Regular performance evaluations—at least once a year—can help staff improve their work. The board evaluates the foundation’s lead staff person (i.e., executive director, foundation administrator, CEO). In turn, the lead staff person evaluates other staff members and consultants (as applicable). In some cases, staff members evaluate themselves and then compare their assessments with their supervisor.... Read More
From masterful communicators to continual learners, phenomenal foundation executive directors share a number of characteristics and skills. Masterful communicators It’s taken me time to feel comfortable communicating from my heart. For many years, I thought of that as less than professional, but I’m learning that part of being an effective communicator is to deliver authentic... Read More
Foundations interested in getting rid of all (or some) of their file cabinets and much of the paper that fills them have many options. There are some simple ways to cut back on paper—and many benefits. It’s not all or nothing, of course. Some offices aim to go completely paperless by receiving and distributing information... Read More
Depending on your foundation’s needs and budget, annual reports can be a short, typed document listing the year’s grants or an elaborately designed and printed publication. Some foundations hire communications consultants to write their annual reports; others do it in-house, typed as a simple one- or two-page letter. Annual reports don’t have to be lavish... 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
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