Staffing and board-staff relationships

Expand Your Comfort Zone: Taking Risks in Family Philanthropy

Posted on November 17, 2016 by Diane Miller, Rehana Nathoo, The Case Foundation, Tony Macklin

Philanthropy is often described as society’s “risk capital.” Private generosity can support causes and ideas that business and government agencies cannot or will not. However, the idea of risk in philanthropy quickly muddies as we direct our generosity through a family foundation, donor-advised fund, or other collective effort. Our ideas about – and tolerance for – risk diverge, shaped by… Read More

The family foundation life cycle and the role of consultants

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Mary Phillips, Susan Schwartz, Suzanna Stribling

Family foundations come with a unique set of dynamics, like their dedication to preserving a legacy and to sharing decision-making among family members. These dynamics are often a significant influence on a foundation's governance and operations, and they can also extend to how family foundations' experiences with consultants differ from those of other foundations or nonprofits… Read More

Collaborating Across Power Differences

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Miki Kashtan

Power dynamics can really get in the way when you are trying to build a healthy, strong organization. If family foundations and their grantee partners don’t see eye to eye, or if junior members of the family pose challenges to their board leaders or elders, the back-and-forth struggle isn’t just uncomfortable; it can undermine the organizational stability and compromise impact… Read More

The Courage to Lead in Family Philanthropy: a Special Pre-Forum Retreat for Board Members and CEOs

Posted on October 13, 2015 by Cindy Johnson, Thomas Beech

This special retreat is an opportunity for participants to explore fundamental questions of leadership, impact, sustainability and self-care. It is based on the work of Parker Palmer, noted author and co-founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal, offering time for small group dialogue and reflection in a safe, trustworthy space. The retreat will focus on the alignment of our personal… Read More

Trustee Position Description sample

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Anonymous

_______ FoundationPosition Description Position Title: TRUSTEE Reports to: Fellow Trustees Date: June 2008 Function:The mission of the _____ Foundation, a family foundation, is to improve the quality of life through grants to charitable organizations. Trustees are responsible for the governance of the Foundation and report to the Directors. Trustees are organized into grant groups and committees.  Responsibilities:1. Defining and overseeing… Read More

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities

Posted on August 20, 2015 by Jr. Foundation, The R. Howard Dobbs Jr. Foundation

R. Howard Dobbs, Jr. Foundation Trustee Responsibilities ARTICLE THREE Board of Trustees 3.1 Authority and Responsibility of the Board of Trustees. (a) The supreme authority of the Foundation and the government and management of the affairs of the Foundation shall be vested in the Board of Trustees; and all the powers, duties, and functions of the Foundation conferred by the… Read More

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

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