When it comes to filing Form 990-PF, preparation is key. Whether you’re handling the form yourself or hiring a professional, having the necessary documents organized and accessible is essential. This guide will help you categorize your expenses, organize your files, and provide general tips to ensure a smooth filing process. Categorizing Expenses To simplify the... Read More
Did you know that one in four American adults has a disability? Ryan Easterly, Executive Director of the WITH Foundation and co-chair of the Presidents’ Council on Disability Inclusion in Philanthropy, reminds us of the importance of this issue: “Whatever your mission is, you’re not doing it effectively if you’re not including a disability lens. Disability... Read More
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