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Grantmaking Strategy and Evaluation
6 signs your funding initiative is in trouble
Posted on March 2, 2015 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly
I have helped dozens of foundations explore, develop and launch new grantmaking programs and initiatives. In my experience there are six red flags indicating trouble ahead. Investments made now will be easier and less costly than trying to resurrect a failing initiative later… Read More
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
Should I Give Anonymously or Publicly?
Posted on December 8, 2014 by The Bridgespan Group
Whether or not you “go public” with your philanthropy is a matter of strategy and personal style. Ask yourself, given the change you want to see in the world, what’s the right approach? This short issue brief from the GiveSmart website provides a list of considerations for determining how publicly you want to give… Read More
Executive director’s annual performance review
Posted on December 8, 2014
Planning & Organizing: Demonstrates an understanding of the Foundation’s mission and priorities; establishes effective courses of action to implement the goals and objectives set forth in the strategic plan. Judgement & Decisiveness: Makes well-timed and sound decisions; meets deadlines; solves problems promptly; sets appropriate priorities for tasks. Initiative: Sets high goals/standards of performance for self and others; originates action rather… Read More
Global Giving: Making a World of Difference
Posted on October 29, 2014 by Paula Johnson
This monograph describes through donors' stories the possibilities of global giving. For anyone who is interested in addressing issues beyond our borders, it offers a look at the new infrastructure that has emerged to promote and respond to donors' global interests and provides comprehensive information on the institutions that can help them get involved… Read More
Mission Related Investments Policy (Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation)
Posted on October 16, 2014 by Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation
The field of mission investing is changing rapidly, and the Foundation is in the process of learning and implementing criteria for investments that are consistent with our purpose and values. Our Investment Committee considers options for market-rate Mission-Related Investments (MRIs) when it reviews asset allocation and conducts new manager searches. MRIs are expected to achieve competitive financial returns and meet… Read More
Does Mission- Related Investing Need to Become Mainstream Before it is Considered Acceptable?
Posted on October 9, 2014 by John Hawkins, Tomer Inbar
Do legal constructs based on the prudent caution of an ordinary person in a similar position imply that mission- related investing must become mainstream before becoming acceptable, a chicken-and-egg, Catch- 22? [Author: Tomer Inbar and John Hawkins] Tomer Inbar: You should think about your portfolio as a whole, how this class of assets fits in, and make sure that, overall,… Read More
What is the Biggest Danger or Red Light to Think About with Regard to Mission Investing?
Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Audette, Tomer Inbar, Tony Wells
What, if anything, is the biggest danger or red light to think about with regard to mission investing? And how do we avoid them? Tony Wells: Before going into the red lights of mission investing, it is worth mentioning that in nine years of mission investing at the Wells Foundation there has been a 100% return on our non-profit loans… Read More
How Does the Divesting Strategy Work Within Mission Investing, and How Do We Evaluate Its Success?
Posted on October 9, 2014 by Melanie Audette
DivestInvest is a national movement that has signatories looking at divestment of fossil fuels from their portfolio. There are 64 foundations signed on at the DivestInvest.org website and there are resources about divestment strategies there, as well. At the same time, it’s just as important, if not more so, to look at opportunities to invest in alternative strategies for energy… Read More