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Nonprofit Sector 101
Understanding the world of nonprofits, and where foundations and other forms of giving fit in. Nonprofit sector collectively describes the institutions and organizations in American society that are neither government nor business. A nonprofit is an organization that exists to benefit the public and isn’t in the business of making money. Any profits it earns aren’t... Read More
Time-Limited Philanthropy: Embracing Mortality Can Drive Urgency and Excellence
In Give Smart, Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman wrote that private foundation excellence is self-imposed. “Of all the characteristics that distinguish philanthropists, the single most consequential may be the fact that they are essentially accountable to no one but themselves,” they said. Governments must win the favor of voters. Companies must earn customer... Read More
The Benefits of Trustee Diversity
Valentine Foundation values the voices of diverse trustees. So much so, it actively seeks them to serve on the board, make grants and oversee all aspects of the foundation’s mission. Phoebe Valentine inherited her wealth when her father died. The source was Smith Kline Pharmaceuticals. At the time, she was a young woman raising her... Read More
Advocating For State-Level Systems Changes: Policy Work By a Small Foundation
Leanly staffed family foundations can punch well above their weight, working with other funders and grantees to change systems. Over the past seven years, the Thornburg Foundation has experienced this firsthand. Given the depth of the challenges facing the state of New Mexico, systemic change is particularly important to our board chair and founder, Garrett... Read More
Pivoting Through COVID-19: Portfolio Alignment for Foundations
In 2020, the pandemic upended our daily lives and the philanthropic landscape. But the Claire Friedlander Family Foundation‘s board saw this crisis as an opportunity to transform their giving, investment focus and protocol — proactively aligning the assets of the foundation with its mission. The pandemic and ensuing hardships gave the board the impetus to... Read More
How We Help Black Business Enterprises Access Capital To Grow and Thrive
Having a thriving economy throughout New Jersey is essential to our mission of helping working families achieve financial stability, healthy relationships and hope. Access to jobs that pay a steady, living wage is part of the system we want to help bring about. Nurturing businesses and entrepreneurs in equitable ways is something we embrace—and it’s... Read More