Download the Fourth Edition Today! The Lean Funder’s Equity Journey Racial equity is crucial to effective philanthropy, and lean foundations—those with few or no staff—are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact. Our 2024 publication, “Racial Equity in Lean Foundations: The Lean Funder’s Equity Journey,” delves into how these foundations are incorporating racial equity into... Read More
Advocacy involves promoting a broad idea or cause to lawmakers, media, and the public. For example, saying “Poverty is bad” is a form of advocacy. It includes activities like public education, media campaigns, regulatory efforts, legal actions, lobbying, and voter registration. While many think advocacy and lobbying are the same, they are not. Lobbying is... 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
A seed funding grant is a powerful tool for change. By trusting and financially supporting your partner’s new projects, you can make a meaningful impact. This small initial investment can strengthen your current partnership or help you start a new one. Tips for Successful Seed Funding Seed grants are more than just money; they let... Read More
This Op-Ed originally appeared on the Ball Brothers Foundation website. The threats we face in the digital world are evolving at a frightening pace. From phishing schemes and ransomware attacks to identity theft and deepfake impersonations, the list of cyber threats keeps expanding. As technology advances—and the internet becomes ever more integrated into our daily... Read More
It’s not always easy for grantseekers to understand how foundations work or how to access them. Grant guidelines are a great way to communicate your interests and strategies to potential grantees, making it clear what you fund and how to apply. The clearer your guidelines, the more likely you are to receive grant applications that... Read More