The array of foundations can be distilled into two categories – operational and grantmaking foundations. Grantmaking foundations, whether private or community, have unique demands on their missions and their boards. Healthy and intentional governance leadership at foundations, like any nonprofit organization, is essential for successful service to the mission.
Whether you are part of a family foundation, a corporate foundation, or your local community foundation, join this webinar to take a closer look at governance essentials for grantmaking foundation boards and learn how to set the board up for success. We will explore key findings from Leading With Intent, BoardSource’s governance index, to identify trends in foundations’ board performance and impact. Combining current trends with established best practices in governance, learn what is needed for your board to thrive.
3. ABOUT BOARDSOURCE
VISION a world where every social sector organization has the leadership it
needs to fulfill its mission and advance the public good
OUR GOALS
Deepen understanding and
inspire action on critical
sector issues
MISSION to inspire and support excellence in nonprofit governance and board and
staff leadership
Educate leaders and support
effective board service and
governance
5. A LittleAbout Me…
MNM
Regis University
Consulting
Associate
BoardSource
Author
Fundraising
and the Next
Generation
Certified
Charitable Advisor
21/64
Founder
YNPN San Diego,
Global Shapers
Boulder Hub
Executive
Director
National
Hemophilia
Foundation
Colorado
Board Member
Social Venture
Partners,
Association
of Fundraising
Professionals,
YNPN
Facilitator
Certified in
Essential
Facilitation™ &
ToP Facilitation™
8. Participant Poll
Is your foundation a:
q Community foundation?
q Donor-advised fund?
q Corporate foundation (private)?
q Family foundation (private)?
q Operating?
q Other?
9. A little data to get us
started…
Foundations:
• 16% of all giving in U.S. in 2017
• Increase of 6% from 2016
• Approximately 64% of all private
foundations are family foundations
• Giving to foundations was 11% of
total giving
Giving USA, 2018
10. A little data to get us
started…
Corporations:
• 5% of total U.S. philanthropy in 2017
• Increase overall of 5.7% from 2017
• Increase of 4.5% corporate
foundation grant making from 2016
Giving USA, 2018
12. LeadingWith Intent 2017
• Overall ”B” rating from CEOs &
Board Chairs
• Understanding board roles &
responsibilities leads to positive
impact
• Areas for improvement
13. LeadingWith Intent 2017
• Overall ”B” rating from CEOs &
Board Chairs
• Understanding board roles &
responsibilities leads to positive
impact
• Areas for improvement
14. • Adopting and following a
strategic plan
• Thinking strategically as a
board
• Monitoring grant-making
and grantees
• Advocating, public policy
Expectations
15. LeadingWith Intent 2017
• Overall ”B” rating from CEOs &
Board Chairs
• Understanding board roles &
responsibilities leads to positive
impact
• Areas for improvement
25. AskThe RightQuestions
WHAT
What is our
capacity?
What does success
look like?
HOW
How does this serve
our mission?
How does it fit our
strategic goals?
WHY
Why is this important
right now?
Why should we
consider other options?
26. Board Roles & Responsibilities
SET
Organizational Direction
PROVIDE
Oversight
ENSURE
Necessary Resources
27. Human & Financial
Resources
Legal Duties of Care, Loyalty, and
Obedience
Advocacy
Communications
Partnership
Board engagement
Service & leadership
Staff and board oversight
28. COMMUNITY
• Fundraising
• Donor-advised funds (DAFs)
• Portfolios are more liquid
• More people on their investment
committees (7.4)
• Go beyond board for expertise
PRIVATE
• Higher returns generally required
• Portfolios are less liquid
• Generally have smaller investment
committees (5.4)
Investment Practices
Council on Foundations
30. Family Foundation Board
Composition
Five generations in philanthropy
Family only: set maximum age?
Family + spouses
“Children”
Youth members: set minimum age, beware
“youth boards”
Board service length
Responsibilities & accountability
Non-family members: equal voting?
Council on Foundations
33. All boards need education
Value of diverse
perspectives
No “kids table”
Succession planning
Philanthropy across
generations
AWord on “Junior Boards”
34. Compensated Board
Expertise and skills
Diversity – attract people from
different places
Attentiveness
Expectations and professionalism
Loyalty
Council on Foundations
36. • Advocacy and lobbying
• Open up discussion
• Understand the value 7
impact
• Incorporate into culture
• Look for partnerships
• Take the leap and get
started!
Stand forYour Mission
37. Resources
Council on Foundations
National Center for Family Philanthropy
Exponent Philanthropy
21/64
Giving USA
Lilly School of Philanthropy, Indiana
University
Stand forYour Mission (BoardSource)
Leading with Intent (BoardSource)