Conflict of Interest Policy (Sample)
Posted on August 7, 2015
A sample formal conflict of interest policy for a nonprofit or family foundation… Read More
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Statement of Director Expectations
Posted on August 7, 2015
As members of the Board of Directors of The ____________ Foundation, we recognize and confirm our fiduciary obligations to the Foundation. We have ultimate authority and responsibility for the Foundation’s strategies, policies, procedures and operations. As part of this responsibility, we have established expectations for the members of the Board. In keeping with our fiduciary duty, we commit ourselves to… Read More
The Rockefeller Brothers Fund: Executive Committee Charter policy
Posted on August 7, 2015
Bylaws, Article VIII, Section (a) states:There shall be an executive committee of the Board consisting of the chair and up to seven but no less than six other trustees elected by the vote of a majority of the entire Board at the annual meeting each year. The chair of the executive committee shall be the chair of the Board. A… Read More
How Can I Help My Fellow Board Members Understand the Ethical Implications of Our Board Make-Up and Selection Process?
Posted on July 23, 2015 by Michael Rion
This month we are pleased to feature answers to two of the many questions asked during our December 2014 webinar with Andrew Schulz of Arabella Advisors covering the topic of "What are the rules for donors, family members, and staff of family foundations in terms of accepting tickets to events?"… Read More
Igniting the Spark: Andrus Family Fund
Posted on July 23, 2015 by Surdna Foundation, Youth Philanthropy Connect
The Andrus Family Fund is an innovative, inclusive, and flexible program that offers opportunities for family members of all ages and interests to get involved in the family’s philanthropies and in public service… Read More
Admitting Failure: Learning from Mistakes in Philanthropy
Posted on June 25, 2015 by Bob Giloth
I was recently invited to speak about mistakes and learning in philanthropy at the Grants Managers Network's annual conference. My presentation argued that admitting failures contributes to high-quality implementation, innovation of new strategies and improved governance and transparency. Despite increasing philanthropic interest in mistakes and learning, many foundation staff still find it difficult to have conversations about mistakes… Read More
Sample Whistleblower Policy
Posted on June 19, 2015 by Anonymous
This is a sample whistleblower policy for nonprofit organizations and foundations… Read More
Avoiding Avoidance: Addressing and Managing Conflict in Family Philanthropy
Posted on June 9, 2015 by Elaine Gast Fawcett
Conflict is normal in any family or organization. In this issue of Passages, you’ll learn about the most common conflicts in family philanthropy, the creative “tactics” some boards use to perpetuate the avoidance, and how you can use simple tools to address conflict in a healthy, productive way… Read More
Why is it Important to Have an Internal Mission That is Separate and Distinct from an External Mission?
Posted on May 27, 2015 by Julie Fisher Cummings, Linda Tracy, Doug Bitonti Stewart
This month we are delighted to feature a question recently asked in our May webinar, Balancing internal vs. external missions in family philanthropy. This in-depth conversation on successful strategies for thoughtfully defining, measuring, and tracking both internal and external missions in family foundation features Julie Fisher Cummings and Doug Bitonti Stewart from the Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Foundation and Linda Tracy from the Tracy Family Foundation… Read More
I Am Family Philanthropy: William Graustein
Posted on May 27, 2015 by National Center for Family Philanthropy
Every day we see committed and generous families making positive impacts on the communities and issues they serve. We want to share their stories and are delighted to announce our new I Am Family Philanthropy video series. In this month's video, we are delighted to share the reflections of William Graustein of the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund. … Read More