The following checklist, designed for established foundations (not start-ups), offers recommended and legally required action items. We encourage you to make it your own. Governance Board meetings—Give notice, take care of business, hold elections, and set a meeting calendar (once per year at a minimum or more often, as appropriate). Meeting minutes—Take minutes and approve... Read More
The National Center on Family Philanthropy (NCFP) finds that most donors don’t begin to think about succession in the earliest days of the foundation. Even donors with adult children at the time of start-up tend to delay thinking about the children’s involvement until a much later time. In both cases, the delay can be a... Read More
A well-run board retreat energizes people and propels your foundation forward. Unfortunately, many board members approach retreats with about as much enthusiasm as a trip to the dentist. This dread often is justified: Lack of preparation, hidden agendas, or unproductive communication can make a retreat seem like a big step backward for the foundation. The... Read More
To identify the technology that fits your foundation best, you’ll want to survey your board’s needs and the ever-changing technology resources available. You’ll also want to arm yourself with a good sense of your board’s tech-related strengths and shortcomings, working styles, and budget. Talking with other foundations about what works for them also may help.... Read More
The world of philanthropy is transforming with the shift from the act of giving to a more deliberate approach of social change through investment. With that change comes the need to strategically assess program impact through indicators and outcomes. Funders and their grantees need consistent collaboration to measure progress throughout the life of a grant.... Read More
Funders are often described—and describe themselves—as being able to take risks that neither the private sector nor the government can or will take. However, no industry standard currently exists for defining, assessing, and managing risk in philanthropy. Few grantmakers assess risk during the application process and even fewer have processes in place to manage risks... Read More