigrant communities and voluntary groups, such as fraternities and sororities, the Rotary Club, and Lions Clubs. Giving circles also have... Read More
You can make a difference before and after disasters in a variety of ways: Grants for relief—These grants can meet critical needs in the aftermath of disasters. Victims may need rescue, food, shelter, or clothing just to survive. This phase requires intensive activity but usually ends quickly—within a few days. Grants for recovery—Such grants can... Read More