Getting clear on your foundation’s lifespan is one of the most fundamental decisions your board will make. It affects virtually everything else you do. Think for a moment of the difference in, say, a 25-year lifespan or one of perpetuity when it comes to setting grantmaking priorities, managing investments, engaging the next generation, or running... 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
Foundations can no longer rely on fixed income investments to generate strong returns with low risk. As returns on fixed income have declined, many foundations have taken on more risk (via equity investments) to fill the earnings gap. What if there is a way for your foundation to generate investment income without changing your risk... Read More
You probably know the feeling. You’ve attended a dynamic conference, read a groundbreaking book, or had an inspiring conversation with a colleague. You know that if you could just get your boss or your board to act on this newfound knowledge, you could make some real changes that result in measurable improvement—either within your own... Read More
Site visits are one of the best ways to make grant decisions because in essence, site visits are a living, breathing grant proposal. These visits give you the chance to connect directly with the organization’s board and staff, discover things that can’t be learned from a written proposal, and clarify information that is important to... Read More
Managing and running a foundation is fantastic work. However, in addition to the joy of grantmaking comes the critically important task of complying with a myriad of tax and other laws governing grantmaking, investment strategies, and public disclosures, to name just a few. This primer summarizes important laws that are relevant to running a foundation.... Read More