Lois Mitchell

Lois Mitchell

Philanthropic Consultant; Former President, Orfalea Foundation

Lois Mitchell has extensive experience directing philanthropic initiatives, navigating strategic plans, and building key partnerships with cross-sector leadership. She guides multi-generational family, community, corporate, private, and operating foundations to build governance, processes, organizational culture, legacy, branded programs and facilitated retreats, forums and board sessions. As President of the Orfalea Foundations from 2000-2015, Mitchell led a 20+ member team through innovative collaborations, audacious campaigns, public events, and an intentional sunset spend-down.

Contributions

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: Built for the Long Haul

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Barbara Kibbe, Lois Mitchell

Built for the Long Haul: Equipping Grantees to Succeed When Your Funding Stops Remote Learning: A Discussion Held Via Video Chat & Phone Navigating a spend-down foundation can be challenging. We heard from the peer network that 70% of you were working on the strategy of sustaining grantees & collaborations with investments in capacity. Gather together to discuss strategies to… Read More

Strategic Lifespan Peer Network: The Final Chapter

Posted on January 28, 2019 by Barbara Kibbe, Lois Mitchell

The Final Chapter: Planning for a Smooth Conclusion Remote Learning: A Discussion Held Via Video Chat & Phone Spending up or leaving a legacy? As your foundation plans for your strategic and limited lifespan, do you plan to support organizations with legacy grants or an endowment for specific causes your family or fund may have founded? How do you honor… Read More

Exiting Responsibly: Making Wise Choices As You Wrap Up

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Allison Ross, Dan Fontaine, Barbara Kibbe, Lois Mitchell

Exiting Responsibly: Making Wise Choices As You Wrap Up Whether your foundation is considering wrapping up a long-term initiative or completely spending down and sunsetting your foundation, this webinar will provide valuable ideas and approaches. Hear from field experience how to navigate this complex and challenging process to maximize the potential for impact while leaving grantees and fields strong… Read More

NCFP’s Strategic Lifespan Peer Network Series

Posted on October 18, 2018 by Lois Mitchell

NCFP’s benchmark Trends in Family Philanthropy study found that 20% of the youngest family foundations have decided to operate with a limited lifespan, and more than 60% of all foundations are considering or have decided upon this option. Have you made this decision? Are you thinking about the implications and strategies for limiting the lifespan of your foundation?  Join this… Read More

Disaster Philanthropy: the Role of Family Giving in Preparedness, Response and Recovery

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Barbara Andersen, Lois Mitchell, Lori Bertman, Regine A. Webster

Usually, disasters bring out the best in people. Donations to charities surge as television coverage increases. Government agencies work closely with non-profit organizations, private philanthropy, and corporations. Yet we know from experience that both coordination and effective spending of donor dollars is a particular challenge, not just while the disaster is underway, but also in the long-term, as rebuilding begins… Read More