Council on Foundations

Contributions

Values-Aligned Philanthropy: Foundations Resisting Hate and Extremism

Posted on October 4, 2021 by Council on Foundations

Values-Aligned Philanthropy is a Council on Foundations project, supported by the Gill Foundation, that digs into the issue of funding hate and extremism, documenting the problem and the response of the sector to date. This report was created to support foundations concerned about this issue. … Read More

Balancing Purpose, Payout, and Permanence

Posted on August 30, 2020 by Council on Foundations, National Center for Family Philanthropy, Tony Macklin

How much should we spend? This is an essential question for foundations, and one of the most complex, particularly in moments of change or turmoil. This Strategy Guide invites you to reflect more deeply on how your foundation chooses to balance four factors—purpose, conditions and trends, time horizons, and assets for mission—especially in times of greater crisis or opportunity. It… Read More

Voices from the Field

The Effects of Family Culture on Family Foundations

Posted on June 10, 2019 by Council on Foundations

Yet it is exactly this—a characteristic way of thinking, feeling, judging, and acting—that defines a culture. In direct and subtle ways, children are molded by the family culture into which they are born. Growing up, their assumptions about what is right and wrong, good and bad, reflect the beliefs, values and traditions of the family culture. Most take for granted their family’s ways, and they carry into adulthood numerous attitudes and behaviors acquired in childhood… Read More

Recommended Best Practices in Managing Foundation Endowments

Posted on November 29, 2017 by Council on Foundations

While foundations differ in sophistication, resources, staff, and amount of financial resources, there are both specific responsibilities incumbent on foundation boards and generally accepted principles for investment management. These best practices are universal to effective management of investment portfolios as applied to fit the specific circumstances of each foundation… Read More

10 Things Every New Foundation Board Member Should Know

Posted on November 8, 2013 by Council on Foundations, BoardSource

This publication is designed as a basic guidebook for the new foundation board member, providing an introduction to tools and knowledge essential in the first years of service on the board. While it is not a substitute for legal, financial or other professional advice, it will help inform you about the responsibilities that accompany board service. This tool was developed… Read More

10 Ways For Family Foundations to Promote Inclusiveness and Diversity

Posted on April 28, 2010 by Council on Foundations

This guide from the Council on Foundations is designed to help foundations consider how more diverse and inclusive practices might advance their mission by making their work more effective and more reflective of communities served… Read More