The importance of charitable giving to American society can be seen in every community. Each of us has our own story about the charitable sector’s impact on our lives, whether it is a foundation’s support making a community program possible or the causes we choose to support with our charitable…

When change and uncertainty abound, it’s hard to know what to do. For many philanthropic organizations, and especially our nonprofit partners, so much is at stake right now. But times like these are precisely what philanthropy is built for. Philanthropy consistently steps up during difficult times…

Change has been a constant over the past few years, making it ever more important that philanthropy evolve its support for our communities. By providing flexible funding, yes, but also by modeling a way forward that is shaped with all voices at the table. In the wake of a polarizing election cycle…

As we end our terms as co-chairs of the Council’s Advisory Group for the Center for Community Foundations, we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on our experience.   In early 2023, the Council responded to community foundation feedback to reconvene an advisory group of leaders from…

Over the last five years, the Council on Foundations has been on a journey to become a learning organization—one that experiments with innovation, seeks fresh input, and keeps its eyes focused on the horizon. A key part of this commitment is listening to feedback from the 900+ organizations that…

As originally published in The NonProfit Times. Civil society organizations in the United States and around the globe are beacons of hope and connection, building toward a better future, even when headwinds are strong. Devoted to the greater good, not partisan ends, the rich tapestry of charitable…

When Yeselie and Vilenti Tulloch founded the Academic Leadership Association, they were newcomers to the nonprofit sector. Being unfamiliar with grantmaking, applying for funding wasn't even on their radar – until the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) reached out.  "Someone…

They were straightforward questions, added to provide greater help in a time of greater complication. "Aside from funding, what else do you need?" and "How else can we serve you better?" were simple additions to the grant application for Idaho Community Foundation (ICF) during the COVID-19…

Yoo-Jin considers herself bi-coastal with roots in the Pacific Northwest and the D.C./DMV area. In addition to her work with the Council, she’s currently working towards a Master’s degree in Public Health at UC Berkeley. Her focus is on how racism impacts health, especially in the workplace. She…

In the heart of West Plains, Missouri, marked by its segregation-era past, stands a forgotten schoolhouse, the Lincoln School, that was once reserved for Black children. Today a community-driven effort is breathing new life into its weathered walls. Meanwhile, the emergence of the Springfield Daily…

Throughout his life, Dr. Marvin Carr has seen challenges not obstacles, but as catalysts for change. Despite growing up in the projects of southwest Detroit, Carr was undeterred by the supposed limitations on opportunity, financial mobility, and success. Crucially, he also was not alone.   “I…

The once-closed public library in Chicago's Marshall Square, silent for a decade, now thrives as a dynamic community center, pulsating with youth activities and powered by clean, renewable energy.  Luis Gutierrez, founder and CEO of Latinos Progresando, which runs the center, hails it as an “…

This blog is part of the Council's Dialogue Across Difference series. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?  Institutions are the vehicles through which we negotiate our differences. These days,…

Research shows it’s human nature to focus more on negative experiences than positive ones. But some of us are wired differently – and that proclivity toward optimism is one reason we’re drawn to philanthropy. I’m always awed by how you make your communities and our society better. You know…

This blog is part of the Council's Dialogue Across Difference series. In this space, we will share your viewpoints: In a time of polarization and mistrust, how can philanthropy bridge across difference?  I once heard Deb and Jim Fallows, authors of "Our Towns," talk about their epic 100,000-…

The new year brings new opportunities for growth, and nothing demonstrates that more than our Career Pathways program. This selective leadership development program cultivates bold, representative, and inclusive decision-makers – and that’s exactly what you’ll find with the 24 members of the 2024…