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How can foundations better anticipate ways in which the world is changing around them? This is a challenge for every organization functioning in what the military has termed a “VUCA world.” The acronym refers to an operating environment characterized by Volatility, Uncertainty, Change and Ambiguity…

Great Food, Inspiring Conversations On May 1st, those of us in the 2019 Career Pathways cohort gathered in Miami’s South Beach for Learning Session Two. As we reconnected, we ventured out to a local restaurant. Now, I love to eat. I love “good” food. I love “bad” food. When I visit some place, what…

Why Career Pathways May marked my second session of the year-long Council on Foundations Career Pathways program. I applied to the program because several of my philanthropy mentors who are program alumni found it valuable, and enthusiastically encouraged me to pursue the opportunity. More than a…

“Have a great day and let your sun shine!” These are my departing words for my 8-year-old daughter every morning at drop off. It’s my rally cry hoping she unleashes her true self on the world (well, ok, her second-grade classroom) in everything she does. Why Career Pathways The 2019 Career…

I initially became interested in philanthropy while serving as artistic director of The Harmony Theatre Company, which I cofounded while an undergraduate at Columbia University. Navigating the funding landscape was a nigh-constant challenge, and it was clear that I would need to ascertain quite a…

What an incredible announcement on May 19 by billionaire and philanthropist Robert F. Smith who pledged to pay off the student loans of all 2019 Morehouse College graduates. How great for these students. However, as some observe, this incredible gesture of generosity may have a downside in the form…

Social impact organizations do tough but vital work in under-resourced spaces — spaces constantly shrinking due to humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, armed conflict and oppressive governments. The international donor community’s response to this challenging landscape has increasingly…

Women’s foundations and funds have established themselves as a powerful force in philanthropy dedicated to women and girls. Giving from these organizations is substantial, but aside from a 2009 landscape report from the Foundation Center and Women’s Funding Network, our understanding of women’s…

As companies file their 2018 taxes, several corporate philanthropic leaders have contacted the Council with concerns surrounding the new excise tax. As part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Section 4960 of the bill imposes a 21 percent excise tax on highly-paid executives of nonprofit…

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What do you do when you have a difficult and complex problem? If you’re like me, you start by trying to understand it. You think the problem through from all angles, looking at the data, talking to people in your community. You study the problem, inside out. Now, what do you do when you're looking…

Last month, we announced our work to Reimagine Council Membership and asked for feedback as we review Council membership and dues. More than 400 individuals – representing grantmaking organizations of different types, sizes, geographies, and member status – responded to our survey and shared ideas…

When trustees of the Council on Foundations spoke with more than 200 members and partners during our recent leadership transition, we heard time and again how important it is for the Council to have a strong policy and advocacy presence in Washington. While we assess the internal and external…

Nonprofit foundation boards often discount the need for ‘D&O’ Insurance. They tend to think because they don’t have shareholders their directors won’t be sued. That’s not the case. Foundations serve large and varied constituencies to whom their boards owe specific duties similar to the duties…

Editor's Note: Stephen Heintz received the 2018 Distinguished Service Award at an awards ceremony on November 28. Below are his remarks on the state of philanthropy from the event.  Thank you. It's customary at a moment like this to profess humility and to note all those who have made…