When funders give general operating support, they help sustain a nonprofit’s mission rather than specific projects. Nonprofits can use these funds to improve their organization in any way they choose, such as adjusting salaries, investing in technology, or improving fundraising efforts. Foundations with few or no staff are especially good at offering this support because... Read More
There is no one path to having a career in leanly staffed foundations, as they operate in almost every locale in the nation. Still, there are qualities, skills and experiences that prepare people to effectively manage small foundation operations, engage boards, and leverage resources for impact. Patterns in Hiring First, let’s look at some career... Read More
With so many urgent issues in the world, deciding where to give can feel overwhelming. It’s natural to want to support multiple causes, but spreading your resources too thin can weaken your impact. Instead, consider the power of focused giving. By concentrating on a specific issue, community, or strategy, you can develop deeper expertise, build... Read More
When lean funders combine their grantmaking, influence, and passion, they have more impact than either could individually. The Leighty Foundation (Juneau, AK) and the Lodestar Foundation (Phoenix, AZ) both believe that strategic volunteer engagement can advance the missions of funders and their grant partners. Volunteers are often the first to respond to pressing community needs.... Read More
How can foundation leaders best advance their focus areas? By developing extensive knowledge and insight. Leanly-staffed foundations hold a wealth of diverse connections with people in their communities, and they can leverage these relationships to gain knowledge and expertise. Insight helps these leaders identify gaps and solutions and address key issues in the smartest ways.... Read More
Laird Norton Family Foundation is in its 84th year and is a family-involved organization. Today the family is in its 8th generation and numbers more than 500 members across the globe, but by many other measures, we’re a small foundation, with approximately $40M in assets and grantmaking of about $2M per year. We do our... Read More