It is possible to impact complex and challenging social issues, even with limited time, energy, and resources. The following factors are key to achieving significant impact: Impact takes passion—Many barriers impede impact, but you can overcome them if your heart is engaged. People who care deeply about a cause will press on when challenges seem... Read More
Whatever the terminology, a smart investment is one that matches the right kind of capital to the problem you are seeking to solve. If the desired result is solely programmatic, a grant will do. To capitalize a social or environmental initiative while preserving assets for future uses, consider a program related investment. To further mission... Read More
Three investment options for foundations are: Investment consultants, who help trustees establish and implement a decision-making structure for investment management Outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) firms, which act as the investment office on a daily basis for the foundation and typically has discretion over hiring/terminating managers and rebalancing the portfolio Investment managers, who buy and... Read More
To document an investment process that helps your foundation sustain its organizational purpose and achieve its giving goals, a comprehensive investment policy statement (IPS) is vital. The benefits of a well-crafted IPS You should strive for an IPS that does more than simply allow you to “check the box.” A valuable IPS will go beyond... Read More
If you take time to answer the following questions, you’ll be well on your way to managing staff legally and ethically, and to creating a supportive work environment that is sure to help your foundation achieve its goals. Advisors and resources Who on the board is responsible for monitoring human resources (HR) at your foundation,... Read More
In its report On the Money, Grantmakers for Effective Organizations describes several financial challenges faced by nonprofits: Restrictions on funding—Despite the importance of infrastructure to nonprofits’ success, grantmakers overwhelmingly prefer to support the direct delivery of programs and services. The result is an underinvestment in the infrastructure nonprofits need to sustain and grow, such as... Read More