Discovering effective nonprofits isn’t a matter of chance; it’s a journey of cultivation. As a donor, you can support and strengthen the nonprofits most aligned with your goals. Identifying the impact you want to make can help narrow the field of potential grantees to those that fit your values. This also opens opportunities to foster... Read More
Philanthropy relies on the amassed wealth of families and institutions that have benefited from systemic racism. As a result, the institution has a power imbalance in where funds go and what organizations and initiatives receive support. Developing a deeper understanding of institutional racism in the United States can help lean funders dismantle the harmful practices... Read More
Your board is responsible for ensuring adherence to legal standards and ethical norms. Trustees must ensure that the foundation follows its articles of incorporation, bylaws, and policies, complies with federal and state requirements, and holds to its purpose to serve the public good. The board also serves as the foundation’s moral compass, protecting it from... Read More
Understanding the type of funder you are—and matching with like-minded nonprofit leaders—is one of the most important building blocks to achieving your funding goals. As nonprofit development consultants, we create funder profiles to help our clients better understand the various types of philanthropists and how to best engage them. What Type of Philanthropist Are You? A... Read More
Experts and experience have shown that the most effective grantmaking in response to a disaster follow the “Four Cs”: 1. Connect with a good source of information about the disaster Local organizations are already at the scene, know best what is needed, and understand the complex political, social, and cultural context. You might call on:... Read More
At Common Counsel Foundation, we support, advise and manage donor advised funds and family foundations. It’s clear that an individual funder (and a small-staffed one no less!) won’t solve the world’s intractable problems alone. In fact, it will take a whole network of funders at the same table if we want to make progress. As... Read More