What’s your foundation’s brand? Many foundations don’t recognize the value of investing in their brand. Yet, organizations that prioritize and integrate strategic communications into their core operations have a distinct advantage meeting their goals and executing their missions. What Is a Foundation Brand? Your foundation brand isn’t your logo. Your brand is the complex mix of... Read More
A family private foundation creates a structure for charitable giving and a lasting legacy for the family, but it also comes with administrative burdens. Stephanie Yan, GHJ Managing Director and Private Foundation Practice Leader, talks to Pegine Grayson, Senior Vice President/Client Advisor, Director of Philanthropic Services at Whittier Trust, about the mundane but essential tasks... Read More
When funders give general operating support, also known as gen op grants, they help sustain a nonprofit’s mission, rather than specific programs or projects. Grantees can use these funds to strengthen the organization, or further its charitable purpose as they see fit. This might mean salaries and overhead, investing in technology, furthering fundraising efforts, or... Read More
What’s on the agenda for your board this year? Are you covering the bases of good governance? Maintaining a checklist of annual to-dos can be an easy way to keep your foundation up to date and on-track. A checklist for your board can serve as a reminder of your legal obligations and governance best practices.... Read More
To paraphrase the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, it’s easy to give away money. However, it’s much more difficult to know how and where to give it. Anyone who has managed a grantmaking program understands. Granting money is not difficult. Doing it effectively is another story. That’s why many leanly staffed foundations often enlist philanthropic advisers—organizations... Read More
To right-size your requirements mean tailoring what you require from grantseekers and grantees when they apply for and report on your grants. As an illustration, what you require is proportionate to the size of grant, appropriate for the type of grant, and reflective of any existing relationship with the grantee. In short, right-sizing considers the... Read More