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Responsive Grantmaking: Strategies for Disaster Relief and Recovery
When disasters strike, people often turn to large institutions for help. However, lean funders can also play a crucial role. With strong community ties and the flexibility to move quickly, they can help meet urgent needs that larger systems might miss or take longer to address. Some foundations respond right away with emergency support. Others... Read More
Helping Your Board Understand Advocacy
Advocacy is a long game, and it can be messy at times. However, when paired with grantmaking, it becomes a powerful force for advancing systemic change, deepening relationships with grantee partners, and expanding your foundation’s knowledge and understanding of the issues you care about. Helping your board embrace a broader understanding of advocacy can shift the... Read More
Animal Welfare Is Community Care: Why Lean Funders Should Pay Attention
Animal and environmental causes receive just 3% of all nonprofit giving, yet the ripple effects of companion animal welfare extend far beyond pets. From housing instability and public health to community safety and economic resilience, animal welfare is deeply intertwined with human well-being, especially in systemically excluded communities. At the Animal Assistance Foundation (AAF), Colorado’s... Read More
Stronger Boards, Stronger Impact: The Case for Independent Directors
This post first appeared on The Philanthropic Initiative’s (TPI) blog. Family foundations often begin with a singular vision—a passion passed down through generations, or an individual’s desire to make a lasting difference that extends beyond their life. As these foundations grow, however, their governance needs can become more complex. Governance refers to the systems, structures, and... Read More
How to Simplify Grant Applications and Reports for Nonprofits
In a time of economic uncertainty, staffing shortages, and growing community needs, funders can offer critical support, not just through dollars, but by streamlining practices. Simplifying grant applications and reporting is one of the most effective ways to reduce the burden on nonprofits and free up their time for mission-driven work. Especially now, every hour spent... Read More
Philanthropy in Flux: Key Resources to Help Funders Navigate Disruption
New legislative developments in Washington are adding fresh challenges for funders and foundations. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” recently passed the House and now heads to the Senate, where further debate is expected. Thanks to strong sector advocacy, harmful provisions, such as revoking nonprofit status and taxing nonprofit branding, were removed before the final... Read More