Transformation, Transparency, and Ongoing Learning: Focusing Your Foundation’s Approach and Strategy

Posted on February 12, 2015 by Mirellise Vazquez, Ronelle P. Swagerty

This webinar will take an in-depth look at the experiences and lessons learned of the Tauck Family Foundation as it engaged in a re-think of its programs and strategies, resulting in a newly adaptive approach, strong relationships with its core investees, a laser-like focus on “what works,” and a commitment to ongoing learning and continuous improvement… Read More

Great Grants: R.E. Olds Foundation

Posted on May 24, 2014 by Council of Michigan Foundations

Diana Tarpoff, president of the R.E. Olds Foundation, talks about her favorite "great grant" - support for Annie's Big Nature Lesson at the Woldumar Nature Center in Lansing. Thanks to the Council of Michigan Foundations for sharing this video from their "Great Grants" member profile series… Read More

Giving That Gets Results: SSIR x Bridgespan series on adaptive philanthropy

Posted on April 8, 2014 by Alison Powell, Susan Wolf Ditkoff

Adaptive philanthropy is one of the more interesting developments in the field of philanthropy. Over the course of eight weeks in the late fall of 2013, SSIR and Bridgespan presented Giving That Gets Results (www.ssireview.org/effective_ philanthropy), a series of blogs, videos, and webinars that explored adaptive philanthropy, and other important approaches to philanthropy. … Read More

Great Grants: Porter Family Foundation

Posted on November 25, 2013

Tom Porter, president of the Porter Family Foundation, shares his “great grant” story, a grant to the Michigan League of Conservation Voter’s www.greatmichigan.org website. Thanks to the Council of Michigan Foundations for sharing this video from their “Great Grants” member profile series.  … Read More

The Power of Urgency – The Eckerd Family Foundation

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Jason Born

Organized from its inception as a limited life foundation, the Eckerd Family Foundation took a bold and strategic approach to using its assets to create significant change on issues affecting young people, including juvenile justice, foster care, and education… Read More

Family Foundations May Advocate

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Alliance for Justice

Family foundations may participate in many forms of advocacy activities and may fund advocacy. Although family foundations do incur a prohibitive tax on any lobbying expenditure, lobbying is only one type of advocacy and there are many permissible advocacy avenues for private family foundations. This short paper from Alliance for Justice provides a quick and helpful overview of the rules… Read More

Great Grants: Cook Family Foundation

Posted on June 25, 2012

Tom Cook of the Cook Family Foundation shares his great grant story that sparked the foundation’s strong commitment to early childhood programs. Thanks to the Council of Michigan Foundations for sharing this video from their “Great Grants” member profile series.  … Read More