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
For more than a century, philanthropists have debated whether a foundation should exist in perpetuity. Attitudes on this issue likewise vary among Exponent Philanthropy members. The following aims to provide a balanced summary of both arguments. Continue in perpetuity Donor intent—Many foundations were created to exist in perpetuity; spending now would go against the donor’s... Read More
Bylaws are a must for any foundation. They specify the operations and rules of conduct for a foundation—how it will run and be managed. Every foundation that is formed as a corporation must have bylaws among its governing documents. Each state has its own specifications for content of the bylaws, and your foundation’s bylaws must... Read More
Through stories and examples, learn how Foundations have aligned their investment portfolios with their philanthropic missions. This webinar was created for foundations that are beginning to explore impact investing, or for Foundations looking for ways to advance their impact investing program. Read More
Foundations can no longer rely on fixed income investments to generate strong returns with low risk. As returns on fixed income have declined, many foundations have taken on more risk (via equity investments) to fill the earnings gap. What if there is a way for your foundation to generate investment income without changing your risk... Read More
The “coach approach” is a skillset and mindset that can transform the key relationships in your philanthropic work. Using deep listening and powerful questions, the “coach approach” helps you gain awareness, discover new ways of thinking, and focus on creating collaborative solutions. During this webinar, you will learn the basics of the approach and hear... Read More