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Catalytic Leadership Virtues: A Case Study of Bold Philanthropy
Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a mindset that transforms lean funders from grantmakers into changemakers. Rooted in humility, passion, curiosity, and patience, CLIP encourages funders to build deep relationships, understand the systems in which they work, and use every asset at their disposal—not just dollars—to spark lasting change. This case study shows how Colleen... Read More
Should Your Foundation Exist Forever? A Guide to Spend-Down Strategies and Closure
In today’s rapidly changing world, where urgent needs, economic uncertainty, and a historic transfer of wealth are reshaping philanthropy, foundations are reexamining a core question: Should they exist in perpetuity or spend down their assets within a set timeframe? This debate isn’t new, but it feels especially relevant as funders weigh their desire for a... Read More
Want To Move From Grantmaker to Changemaker? Consider the Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy Framework
In today’s complex philanthropic landscape, traditional grantmaking often falls short of addressing deep-rooted societal challenges. Many funders devote most of their time to making grants rather than tackling the systems and structures that sustain these problems. What Is Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy? Catalytic Leadership in Philanthropy (CLIP) is a values-driven approach that reimagines how lean... Read More
Is This Self-Dealing? 3 Quick Questions to Ask
No topic in private foundation rules generates more questions than self-dealing. These rules are designed to ensure that foundation assets are used for charitable purposes, not private benefit, by prohibiting certain transactions between the foundation and its insiders (called disqualified persons). The rules are strict: Even minor transactions, or ones that seem to benefit the... Read More
Don’t Know Where to Start with AI? Try Using Your Values
For those of us in philanthropy, AI can feel like both a buzzword and a black hole. But as more tools emerge, it’s worth considering how we might approach them thoughtfully. Like so many others, we at the Farash Foundation have been cautiously exploring artificial intelligence. Our curiosity isn’t just about generating goofy images or... Read More
Engaging the Next Generation: A Starting Point for Foundations
Engaging the next generation in philanthropy can be both exciting and challenging. Whether you’re thinking of children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or younger staff and board members, many foundations struggle to find meaningful ways to bring them into the fold. “The most important thing is to treat young people as equals at the board table,” says... Read More