Featured Blog Post:
Category
Building a Strong HR Framework: A Checklist for Private Foundations
Managing a private foundation with staff requires more than just focusing on its mission; it also demands careful attention to human resources. By addressing key HR questions, you can ensure your foundation is legally compliant, ethically sound, and a positive place to work. Below is a checklist to help guide your HR practices. Advisors and... Read More
Why We Give Grants Even When We Say No
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
How To Make Your First Seed Funding Grant
A seed funding grant is more than just financial support; it’s a powerful way to make an impact by getting involved early in a project’s journey. This small, initial investment allows nonprofits or entrepreneurs to test their ideas before pursuing larger grants from corporations, foundations, or government agencies. At the same time, seed grants give... Read More
Cybercrime is a Growing Threat Communities Need to Address— And Philanthropy Can Help
This Op-Ed originally appeared on the Ball Brothers Foundation website. The threats we face in the digital world are evolving at a frightening pace. From phishing schemes and ransomware attacks to identity theft and deepfake impersonations, the list of cyber threats keeps expanding. As technology advances—and the internet becomes ever more integrated into our daily... Read More
Grantmaking Basics: Creating Grant Guidelines
It’s not always easy for grantseekers to understand how foundations work or how to access them. Grant guidelines are a great way to communicate your interests and strategies to potential grantees, making it clear what you fund and how to apply. The clearer your guidelines, the more likely you are to receive grant applications that... Read More
Cybersecurity Insurance: A Lifeline for Foundations with Limited Resources
As a leanly staffed foundation, you may feel like you’re operating on a tightrope when it comes to cybersecurity. With limited resources and a constant need to focus on your core mission, the thought of investing in robust cyber defenses can seem daunting. However, the reality is that cyber threats pose a significant risk to... Read More