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What Makes an Effective Nonprofit? 5 Common Characteristics
Excellent nonprofits are often made, not found. As a donor, you have the power to build and strengthen the nonprofits most aligned with your goals. Identifying the impact you want to make will help you narrow the field of potential grantees to those that fit your values, goals and interests. Clarifying your goals also opens... Read More
9 Easy Cyber Security Actions Lean Funders Should Take
Last spring, major cyberattacks seemed to take place weekly. Everything from gas production to meat packing was vulnerable. As executive director of the Middendorf Foundation, each incident raised my blood pressure. I knew I needed to protect my organization, but I didn’t feel like I had the right tools to do so. As a small... Read More
How One Family Foundation Honors Its Living Founder
The Darr Family Foundation is somewhat unique to the field of family philanthropy. The founder, William (Bill) H. Darr, is still living, but not a board member. Similarly, the executive director is non-family. Honoring a living founder Bill Darr grew up on a small farm in Ellington, Missouri. He pioneered a food dehydration technique for... Read More
When Advocacy Looks More Like Partnership: Inside the Work of a Successful Funders Coalition
When we strip away the messaging and maneuvering in politics, it’s clear that governments and foundations across the country often seek common goals. Among these are: Strengthening education and vocational training Increasing access to childcare and healthcare Creating jobs and new businesses Safeguarding the environment Unfortunately, government and foundations tend to operate in silos. They... Read More
How Lean Funders Can Support Refugees and Displaced People
Several years ago, I was honored to give the opening plenary, From Biases to Strengths, for Exponent Philanthropy’s 2018 National Conference. I stood before you and said, “When we raise our collective voices and make courageous use of resources—that is when we stop the hate. That is when we advance our communities. And that is,... Read More
Targeting Racial Disparities in Child Welfare
The Sauer Family Foundation invests in strengthening the well-being of children so they thrive in their families and communities in Minnesota. After the events at George Floyd Square unfolded not far from our office and home, we decided there is no better time to bring a larger influx of our resources to bear for children... Read More