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
Excellent nonprofits are not found. They’re made. As a donor, you can 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 opportunities to build... Read More
Experts and experience have shown that the most effective grantmaking in response to a disaster follow the “Four Cs”: 1. Connect with a good source of information about the disaster Local organizations are already at the scene, know best what is needed, and understand the complex political, social, and cultural context. You might call on:... Read More
At Common Counsel Foundation, we support, advise and manage donor advised funds and family foundations. It’s clear that an individual funder (and a small-staffed one no less!) won’t solve the world’s intractable problems alone. In fact, it will take a whole network of funders at the same table if we want to make progress. As... Read More
How do you move from a board table vision to a broad-based collaboration? After more than 20 years funding individual programs in its mission areas, The David and Lura Lovell Foundation began to focus on broad-based community, regional and national initiatives to change systems, address root causes, and build capacity in organizations focused on these... Read More
Power is taboo. We’re uncomfortable that some wield greater strength and influence, and use it to hold sway over others. In spite of our laws and regulations, our checks and balances, our moral and social norms nurturing restraint and respect, people use power to bend rules; exclude and disenfranchise; distort facts and disseminate misinformation; manufacture... Read More