Self-dealing rules, which prevent foundations from entering into a broad range of dealings with foundation insiders, were developed to ensure foundation assets are only used for charitable purposes. However, these complex rules can be violated without foundation staff members even knowing it. This primer will: Help you know the rules, so you can avoid breaking... Read More
New staff members can offer your foundation an opportunity to deepen its capacity, broaden its perspective, and increase its impact. In this primer, you’ll find an overview of the issues a foundation should weigh at each step of the hiring process. These steps include: Recruiting Interviewing Setting compensation Hiring New employee orientation Whether you are... Read More
For foundations, making an impact requires good planning, intentional work toward a goal, and a drive to keep learning and improving. Evaluation is a critical tool along the way. This primer makes the case for evaluation as a powerful tool for your foundation. It will: Define impact and evaluation. Discuss the many reasons to incorporate... Read More
There’s no question: listening to your community is a key factor in good grantmaking. This survey offers your foundation a structured opportunity to learn from your grantees and applicants, identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement, and set up your board and staff for productive conversations that increase your foundation’s effectiveness. Here’s what you... Read More
All foundation leaders have one thing in common: the desire to make a difference. But achieving impact requires good planning, intentional work, and a drive to keep learning and improving. This primer will help you undertake a thoughtful planning process that answers two important questions: What do we want to accomplish with our limited resources,... Read More
Evaluation can be a daunting topic for foundations of all sizes. So why encourage small foundations with already limited time and money to take on evaluation? That’s easy: Evaluation is a key element for foundations that want to increase the impact of their giving. This primer introduces you to the evaluation process and outlines each... Read More