Similar to any business, your foundation should have a succession plan that establishes key roles and identifies future leaders. A comprehensive plan can help steer your organization through moments of transition—whether expected or unexpected—to ensure continuity. Maintaining Stability During Times of Transition At some point, every foundation and its board will face a leadership transition... Read More
A strong board is the cornerstone of a thriving foundation. But finding the right members isn’t easy. From identifying key skills to managing generational shifts, foundations face challenges in building a sustainable board pipeline. Some foundations have developed successful strategies. Others are struggling to find enough qualified candidates. Here’s what funders are doing to strengthen... Read More
This post first appeared on The Philanthropic Initiative’s (TPI) blog. Family foundations often begin with a singular vision—a passion passed down through generations, or an individual’s desire to make a lasting difference that extends beyond their life. As these foundations grow, however, their governance needs can become more complex. Governance refers to the systems, structures, and... Read More
At Exponent Philanthropy, we believe lean foundations can drive significant change through thoughtful strategies and meaningful community engagement. Malcolm MacLeod, board chair of the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, recently shared how his foundation has embraced these practices to achieve transformative outcomes. He discusses this in depth on a recent episode of The Catalytic Podcast: Supercharging Impact:... Read More
Investments: Managing Foundation Assets for Greater Impact Imagine a foundation with $10 million in assets. To meet the 5% distribution requirement, it must allocate $500,000 annually. While foundations carefully manage their grant distributions, what happens to the remaining $9.5 million? This section explores how foundations manage investments, including oversight responsibilities and key fiduciary principles. Smart... Read More
Building a Strong Foundation Board: A Guide A well-run foundation starts with a strong board, no matter its legal structure. As a board member, you shape policies, set expectations, and ensure good governance. This guide covers essential topics, including: Onboarding new members Understanding key legal responsibilities Differentiating between board and advisory committees Navigating leadership transitions... Read More