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
In philanthropy, going public refers to intentionally engaging publicly with the communities, causes, and conversations that matter to you and your mission. Some philanthropists decide to operate in the public realm early on. Many others, though, go public at some point over time, often when they feel compelled to act. However it emerges, going public... Read More
What are we trying to achieve with our grants? You can answer this question in many ways, and one way to start is with how and what you fund. These components shape your philanthropic orientation, the unique way that your foundation approaches the funding process. The how of your giving hinges on how you choose... Read More
The manager, a Baby Boomer, wants to schedule a meeting where she can sit across the table from her employees and discuss the latest project. Her longtime staff member from the World War II generation is ready to go, looking to share stories about what used to work well for the company. Her Millennial employees,... Read More
Whatever your family’s goals for its giving, these tools and practices can help along the way. Working with consultants Beyond tax, legal, and investment matters, consultants can help your family in a variety of areas, including: Strategic planning, such as crafting a mission statement or planning for evaluation Board development, such as creating policies or... Read More
How can funders help their grantees to be as effective as possible? Even small amounts can go a long way toward alleviating the tremendous demands on executive directors. Exponent Philanthropy members offer these suggestions: Board recruitment, training, and development—Consider making a grant to allow the nonprofit to focus on board recruitment, training, and development. According... Read More