Grantmaking Strategy and Evaluation

Ten ways philanthropic families work with community foundations

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Audrey Jacobs, David O. Barrett, Elizabeth Sullivan, Lauren Amos, Mark Neithercut, Rob MacPherson

This special webinar as we count and describe the many ways that philanthropic families work with the more than 800 community foundations spread across North America. From partnering for impact to serving as a training ground for younger family members, community foundations and families have been partners since the very first community foundations were founded just over a century ago… Read More

Leading by Design: a Special Retreat for Family Foundation CEOs

Posted on June 7, 2015 by Virginia M. Esposito, Gayle Williams, Jan Jaffe

The role of a family foundation CEO is unique, often bridging generations of family members, community leaders, staff, advisors and partners. Expectations can be challenging to meet and boundaries are sometimes vague and ever-changing. Success in this role requires a cadre of specialized leadership skills. This retreat will help you identify the roles essential to your position—and envision them with… Read More

5 Common Philanthropy Mistakes You Cannot Afford to Make

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Kris Putnam-Walkerly

There are many rules of thumb and lists of best practices out there for grantmakers. Yet, so many grantmakers seem to get caught in ruts of practice and policy that hold them back from achieving the effectiveness and impact they want to deliver. Here are five of the most common mistakes that I’ve seen through my practice, and even seasoned… Read More

Jacobs Family Foundation: Be Fearless Case Study

Posted on May 5, 2015

An abandoned lot, an experimental initial public offering (IPO) and a culture that believes that failure leads to learning inspired the Jacobs Family Foundation to transform its business model from traditional grantmaker to place-based funder to maximize impact without sacrificing its core values and mission. A Be Fearless case study, sponsored by the Case Foundation… Read More

Be Fearless: The 5 Core Principles

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Case Foundation

Those charged with finding or funding solutions to social challenges — philanthropists, government, nonprofits — seem to be moving too slowly and often operating with the same set of tools, concepts and caution of the generations before us. To tackle today's big and ever-changing social challenges, we have to Be Fearless… Read More

Be Fearless: A framework for action

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Case Foundation

A step-by-step guide from the Case Foundation for leaders and organizations that want to be fearless and create transformative change. Inside, you'll find assessment tools, ideas and discussion prompts specially designed for social sector changemakers like you who want to make a greater impact… Read More

Funding Film to Educate, Engage and Achieve Social Change

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Ellen Friedman, Ellen Schneider, Lisa Jaguzny, Margery Goldman, Vince Stehle

A picture is worth a thousand words and increasingly a well-designed film can catalyze impact far beyond the investment required to produce it. From the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the privacy issues raised by Edward Snowden to Jewish-Palestinian relationships, learn how donor families are using films to advance change on the issues of today. … Read More

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

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