This year, the Council on Foundations celebrates 70 years of service to the philanthropic sector. As I reflect on the resources and networks that have sprung from the Council throughout the years, I am excited by its evolution, lessons learned and the many opportunities that lie ahead. We are…

The Council on Foundations is excited and ready for new changes in 2019. We are moving back into the heart of Washington, D.C., in February, welcoming our new CEO in March, and celebrating the Council's 70th anniversary at our conference in Miami in April, to name just a few.…

I recently heard one community foundation leader state, “How you do your work is just as important as what you do.” For me, this concept is what provides community foundations their competitive edge—how we do our work is rooted in knowing our communities; we are versatile and can pivot quickly; and…

Happy New Year! As I settle back into the office after a relaxing holiday break, the Council is preparing for an exciting year ahead: our office is moving back to downtown Washington D.C. in February, our new President & CEO Kathleen Enright arrives in March and we are finishing plans for our…

The end of my 2018 included a series of member visits in California, where I experienced firsthand how many of our corporate members are creating new opportunities for students around the globe. I was thrilled to learn how the Amgen Foundation has worked diligently to pave the way for future…

With the giving season in full swing, I was inspired to see community foundations embrace the global #GivingTuesday movement. This included Council member La Cross Community Foundation in Wisconsin, which surprised 15 nonprofits in person with grant checks totaling $18,000 on #GivingTuesday. A…

At the Council, we are always looking for ways to celebrate and highlight the important work our members are leading around the country and around the world. Stephen Heintz speaks on the state of philanthropy after accepting the Distinguished Service Award. Last month, we…

Happy Holidays! It is hard to believe that 2018 is quickly coming to an end. As you strive to get those last few grants out of the door or lead your final employee volunteer events for the year, I just wanted to take the time to say thank you! Thank you for all that you do to advance common GOOD…

Although votes in some races are still being counted, we know the results of the US midterm election will lead to changes in Washington in the new year that may impact global grantmakers. From changing Congressional committee leaders to upcoming reviews of US foreign assistance and the 2020 budget…

Yesterday, my day began with a news alert of another mass shooting outside Los Angeles.  My mind quickly turned to the Ventura County Community Foundation,  about to be inundated with requests to provide support to their community after the 307th mass shooting in 311 days. Later in the…

In case you missed it, last month the Council announced our next leader. We are honored that Kathleen P. Enright will become the Council’s new President and CEO, effective March 5, 2019. For the last 17 years, Kathleen has led Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO). Kathleen’s appointment…

It’s an exciting month at the Council! We are honored to announce that Kathleen P. Enright will be our new President and CEO, effective March 5. She will provide the kind of strong, forward-thinking leadership the field of philanthropy needs in this moment of unprecedented change, opportunity…

As I hope you saw yesterday, we have some exciting news here at the Council! We're happy to announce that our next president and CEO will be Kathleen P. Enright. Kathleen will be joining us in March of 2019, after serving as president and CEO of Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) for 17…

Last month, Council staff attended events alongside the 73rd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). As world leaders discussed critical global challenges, from climate change to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), representatives of civil society, philanthropy and the private…

Over the past two weeks, the United Nations General Assembly has held its 73rdannual convening in New York City to discuss its agenda to solve global challenges by 2030 using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Particularly for the corporate philanthropic community, this convening…

September is a month of global conversations and events for the development community. As important actors in the global movement to achieve the ambitious targets within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, foundations play a vital role in this community. Earlier this month, foundation…