The Lerner Foundation had only been making grants for five years when the winds shifted—the board of directors decided it was time for a profound change in our priorities. Our founding purpose is simple and straightforward: “to further opportunity for the people of Maine.” Manny and Polly Lerner’s broad and hopeful intention gave us the... Read More
This guide is for professional advisors whose clients want to formalize their charitable giving through a giving vehicle such as a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) or a private foundation. Experienced professional advisors know that helping clients find the best giving vehicle available for them creates a win-win situation. The clients will be happier with a vehicle that is a... Read More
For many years, small-staffed foundations have been at the heart of the impact investing movement, joining with—and, at times, leading—larger philanthropies. Today’s community foundations are investing for impact in two ways: through program related investments (PRIs) made with the expectation that the amount invested will be repaid to the foundation, and by investing a portion... Read More
Consider a community foundation with assets of $12 million. A foundation of that size might make a little over $600,000 in grants in a year and raise $750,000. The foundation works carefully to oversee the funds going out and coming in, but what about the remaining $11.4 million in its endowment? $11.4 million. If the... Read More
Download a charter for a nominating committee to seek and nominate qualified candidates for election or appointment to a foundation’s board of directors. Read More
Download a worksheet to help you set guidelines for your committees. Read More