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Why We Accept Proposals Written for Other Funders
A few years ago, the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation had a chance to rethink what we did and how we did it. The foundation painfully let go of important issues and organizations, believing we could do more for New York City by focusing our giving. Our board of directors decided to invest in city leaders,... Read More
Preventing Wire Fraud at Foundations and Family Offices
Wire fraud is a daily danger. Cyber-security filters may stop 90%+ of attempts, but some still get through. You should be especially alert around bank holidays. For international clients, attempts are especially focused when US/European/Asian holidays are not in sync. Scammers want to prevent you from verbally verifying the authenticity of a wire request, since... Read More
Lessons From Launching an Impact Investing Portfolio: One Family Foundation’s Journey
In 2012, we established the Richard W. Goldman Family Foundation in honor of our late father. The foundation promotes equality and reduces barriers to opportunity for our nation’s most marginalized families. It does this by increasing access to education, health and financial resources during early childhood. We were enthusiastic when we started exploring impact investing... Read More
More Lean Funders Should Consider General Operating Support
General operating support (also known as gen op, unrestricted or core support) refers to a type of grant that helps support a nonprofit’s mission, rather than specific projects or programs. Grantees may use funds to strengthen the organization, or further its charitable purpose as they see fit. This can include salaries and overhead, expanding a... Read More
7 Types of Successful Philanthropists
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(s) of philanthropist... Read More
Payout Requirements: Year-End Tips for Meeting Your Minimum
It’s December and your foundation wants to fulfill its payout requirement within the calendar year. What can you do? Tips for meeting your minimum: Ask your local community foundation, association of grantmakers, or giving circles for information about community needs and nonprofits they support. Consult with members of the faith community. Ask your government social... Read More