Beyond dollars, small foundations hold unique assets that benefit your mission, program focus, or community. These include: Deep knowledge of community needs Ability to focus over time Ability to act quickly Reputation as community institutions Creativity and insight of board members and staff This primer features 20 strategies that draw upon these assets to make... Read More
We designed this handbook specifically for trustees and directors of small-staffed foundations, and key staff who work closely with them. It provides information on and insights into foundation fundamentals: governance, grantmaking, legal compliance, and financial oversight. At the same time, it shares a wealth of tips and tools to orient you to the trustee role.... Read More
Private foundations are a great way to give. And many foundations use multiple giving vehicles to accomplish their charitable goals. One of these vehicles is donor advised funds (DAFs). This primer looks at how DAFs work and how your foundation can use DAFs to further its philanthropic goals. It covers: How DAFs differ from private... Read More
Ramping up giving offers your foundation a number of opportunities, including deeper stakeholder engagement, extended reach and influence, new funding strategies, and greater impact in your interest area. This primer is designed to help foundations like yours thoughtfully and responsibly plan for a significant ramp-up in giving and/or adjust to a sudden infusion of assets.... Read More
Managing a small foundation is rewarding, but it also has its risks. Whether you have few or no employees, all foundations face some basic insurance and financial risks. Foundations are essentially just like any corporate entity; they’re simply nonprofit businesses. So, you face the same risks as any leader of a corporation, such as errors... Read More
Self-assessment is an excellent choice for small foundation boards at any stage. Whether your board is focused on fundraising, revising your mission and strategies, or struggling with internal divisions, a good self-assessment offers practical, useful results that help your board stay on track. This primer is designed to empower your board to take a thoughtful... Read More