Building a culture of local involvement We could all name an instance where an act of goodwill impacted our lives or even changed it. Often these reflections aren’t about giving or receiving a significant sum of money. They involve genuine engagement and empathy, especially in a time of need. For…

As autumn begins, the research team at the Council inevitably sees an increase in the number of foundations seeking data on the salaries, benefits, and administrative expenses of their peers. There is no more comprehensive study of these trends than the Council’s Grantmakers Salary & Benefits…

Community foundations are, by title and definition, about community. So when the time came for us to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, we agreed: our celebration had to be for, from and about the community. How would we achieve that goal? As a…

In philanthropy we’ve long known that we play a unique role by addressing society’s most pressing challenges at their root. Our work is distinct from charity – focused less on meeting immediate needs and more on tackling the underlying causes. And we’re well positioned to take risks to figure out…

A Note for Community Foundations The IRS guidance in question refers to section 4944 of the Internal Revenue Code, which regulates jeopardizing investments made by private foundations. The section—and therefore the guidance—only pertains to private foundations. However there is no equivalent…

It’s an ever-clear sky today. Just as it was in 2001. And yet ever-clear and jet trails slicing September blue-skies then are now reminders, important ones, of the events of 9/11 and the losses and learnings we have experienced since. Reminders of those we mourn can help us grieve.  Public…

NOTE: This post originally appeared in the Huffington Post. As a boy, I remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with my first grade class. We said it in unison; we stood together; and over time we came to understand what it meant. As I got older, I would listen to the recorded voice of a young…

Part of the Orton Family Foundation’s Heart & Soul Talks series, Storytelling for Engagement that Counts!,  is a 60-minute conversation about how story sharing is an effective way to bridge divides, involve everyone,  and unite community members around what they value.  Personal…

Some people are drawn to snow-covered mountain peaks, others to the lush canopies of forests a meandering river, a shimmering plain. For me it is the call of the sea. The endless horizon brings me peace and each wave  a grace note in our ecosystem’s symphony. It is the sea where I go to think…

As I've read and watched others' reflections on the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's destruction of a great American city, I'm compelled to tell some of my story. New Orleans is not a place where I practice grant making or convening, but it is a place near and dear to my heart, one I've…

This piece was originally published in the Los Angeles Times on August 16, 2015. Drought-shaming could become a popular pastime in California's driest summer. Egregious water wasters, especially the ones with massive lawns and high public profiles, are getting called out by reporters and humbled on…

Last week, I got to see philanthropy in action on a great trip to Grand Rapids, Michigan. After just a few days of meeting with philanthropic leaders in Western Michigan, I had new energy, new ideas, and more proof that collaboration is driving the field forward. I was grateful to have been invited…

In Pennsylvania, we’ve recently seen the failure of our state’s political leadership become a threat to many local nonprofits that provide much-needed assistance to our friends and neighbors. The governor and the state Legislature have not yet agreed on a budget, which has frozen funding for…

Last week, Walmart was proud to join 12 other major U.S. corporations to officially pledge support for the American Business Act on Climate Pledge. Those of us who made this pledge attested to the need for businesses to help reduce, avoid and mitigate the impact of rising greenhouse gas (GHG)…

On the Fourth of July, our nation comes together to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy, freedoms our service members, veterans and their families have made possible through their sacrifices. Just as Americans responded to the call to defend our liberties, our nation must respond to our call to duty –…

Ask the Expert! Want to learn more about Impact Investing? Join us for webinar discussion, Impact Investing and Community Foundations: The Nuts and Bolts. Trisha will join her colleagues Kelly Ryan (Incourage Community Foundation) and Lisa Richter (Avivar Capital) to talk you through the steps…